VMET 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
VMET2 - Vaginal Microbiome and Metabonome in Pregnancy
IRAS ID
143105
Contact name
Phillip Bennett
Contact email
Research summary
Preterm labour (PTL; delivery before 37 weeks) occurs in around 10% of all pregnancies. It is primary cause of world wide infant death and illness. In about 30% of cases, PTL occurs following premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)- also known as when a woman’s waters break prematurely. There is a known relationship between bacterial infection and PPROM.
Throughout pregnancy, the vagina plays host to a wide variety of bacteria collectively known as the microbiome. These bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health. It is thought that changes to the type or number of bacteria present in the vagina can lead to infection and subsequently PPROM and PTL. In this study we will use advanced genome sequencing techniques to determine the exact types and number of bacteria in the vagina during pregnancy and to examine the relationship of these bacteria with pregnancy outcomes. Swabs will also be collected from the mouth, rectum and from stool to investigate similarities in bacteria found at these locations and in the vagina.
Bacteria excrete waste products (metabolites) and chemicals that are detectable in biofluids (blood, urine and cervico-vaginal fluid) of pregnant women. Different bacteria cause different immune responses that can be detected by changes in the chemical composition of body fluids. We aim to identify metabolites and chemical compounds in the biofluids of pregnant women that enable rapid diagnosis of bacterial infection and for predicting pregnancy outcomes. This will be achieved using state of the art spectroscopy methods combined with statistical modeling (collectively known at metabolomics).
Ultimately, this study may improve pregnancy outcomes by helping clinicians choose personalised treatments for infections during pregnancy and thus prevent PTL.
Funding- Medical Research Council, Biomedical Research Centre and The Genesis Trust.
Recruitment- Queen Charlotte’s, St Mary’s and Chelsea Westminster Imperial NHS Trust Hospitals.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0328
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion