Investigating the role of vaginal microbiome in preterm birth

A large scale investigation of the vaginal metagenome and metabolome and their role in spontaneous preterm birth

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10892059

This study is looking at how the bacteria in the vagina might affect the risk of early birth in pregnant women, with the hope of finding ways to help those who are at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10892059 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores how the vaginal microbiome may contribute to spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of neonatal complications. By analyzing vaginal swabs collected from a large and diverse group of pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy, the study aims to identify specific microbial patterns and their functional roles. The approach involves advanced sequencing techniques to profile the microbiome and metabolome, providing insights into the biological mechanisms that may lead to sPTB. The findings could help in developing predictive tools and therapeutic strategies for at-risk pregnancies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with a history of spontaneous preterm birth or at risk for it.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no history of preterm birth may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and potentially preventing spontaneous preterm births.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between the vaginal microbiome and adverse pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.