Optimization a protocol for microbiome profiling of self-collected vaginal samples

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The human body is colonized by trillions of bacteria, the human microbiome, that are essential to our health. Imbalances in these complex microbial communities can lead to negative health outcomes. In the female reproductive tract, disturbances in the microbiome can lead to unpleasant symptoms, increased transmission of sexually transmitted pathogens and pregnancy complications such as preterm birth. Advances in DNA sequencing technology have led to unprecedented opportunities to study these microbial communities and to exploit the diagnostic potential of microbiome profiles. Making microbiome diagnostics a reality for women's health will be facilitated by developing robust methods for self-sampling. Self-sampling will improve the availability of microbiome profiling and improve participation in screening programs. Eve Biomedical has developed a self-sampling device, HerSwab, for use in testing for specific disease causing viruses and bacteria but it is not known if this device collects a sample appropriate for microbiome profiling. Microbiome researchers at the University of Saskatchewan will work with Eve Medical to develop protocols for use of HerSwab for microbiome profiling. The results of this work will open new opportunities for Eve Medical and HerSwab and move us one step closer to realizing the diagnostic potential of microbiome profiles for women's health.