Sex Work Is Associated With Increased Vaginal Microbiome Diversity in Young Women From Mombasa, Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although nonoptimal vaginal bacteria and inflammation have been associated with increased HIV risk, the upstream drivers of these phenotypes are poorly defined in young African women.

Setting

Mombasa, Kenya.

Methods

We characterized vaginal microbiome and cytokine profiles of sexually active young women aged 14-24 years (n = 168) in 3 study groups: those engaging in formal sex work, in transactional sex, and nonsex workers. Vaginal secretions were collected using self-inserted SoftCup, and assayed for cytokines and vaginal microbiome through multiplex ELISA and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively. Epidemiological data were captured using a validated questionnaire.

Results

The median age of participants was 20 years (interquartile range: 18-22 years). A

SUBMITTER: Sivro A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506801 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature