Insight into the Cervical Microbiota through 16s rRNA gene sequencing: A Greek Pilot Study

Background/Objectives: The vaginal microbiota (VM) represents a highly diverse microbial ecosystem shaped by the distinctive mucosal environment and immunological characteristics of the female genital tract. Recent evidence emphasizes that alterations in cervical microbial composition may contribute to high-risk gynecological conditions. In this context, the present study sought to comprehensively characterize the cervical microbiota of a well-defined cohort of Greek women. The primary aim was to evaluate the functional microbial landscape, with a focus on identifying bacterial signatures and potential microbial pathways that may influence cervical physiology, protection, and disease susceptibility. Methods: Microbial genomic DNA of 60 samples was extracted using the Magcore Bacterial automated Kit and was subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing using the Nanopore MinION™ enabling a comprehensive analysis of the microbial community. Results: More than 75% of the total microbial community of the cervical samples were represented by the species: Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus crispatu and Aerococcus christensenii while the species Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, S. pavanii, Acinetobacter septicus, Rhizobium rhizogenes, R. tropici, R. jaguaris, Prevotella amnii, P. disiens, Brevibacterium casei, Fannyhessea vaginae, Gemelliphila asaccharolytica, flexneri were detected in lower abundances. Conclusions: These findings highlight the predominant protective role of Lactobacillus species while emphasizing the potential contributions of low-abundance or environmentally derived bacteria whose functional implications require further investigation. Broader population studies are essential to establish microbial signatures as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for optimizing cervical health.