Temporal and Spatial Variation of the Human Microbiota During Pregnancy. human metagenome

We conducted a longitudinal study of the human microbiota at multiple body sites during and after pregnancy. Clinical sampling was performed weekly during gestation, and monthly post-delivery for up to one year, at four body sites: vagina, distal gut, saliva and tooth/gum. Analysis was based on 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. A case-control study design was used to compare features of the microbiota in women who delivered preterm (cases) with those of women who delivered at term (controls).