A research consortium including microbiologist Remco Kort has set up a unique citizen science project on vaginal health. By doing so, participants contribute to solutions to problems such as urogenital infections and remain co-owners of their own isolated bacterial strains.
A new study published in PLOS ONE describes the protocol for the citizen science project 'Van Vrouwen voor Vrouwen' (From Women for Women). In this project, women collaborate with researchers to investigate the role ofLactobacilluscrispatus bacteria in vaginal health, and develop a new women-friendly product. The study shows how women can be actively involved in the project isolating their body's own microbes.
Bacterial strains
Participants took a vaginal swab, which was examined in the laboratory for diversity and from which bacteria were isolated according to a new protocol. Specifically, it involved the Lactobacillus crispatus bacteria, which can help prevent urogenital infections. Scientists from VU Amsterdam examined the data obtained and carried out tests to investigate differences between the crispatus bacteria.
Based on this, a number of bacterial strains were selected and grown on a large scale in collaboration with the company Winclove Probiotics and dried into a powder. The ultimate goal is to use the powder to develop a product for women to prevent common recurring vaginal complaints.
Citizen science
The project shows that the participating women can be actively involved when the research involves isolating bodily microbes. For example, citizen scientists thought about the content of the protocol article. They united in a women's collective, Crispatus Foundation, and continue to jointly own the selected strains that will be used in the final product. They also indicated their preferences for the type of products they want to use, for example a tampon or a cream. This product will be developed in collaboration with the company Yoni, producer of sustainable femcare products, and Winclove Probiotics.
Podcast
A podcast (in Dutch) was created around the project, which takes a closer look at the research and the importance of vaginal health. Besides the participating citizen scientists, all partners are featured, as well as Remco Kort and potential users of the product to be developed who were interviewed at a festival. According to the researchers, it shows that citizen science appeals to people from different layers of society, and that there is a growing social commitment and need for research on vaginal health.
The research consortium is a collaboration between the Free University, BaseClear, Yoni, Crispatus Foundation, and Winclove Probiotics. The research was co-funded by Health Holland.