Contraception: influence on vaginal microbiota and identification of vaginal lactobacilli using MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rDNA sequencing

SONIA ELENA FOSCH, ; ANTONELLA MARCHESI,; CECILIA ARISTIMUÑO FICOSECO, ; SILVINA COCUCCI,; MARIA ELENA FATIMA NADER-MACIAS,; BEATRIZ ELIZABET PERAZZI

Open Microbiology Journal

TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

Año: 2018 vol. 12 p. 218 - 229

1874-2858

Introduction: The vaginal microbiome is mainly regulated by an hormonal-immune system, and is influenced by a wide variety of factors, including contraceptive methods.we investigate the effect of contraceptive methods on vaginal states, characterizing the vaginal microbiota, and to identify cultivable vaginal Lactobacillus species.Patients and methods: One hundred and one (101) women consulting for birth control were included in a prospective study. Their vaginal content was sampled and studied before the contraceptive method of their choice, and again after three and six months. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied for the identification of lactobacilli in their vaginal microbiota. The following contraceptive methods were assessed: combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), condom (CON) and the rhythm method (RHYT). McNemar statistical test was applied to relate the contraceptive methods with vaginal states.Results: A statistically significant association with normal microbiota after three months (p< 0.01) and after six months (p< 0.0001) was observed when vaginal microbiota was modified into the COCP group. An increased inflammatory reaction was detected in the CON group, while patients using RHYT showed the same state. Yeast colonization increased with the COCP. Identification of lactobacilli by MALDI-TOF MS analysis compared to 16S rDNA sequencing yielded 92.9% concordant results. Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus crispatus were the predominant species in most of the samples.Conclusions: The pattern of vaginal states was significantly modified according to the type of contraceptive method used in young women. Hormone administration corrected the alterations and retained a normal vaginal state.