The influence of sex on the urogenital microbiome of rhesus monkeys

Abstract

The vaginal microbiome of nonhuman primates (NHPs) differs substantially from humans in terms of Lactobacillus abundance, overall taxonomic diversity, and vaginal pH. Given these differences, it remains unclear in what way the NHP genital microbiome protects against pathogens, in particular sexually transmitted diseases. Considering the effect that microbiome variations can have on disease acquisition and outcome, we examined endogenous and exogenous factors that influence the urogenital microbiome of captive rhesus monkeys. The male urethral (n=37) and vaginal (n=194) microbiome of 11 breeding groups were examined in a cross-sectional study. During lactation and menstruation, the vaginal microbiome becomes significantly more diverse and more similar to the microbes observed in the male urethra. Group association and cage-mate (sexual partners) relationships were additionally associated with significant differences in the urogenital microbiome. Our results demonstrate that microbiome considerations are necessary in order to make informed selection of NHPs as translational animal models.