Stage-specific vaginal microbial alterations in pregnancy-associated vulvovaginal candidiasis.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiota in women with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) across nonpregnant states and different stages of pregnancy, to explore gestation-specific patterns of microbial dysbiosis. Vaginal samples were collected from nonpregnant and pregnant women with clinically diagnosed VVC, including cases in early, mid-, and late pregnancy. Microbial composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were calculated to evaluate microbial richness, evenness, and structural differences. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis and microbial co-occurrence network modeling were performed to identify differentially abundant taxa and examine community connectivity. VVC-associated mi

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12671151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature