Understanding how vaginal bacteria and their byproducts affect women's health
Official title: Mechanistic characterization of vaginal microbiome-metabolome associations and metabolite-mediated host inflammation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11036312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in the vagina can affect health issues like bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and HIV risk, and it aims to find out how certain substances made by these bacteria might influence inflammation and overall health, which could help create better treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 17, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,304 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AI171166-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis or those at risk for related conditions like HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any vaginal health issues or are not at risk for conditions associated with the vaginal microbiome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and health issues such as bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and HIV risk. It focuses on how certain metabolites produced by vaginal bacteria, particularly amines like putrescine, influence inflammation and other health outcomes. By analyzing samples from diverse cohorts, the study aims to identify specific bacterial enzymes responsible for metabolite production and their effects on the body. This could lead to better-targeted therapies for conditions linked to the vaginal microbiome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bacterial vaginosis and related health issues, enhancing women's health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the vaginal microbiome's role in health, but this specific approach to metabolome characterization is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloom, Seth Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bloom, Seth Michael
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.