Human breast milk is considered to be the optimal nutrition for infants. In the last decade, it has become evident that the breast milk microbiome plays a key role in shaping the infant’s gut microbiome. We analyzed the breast milk microbiome as well as the gut microbiome of five mothers and their infants, all being at different postpartum periods, two weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 6 months and 7 months postpartum respectively.

Capsular contracture is the most frequent complication after breast augmentation or reconstruction with breast implants. The leading theory is that a subclinical infection around the implant plays a role in development of capsular contractions. Yet, this has never been investigated with molecular techniques. In the present study, using a highly sensitive PCR profiling method low numbers of bacteria were found in glandular breast tissue and breast capsules.

We aimed to study if female-specific factors are associated with gut microbiome composition and functionality.Extensive phenotyping and metagenomic sequencing of stool was performed in 707 females.Nine female-specific factors were associated with a significant change in inter-individual variation of microbiome, contributing to 1.7% of the total variation.The strongest association was with oral contraceptive use and ovariectomy, also after correction for effects of diet, medications and diseases.

Gut microbiome is changed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a frequent endocrinopathy with hyperandrogenism, oligo-/anovulation, ovarian cysts, metabolic changes and low-grade inflammation, a potential target of the gut microbiome. We describe microbiome, permeability, and inflammation changes in 24 women with PCOS and 19 healthy controls, showing decreased stool microbial diversity and microbiome profiles with decreases in bacterial taxa and gut barrier changes in PCOS.

We investigated the association between ethnicity and vaginal microbiota in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Women (N=610) representing the six largest ethnic groups were sampled from the population-based HELIUS study. DNA was extracted from vaginal swabs and sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Women of sub-Saharan African descent were significantly more likely to have a polybacterial G. vaginalis-containing VMB than Dutch women independent of modifiable behaviors.

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) was relatively recently described as a form of vaginal dysbiosis, distinct from bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is characterised by deminished numbers of vaginal lactobacilli, inflammation and/or atrophy of the vaginal epithelium. Despite their differences, AV is still often misdiagnosed as BV. We characterised the microbiome in AV and BV, using 16S rRNA MiSeq sequencing, demonstrating clear differences in their microbiome.

Original behavior of encapsulated L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) in alginate-silica beads revealed upon simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Interestingly, although metabolically inactive in the upper digestive tract, LGG released from silica-coated beads outcompete other members from the Lactobacillus community when in the colon. We show therefore that silica can play an active role in probiotics delivery.

Probiotics in pregnancy for anxiety and depression:a pilot randomized controlled trial. Maternal prenatal depression/anxiety are risk factors for adverse health and behaviour outcomes in offspring. This pilot study (N=40) evaluates the feasibility of a probiotic supplement intervention in pregnant women to reduce prenatal depression/anxiety. Additionally, probiotic ingestion may improve maternal vaginal microbiota, which may positively influence their offspring’s microbiota.

ARTPred wants to fundamentally change infertilty care worldwide. Together with our strategic alliances we are developing a personalized, minimal invasive test that predicts IVF outcome. ARTPred does so by Fertility Microbiome Profiling vaginal samples prior to the onset of an IVF treatment.

While the gut microbiota has predominantly been studied in academic projects, advances in sample collection methods up to data analysis have made it possible for MyMicroZoo to open up gut and vagina microbiota analysis to a health conscious public. Using this citizen science approach, we all can contribute to scientific knowledge, gain insight into our microbiota and have the opportunity to determine the effect of lifestyle and dietary changes on the composition of the microbiota.