A new test gets very accurate and fast results for changes in vaginal bacteria and corresponding immune responses in pregnant women. These changes are most often associated with a higher risk of premature birth. Using this type of test can help doctors identify women at greater risk earlier in their pregnancy. This will allow timely and more targeted application of preventive therapy. Obstetricians and gynecologists will be able to monitor these women with caution. Scientists from the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Imperial College London published information about their discovery and the results of the study in the journal Nature. It is known that vaginal infections can contribute to the risk of preterm birth, but until now no fast and effective method of detection has been developed. Scientists have designed a device that, in just a few minutes, can read both the composition of the microbiome and the inflammatory status of a sample taken during pregnancy. The test very quickly analyzes the chemical elements present to determine the type of bacteria in the vagina and possible immune responses to them. In their study, scientists examined more than 1,000 samples from 400 pregnant women. A higher risk of preterm birth and a greater likelihood of inflammation were noted in those with many different bacteria or different bacteria during the pregnancy itself. A great efficiency of the test in their chemical profiling is established. The scientists believe that it is as effective as liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, which is normally used. They are keen to register the new test they have developed and seek regulatory approval for use in the UK, Europe and North America. They also plan to develop a miniaturized version of the test that could be used more widely in clinics and would allow mass testing of women. According to the researchers, this test could be widely used in other areas affecting women’s health, such as bacterial vaginosis, HIV and papillomavirus infection, cervical dysplasia, failed in vitro fertilization and miscarriage. The introduction of this test in scientific research and in clinical practice can have a great effect on the possibility of prevention of various diseases in women. Sources: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26215-w