Analyzing the female microbiome in Flemish women

Integrated Genetic and Functional Analysis of the Female Microbiome in a Flemish Cohort

University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT04319536

This study is trying to learn more about the bacteria in the vagina, skin, and saliva of Flemish women to see how their lifestyles and environments affect their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp (other)
Locations1 site (Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT04319536 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance understanding of the stability and dynamics of the female microbiome, specifically focusing on the vagina, skin, and saliva, in relation to various lifestyle and environmental factors. It involves collecting microbial DNA from self-sampled swabs, which will be analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing to identify the microbial species present. The study will particularly highlight health-promoting microbes that are prevalent in healthy populations, potentially offering insights into maintaining a healthy microbiome.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Flemish women interested in understanding their microbiome's health and dynamics.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the Flemish population or those not interested in microbiome research may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into maintaining a healthy female microbiome, which may improve overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on the microbiome have been conducted, this specific integrated approach focusing on the Flemish female population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* none

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

Antwerp

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Vaginal Microbiome, Skin Microbiome, Saliva Microbiome, Metagenomic sequencing, vaginal microbiome, skin microbiome, saliva microbiome, large-scale self-sampling cohort

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.