Abstract
The gut and genital tract microbiota of females represent very complex biological ecosystems that are in continuous communication with each other. The crosstalk between these two ecosystems impacts host physiological, immunological and metabolic homeostasis and vice versa. The vaginal microbiota evolved through a continuous translocation of species from the gut to the vagina or through a mother-to-child transfer during delivery. Though the organisms retain their physio-biochemical characteristics while in the vagina, the immune responses elicited by their metabolic by-products appear to be at variance with those in the gut. This has critical implications for the gynecological, reproductive as well as overall wellbeing of the host and by extension her offspring. The homeostatic and immunomodulatory effects of the bacterial fermentation products (short chain fatty acids, SCFAs) in the gut are better understood compared to the genital tract. While gut SCFAs prevent a leakage of bacteria and bacterial products from the gut in to circulation (leaky gut) and consequent systemic inflammation (anti-inflammatory/protective role); they have been shown to exhibit dysbiotic and proinflammatory effects in the genital tract that can lead to unfavorable gynecological and reproductive outcomes. Therefore, this review was conceived to critically examine the correlation between the female gut and genital tract microbiota. Secondly, we explored the metabolic patterns of the respective microbiota niches; and thirdly, we described the diverse effects of products of bacterial fermentation on immunological responses in the vaginal and rectal ecosystems.
Highlights
The gut and genital tract microbiota of females represent very complex biological ecosystems
The immune and metabolic functions of the gut microbiota are essential for maintaining homeostasis such that dysbiosis has been associated with both extra-intestinal disorders; and intestinal disorders such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease [11, 12, 14]
The vaginal microbiota evolved through a continuous translocation of species from the gut to the vagina or through a mother-to-child transfer during delivery
Summary
The gut and genital tract microbiota of females represent very complex biological ecosystems. Female Gut-Vaginal Microbiota-Induced Crosstalk species occurred in both the vaginal and rectal microbiota of these pregnant women despite being identified from either the vagina or rectum [7]. This correlation in the microbial composition of both niches includes similarities in the species presence as well as the density of cells per bacterial species [5]. The gut and cervicovaginal microbiota can interact with other organs and influence the health and disease balance of the host Both microbiota can alter the homeostasis of other organs and systems of the body. We explore the metabolic patterns of the respective microbiota niches; and thirdly, we describe the diverse effects of products of bacterial fermentation on immunological responses in the vaginal and rectal ecosystems
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