The Scientist

The Vaginal Microbiome is Finally Getting Recognized

A healthy gut microbiome contains a diverse array of microbes that can vary dramatically between individuals. The healthy vaginal microbiome, in contrast, is often dominated by one of four Lactobacillus species, with L. crispatus most frequently associated with optimal health. "Crispatus is the golden child of all the lactobaccilli," said Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, PhD, a vaginal microbiome researcher and a member of the BIO5 Institute, as well as University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix professor of Basic Medical Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology.

About the College

Founded in 2007, the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix inspires and trains exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders to optimize health and health care in Arizona and beyond. By cultivating collaborative research locally and globally, the college accelerates discovery in a number of critical areas — including cancer, stroke, traumatic brain injury and cardiovascular disease. Championed as a student-centric campus, the college has graduated more than 900 physicians, all of whom received exceptional training from nine clinical partners and more than 2,700 diverse faculty members. As the anchor to the Phoenix Bioscience Core, which is projected to have an economic impact of $3.1 billion by 2025, the college prides itself on engaging with the community, fostering education, inclusion, access and advocacy.