Characterizing amylases in the human vagina

Alpha-amylase is a key enzyme that is thought to depolymerize glycogen in the human vagina. The sugars that are produced are important resources for bacteria in the vaginal community. Humans produce two sources of alpha-amylase in the salivary glands and the pancreas. Bacteria can also produce different types of amylases in various habitats. However, it is unclear whether the alpha-amylase that has been detected in the vagina is produced by the human host, members of the bacterial community, or both. We collected cervicovaginal mucus samples from 23 reproductive age women to determine what amylases were present in the vagina and their likely source, when possible.