PONE-D-21-25280Comparative analysis of DNA extraction and PCR product purification methods for cervicovaginal microbiome analysis using cpn60 microbial profilingPLOS ONE

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Reviewer #2: No

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: No

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Reviewer #1: This manuscript is written very well. The design is studied well. I do think comparing two different sets of experimental methods confounds the results a bit. Perhaps it would have been better to compare microbial yield using the two different DNA extraction kits and then only using either the column-based method or the gel-based method, instead of also comparing that second element. Inclusion of the mock community standard was a good thought.

Reviewer #2: 1) I have to say the manuscript is very unclear. I cannot even tell how many samples were involved and how many replicates were done. Across figures, why the samples are changed? There should be a good catalogue on what samples underwent what experiments.

2) Sequencing depth can be related with sequencing library preparation. How can it be accounted for before comparing the sequencing results, which is related with sequencing depth, between extraction and purification methods?

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Comparative analysis of DNA extraction and PCR product purification methods for cervicovaginal microbiome analysis using cpn60 microbial profiling

PONE-D-21-25280R1

Dear Dr. MacDonald,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Guangming Zhong

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

The authors have adequately addressed all concerns.

Reviewers' comments: