Vaginal Microbiome and HPV Pre-malignant and Cervical Dysplasia

Infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes constitutes a well-recognized risk factor for cervical-carcinoma (CC). High-risk HPV features 10-15% persistence rate, consequently driving precancerous cervical-intraepithelial-neoplasia (CIN) and subsequent progression to CC. Multiple factors are believed to play permissive roles in the progression of CIN/CC , yet a molecular mechanism driving carcinogenesis across the CIN-CC continuum following persistent HPV infection remains elusive. The vaginal microbiome may play a role in the development of CIN-CC carcinogenesis, by modulation of host-immune-response and alteration of cervical microenvironment to become tumor-permissive. While suggested vaginal microbiome contributions include induction of altered epithelial cell adhesion and downregulation of DNA damage responses, no clear mechanism has been proven to date. The loss of Lactobacillus genus dominancy, and the switch to dysbiotic, high-diversity, high-pH, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is thought to play a key-role in HPV infection, persistence and carcinogenesis.

the investigators hypothesize that specific vaginal microorganisms may promote HPV persistence, chronic inflammation and progression through the CIN-CC sequence, and the elimination of harmful bacteria or supplementation of beneficial microbes, could possibly reverse HPV persistency and inhibit CIN-CC progression.

The current study consists of recruitment of a human cohort of healthy, CIN and CC patients including vaginal samples and comprehensive metadata collection. The investigators plan to conduct an in-depth characterization of vaginal microbiome to identify associations with HPV, CIN and CC.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 25-70
• Attended the clinic for a Pap smear or colposcopy

Exclusion criteria

• Patient does not approve sample collection
• Usage of antibiotics in the month prior to clinic visit
• Usage of any vaginal preparation or medication in the week prior to sample collection (anti-fungal, spermicides, lubricant etc.)
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy