Cervicovaginal microbiome and the risk of persistent high-risk HPV and cervical cancer
The Microbiome as a risk factor for hr-HPV persistence and Cervical Cancer
This project looks at whether the mix of bacteria and fungi in the cervix and vagina helps high-risk HPV stay longer and raise the chance of cervical cancer, with a focus on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be invited to provide cervical or vaginal samples and health information so researchers can study the microbes living in that area. They will use DNA/RNA sequencing and advanced computer analyses to map bacterial and fungal communities and how they interact with high-risk HPV and the body’s responses. Samples may be followed over time to see which microbial patterns are linked to HPV persistence or progression toward precancer or cancer. The work focuses on people in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to understand reasons for higher cervical cancer rates there.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a cervix in Puerto Rico or the Caribbean region, especially those with high-risk HPV, abnormal Pap/HPV results, or a history of cervical precancer, would be best suited to participate.
Not a fit: People without a cervix or with conditions unrelated to cervical HPV and the local cervicovaginal environment are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify microbial or host markers that help predict or prevent persistent HPV and reduce cervical cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked lower Lactobacillus dominance and greater bacterial diversity to cervical precancer, but the role of fungi and combined host–microbe interactions is still new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences — San Juan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Godoy-Vitorino, Filipa — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Godoy-Vitorino, Filipa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.