Transplanting vaginal bacteria to promote healthy microbiota
Vaginal microbiota transplant to promote Lactobacillus-dominant cervicovaginal communities
This study is looking at whether giving women with recurring bacterial vaginosis a transplant of healthy vaginal bacteria can help restore a balanced and healthy environment, making it less likely for them to experience BV again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10686205 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of vaginal microbiota transplants (VMT) to restore a healthy Lactobacillus-dominant microbial community in women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV). The study involves recruiting healthy donors and recipients, where recipients will undergo a short course of antibiotics followed by the transplant of vaginal microbiota. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of VMT in promoting stable Lactobacillus colonization and reducing the recurrence of BV, which is linked to various health risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women with a history of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and an abnormal Nugent score.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have recurrent bacterial vaginosis or those with other underlying health conditions unrelated to vaginal microbiota may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of recurrent bacterial vaginosis and its associated health risks, including preterm birth and HIV acquisition.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with microbiota transplants in other areas, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in treating bacterial vaginosis.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Caroline M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Caroline M
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.