Investigation of the microbiota of the reproductive tract in women undergoing a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy

This study is the first global evaluation of the distribution of bacteria throughout the female reproductive tract in its entirety. Bacteria were detected by 16S sequencing from anatomical sites including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The microbial profiles were closely related regardless of which body site or patient the samples originated from. The results of this trial will serve as the basis for future work correlating the colonization of the female reproductive tract with both obstetric and gynecologic conditions.