The Cervical Microbiome in Hispanic Populations in Texas and Puerto Rico with and without Cervical Dysplasia

Within the United States, Hispanic women, especially those in Puerto Rico, face an increased risk of cervical cancer development. The objective of this study was to explore the cervical microbiota of Hispanic women at high risk of developing HPV-induced cervical dysplasia or with cervical dysplasia treated in Texas and Puerto Rico. Cervical swab samples were collected from 296 participants (N = 80 Texan Non-Hispanic White, N = 98 Texan Hispanic, and N = 118 Puerto Rican Hispanic) during each patient’s initial visit and subjected to 16S V4 rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome profiling. HPV types were grouped as HPV 16, other high-risk HPV types, and other using HPV genotyping. Among participants, 71% (N = 211) were classified as high-risk normal, and 29% (N = 85) had cervical dysplasia. HPV 16 was detected in 15% (N = 45), other high-risk HPV types in 33% (N = 98), while 52% (N = 152) of patients were classified as “other”. Comparative analysis of microbial community structures across locations revealed distinct compositions, with Texan Hispanic women showing higher alpha diversity for two alpha diversity metrics (Pielou evenness and Shannon Diversity Index). The prevalence of CSTs varied across locations and disease states, with CSTs III and IV-B being among the most common in the study cohorts. Overall, this descriptive study provides a better understanding of cervical microbiome in Hispanic women across multiple geographic locations, in order to guide future interventions.