Fig. 3: Cervicovaginal microbial composition modulates the local cytokines and leads to a pro-inflammatory response in women who deliver preterm.

Cervicovaginal concentrations of IL-8 (a), IL-6 (b), IL-1β (c), and IL-10 (d) are shown from samples classed as Lactobacillus dominant or deplete, n = 385 samples, n = 133 women. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-sided Mann–Whitney test. Cervicovaginal cytokine concentrations of IL-8 (e), IL-6 (f), IL-1β (g), and IL-10 (h), are shown relating to samples taken from a vaginal composition classed as CST I, II, III, IV-B, IV-C and V, n = 385 samples, n = 133 women. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparison’s test. Cervicovaginal concentrations of IL-8 (i), IL-6 (j), IL-1β (k), and IL-10 (l) were compared between women who delivered preterm or at term in those who were classed as being Lactobacillus deplete (n = 22), or abundant in CST III (L. iners) (n = 22) or CST IV (diverse) (n = 15). CST IV was subdivided into CST IV-B (n = 8), CSTIV-C1 (n = 1), CSTIV-C2 (n = 1) and CST IV-C3 (n = 5). Statistical analysis was performed using a one-sided Mann–Whitney test. Data are presented as median values and interquartile ranges (25th and 75th percentiles). Source data are provided as a Source Data file.