Main findings
This is the largest cross-sectional study conducted based on 16S rRNA
sequencing that explored differences in VMB composition between the PCOS
and control groups. Compared with the control group, we observed
increased diversity and intra-group variability of the VMB in PCOS,
including a significant declination in the abundance ofLactobacillus and the enrichment of potential pathogens,
including U . parvum , G. vaginalis , P.
buccalis, P. timonensis, and A. baumanni . Additionally,
serum levels of LH, T, and AMH were closely associated with U.parvum, A. baumannii, and P. buccalis . We also
found that opportunistic pathogens, such as L. crispus, P.
timonensis, and P. buccalis contributed to alter the vaginal
microbiome in PCOS and was identified as key bacteria, which drive
changes in the vaginal microbial interaction network in patients with
PCOS.