Comparative analysis of vaginitis and endometrial cancer microbiomes using next‑generation sequencing

Bacterial vaginosis is widespread in women from developing regions, particularly where genital hygiene is inadequate. The balance between pathogenic and non‑pathogenic microbes is essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem. The present study aimed to compare the vaginal microbiota of women with vaginitis and endometrial cancer using next‑generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 84 vaginal swab samples were collected between September, 2022 and July, 2023: A total of 42 from women diagnosed with various gynecological cancers (16 with endometrial cancer) and 42 from women with vaginitis. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 83 years, with mean ages of 54.14 (cancer group) and 38.42 (vaginitis group). In total, six samples were selected for NGS analysis (four from vaginitis cases and two from endometrial cancer). NGS of vaginitis samples yielded 51,459 reads, classified into 32 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (46.90%) and Firmicutes (43.02%), while major bacterial families included <em>Pseudomonas</em> (39.15%), <em>Lactobacillaceae</em> (51.12%) and <em>Enterobacteriaceae</em> (30.87%). Endometrial cancer samples yielded 23,817 reads, classified into 16 OTUs. Firmicutes (81.39%) was the most abundant phylum, and the dominant families were <em>Streptococcaceae</em> (80.03%) and <em>Lactobacillaceae</em> (39.70%). These findings indicate significant differences in vaginal microbiome composition between women with vaginitis and those with endometrial cancer, suggesting that microbiota profiles may reflect underlying reproductive tract conditions and influence vaginal ecosystem stability.