Vaginal Microbiome Screening & Testing Solutions

Women's Health

The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in maintaining women's health, influencing various things from fertility and pregnancy outcomes to protection against infections. Unlike the diversity found in the gut, the vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by a small number of bacterial species, primarily Lactobacillus. However, variations at the strain level and shifts in the microbial community can have profound effects on health.

Women's Health

The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in maintaining women's health, influencing various things from fertility and pregnancy outcomes to protection against infections. Unlike the diversity found in the gut, the vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by a small number of bacterial species, primarily Lactobacillus. However, variations at the strain level and shifts in the microbial community can have profound effects on health.

Our Expertise in Women's Health Microbiome Studies

The vaginal microbiome plays an important role in maintaining women's health, influencing from fertility and pregnancy outcomes to protection against infections. Unlike the diversity found in the gut, the vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by a small number of bacterial species, primarily Lactobacillus. However, variations at the strain level and shifts in the microbial community can have profound effects on health.

At Cmbio, we offer solutions tailored to the study of women's health. Our offerings include:
 

Low-biomass, High-host Lab Workflows

Our team has experience in analyzing low-biomass, high-host samples like vaginal swabs, and we have optimized DNA extraction protocols specifically for low-biomass, high-host samples like vaginal swabs, ensuring minimal contamination and maximum yield.

A doctor explaining test results to their patient
 

Sequencing and Profiling

We recommend profiling the vaginal microbiome by either long-read 16S rRNA sequencing or deep shotgun sequencing. Long-read 16S rRNA sequencing improves the resolution of main key taxa in the vaginal microbiome compared to traditional short-read 16S rRNA sequencing. Alternatively, our proprietary CHAMP profiler for shotgun sequencing has been shown to have the highest sensitivity on the market, making it uniquely suitable for samples with low amounts of bacterial reads.

DNA Structure
 

Community State Type (CST) Profiling

Based on the concept of community types (enterotypes), we offer to categorize vaginal microbiomes into distinct types, helping to identify patterns associated with health and disease. This method allows for a comprehensive understanding of how microbial communities shift across different conditions, such as during pregnancy or in response to treatments.

Fluorescent microscopy image with cellular structures in red and blue
 

Clonal-level resolution

With our SNV-based clonal-level profiling tool, we provide strain-level resolution to uncover intra-species variation. This is particularly valuable in the vaginal microbiome, where the dominance of certain lactobacillus species—which produce lactic acid and maintain a healthy vaginal pH—makes it crucial to understand subtle differences between strains and their influence on health outcomes.

AI generated net image

Comprehensive Multi-Omics Approach

We integrate metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics to provide a full spectrum of insights into the vaginal microbiome and women’s health. This approach links microbial activity with clinical outcomes, helping to understand the ties between the vaginal microbiome and conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), common vaginal infection caused by gardnerella vaginalis, vaginal dysbiosis, candida albicans (yeast infections), and reproductive health challenges.

Applications & Benefits

 

Application Area Benefits
Fertility & Pregnancy Identify microbiome patterns linked to positive outcomes
Infection Prevention Detect shifts that increase risk for BV, STIs, and other infections
Personalized Therapies Enable targeted probiotic or antimicrobial interventions
Women’s Health Research Advance understanding of microbiome’s role across life stages

 

Start Your Vaginal Microbiome Screening Project

Contact our team to discuss your research needs and request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaginal microbiome testing is an emerging research tool. Clinical application and treatment decisions should always involve a healthcare provider.

What is a vaginal microbiome test, and why is it important?

A vaginal microbiome test analyses the balance of bacteria, including beneficial lactobacilli and potentially harmful bacteria, in your vaginal environment. Understanding your vaginal microbiota can help identify issues such as bacterial vaginosis or other common vaginal infection risks, providing valuable insights for optimal vaginal health.

How does vaginal pH relate to vaginal infections and health?

A healthy vagina typically has a pH below 4.5, which supports a healthy vaginal microbiome that naturally prevents overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. If the vaginal pH rises above 4.5, it becomes more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or other vaginal infections.

What are some common vaginal infections detected through microbiome testing?

Microbiome testing can detect imbalances that may be associated with the risk for bacterial vaginosis (BV), candida albicans (yeast infections), and increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections.

Are certain groups of women more likely to benefit from vaginal microbiome testing?

Yes, pregnant women, those with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, or chronic vaginal infections may especially benefit from vaginal microbiome testing. Results can help guide targeted treatment, support a healthy vaginal microbiota, and may reduce complications related to fertility or pregnancy outcomes.