Temporal dynamics of the vaginal microbiome and host immune markers before, during, and after metronidazole treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed metagenomic and immune marker profiles of seven individuals before, during, and after a 7-day course of metronidazole treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Treatment reduced BV-associated bacteria and immune marker levels, with distinct early (days 1-4) and late (days 5-7) phases. Post-treatment variability in microbial and immune marker profiles demonstrated a rapid resurgence of certain BV-associated bacteria, highlighting the need for additional strategies like probiotics to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. The study found significant host and microbial influences on immune response variance, with IP-10 and sEcad highly correlated with the vaginal microbiome. The findings identify the optimal timing for administering live biotherapeutics to restore D-lactic a

SUBMITTER: Williams A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12282074 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature