The daily dynamics of the vaginal microbiota before and after bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition characterized by a dysbiotic state of the vaginal microbiota that could be accompanied with symptoms such as odor and discharge, but not always. Despite years of research, the etiology of BV is unknown, certainly due to our poor understanding of the vaginal microbiota prior to a BV event. Here we report on the characterization of the vaginal microbiota from samples collected prospectively and daily over 10 weeks in women who experience symptomatic BV (15 women) or asymptomatic BV (5 women), as well as from women who did not experience BV (4 women). This resource is unique, and we hope will contribute to a better understanding of the role that the vaginal microbiota play in the etiology of BV and ultimately to improve diagnostics and treatments.