Characterization of vaginal prokaryotes and eukaryotes microbiota and its link to Sexually Transmitted Infections

The vaginal microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining reproductive health, with Lactobacillus species dominating the microbial community in healthy individuals. However, disruptions in the microbiota composition, such as those caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), lead to increased diversity and instability, compromising host protection. This study investigates the relationship between vaginal microbiota composition and the presence of STIs in a cohort of incarcerated women in Chile. Using metataxonomic approaches targeting 16S and 18S rRNA genes, we characterized the prokaryotic and eukaryotic components of the vaginal microbiota across normal, dysbiotic, and pathogen-dominated subjects. Shannon entropy analysis revealed that Lactobacillus dominance correlates with reduced variability, whereas communities dominated by pathogens, including Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, and HIV, exhibit significantly higher diversity. The pathogenic group displayed an increased prevalence of opportunistic microorganisms and reduced Lactobacillus abundance, leading to compromised microbial stability. This study provides novel insights into the intricate dynamics between normal and altered vaginal microbiomes and their association with STIs. Understanding these interactions is pivotal for designing targeted interventions aimed at restoring microbial balance and preventing infections.