All Reproductive &Urinary Tract Microbiome articles
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NewsStudy looks for markers that predict risk of severe chlamydia infection
A new study has identified markers that may predict whether a chlamydia infection is likely to ascend into the uterus and endometrium. The work could lead to new diagnostics that can predict a woman’s risk of severe infection.
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NewsPortable spectroscopy enables detection of vaginal microbes
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy can rapidly and noninvasively detect specific bacterial species in vaginal fluid, enabling early identification of microbiome imbalances.
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NewsResearch reveals STIs during pregnancy linked to adverse birth complications
Common sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy have been linked to a higher risk of significant birth complications including preterm birth, stillbirth and babies born smaller than expected.
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NewsCandida’s hidden toolbox: Scientists discover a previously unknown infection strategy
A new study shows that the common blood protein albumin can turn otherwise harmless fungal strains of Candida albicans into dangerous pathogens.
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NewsLavender and lemongrass oils effective against thrush infections, new research reveals
They may be more familiar as a room scent but a new study being presented at the Letters in Applied Microbiology ECS Research Symposium 2025 reveals that lavender and lemongrass essential oils are effective against thrush, even at low levels.
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NewsSelenium exposure during pregnancy may reduce childhood streptococcal infections
Higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children, a new study shows, suggesting a potential protective effect.
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NewsEchidna microbiome changes while mums nurse puggle
Research shows microbial communities in echidna pseudo-pouches undergo dramatic changes while the animal is lactating, which could help in creating an environment for their young, known as puggles, to thrive.
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NewsDiscovery opens up for new ways to treat chlamydia
Researchers have discovered a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria but spare bacteria that are important for health.
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NewsParasitic infection and treatment linked to cancer-related gene activity in the cervix
New research has revealed that Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic infection affecting millions globally, can trigger cancer-related gene activity in the cervical lining, with changes becoming even more pronounced after treatment.
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NewsResearchers develop new DNA test for personalized treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Researchers have developed a simple DNA PCR-based lab test — built on a more detailed genetic analysis of the main group of bacterial organisms that cause bacterial vaginosis — to help clinicians prescribe the right medicine for each patient.
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NewsProbe into human cervical stem cells shows lactic acid bacteria can prevent cervical cancer
Researchers have revealed the identity and differentiation process of human cervical stem cells in a world first study. The results showed that lactic acid bacteria can inhibit the development of cervical cancer.
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NewsNovel insights into Candida glabrata in pregnant women’s reproductive tracts in Hainan
A study of Candida glabrata in pregnant women with vaginal discomfort at Haikou Maternal and Child Health Hospital found that 64.5% of the 594 yeast isolates (383 isolates) showed resistance (R) or intermediate (I) phenotypes to at least one of four commonly used antifungals.
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FeaturesUrinary tract infections: addressing the gender gap and advancing microbial insights
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, disproportionately affecting women and contributing to a significant healthcare burden.
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NewsLactobacillus-dominated uterus significantly boosts pregnancy outcomes
Researchers analyzed recent studies on the reproductive microbiome and its effects on fertility. They found that a Lactobacillus-dominated (LD) uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes. Similarly, pregnancy success rates were higher in LD environments.
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NewsAMI member Christopher Stewart named as finalist in 2025 UK Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists
Applied Microbiology International member Dr Christopher Stewart of Newcastle University has been named as a finalist for the eighth Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK. He is the 2023 winner of AMI’s WH Pierce Prize for microbiology.
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NewsAfter sexual intercourse, both partners leave traces of their own unique genital microbiome
Researchers have shown that bacterial species are transferred between both individuals during sexual intercourse, and these species can be traced to a sexual partner’s unique genital microbiome, with potential for identifying perpetrators of sexual assault.
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NewsGlobal sisterhood seeks to understand what makes a healthy vaginal microbiome
A study shares insights gleaned from a ’sisterhood’ of thousands of citizen scientists, illuminating gaps in knowledge about the vaginal microbiome, including which bacteria are helpful or harmful and whether microbiomes look different for people across the globe.
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NewsRelief could be on the way for UTI sufferers dealing with debilitating pain
A new study shows that UTIs cause the nerves in the bladder to become hypersensitive, resulting in the extremely painful and frequent urge to urinate, pelvic pain, and burning pain while urinating.
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NewsLancaster University spinout secures funding to advance healthcare diagnostics
Lancaster University spin out CCI Photonics has secured significant funding to develop its diagnostic technology, which aims to improve healthcare outcomes by using AI to detect infectious diseases and determine patients’ antibiotic susceptibilities in under 15 minutes.
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OpinionReproductive biology though the lens of the microbiome
Madangchanok Imchen and Seth R. Bordenstein from the One Health Microbiome Center - winner of AMI’s WH Pierce Prize 2024 - explore the potential of the reproductive microbiome, particularly the fascinating Wolbachia, to counter global disease threats.