Investigating how vaginal bacteria affect preterm birth in women with HIV

Vaginal Microbiome and Metabolites in Preterm Birth

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10893465

This study is looking at how the bacteria in the vagina might affect the risk of early delivery in women with HIV, hoping to find ways to help improve pregnancy outcomes for these women.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893465 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of the vaginal microbiome in preterm birth among women living with HIV. It aims to explore how changes in vaginal bacteria, particularly bacterial vaginosis, can increase the risk of delivering before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The study will involve analyzing the vaginal microbiome and its metabolites to identify potential inflammatory pathways that contribute to preterm birth. By integrating clinical experience with microbiome research, the project seeks to develop new insights that could improve pregnancy outcomes for affected women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women living with HIV, particularly those experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for preterm birth in women with HIV, ultimately improving maternal and infant health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the vaginal microbiome can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.