Metagenomic insight into the vaginal microbiome in women infected with HPV 16 and 18

NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2025 Jun 12;11(1):105. doi: 10.1038/s41522-025-00747-1.

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 (HPV 16/18) account for over 70% of cervical cancer (CC) cases, yet their interaction with the vaginal microbiome (VM) remains unclear. This study explored the association between high-risk HPV types (HR-HPVs), VM composition and bacterial function using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. In early-stage cervical lesions, the HPV 16/18 group showed reduced Lactobacillus-dominant community state types compared to other HR-HPVs, while invasive CC exhibited increased pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Fannyhessea vaginae, and Sneathia vaginalis. The VM associated with HPV 16/18 was enriched in immune response and inflammation pathways, whereas other HR-HPVs were linked to cellular metabolism and hormonal signaling. Notably, HPV 16/18 exhibited stronger bacterial-fungal correlations, indicating shifts in the microbial community. Furthermore, 137 metagenome-assembled genomes provided insights into unique microbial genomic signatures. Our study links VM differences with HPV 16/18 oncogenic potential across cervical lesion stages, urging further research for better diagnostics and treatments.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacteria* / classification
  • Bacteria* / genetics
  • Bacteria* / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Human papillomavirus 16* / genetics
  • Human papillomavirus 16* / isolation & purification
  • Human papillomavirus 18* / genetics
  • Human papillomavirus 18* / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Metagenome
  • Metagenomics
  • Microbiota* / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / microbiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / virology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / virology
  • Vagina* / microbiology
  • Vagina* / virology