Abstract
Lactobacillus forms a thick, protective biofilm in the female urogenital system that provides protection against bacterial infection. Standard obstetric and gynecologic procedures can disrupt this biofilm, increasing the patient risk for developing infectious complications. The role of biofilms in the female reproductive system was evaluated by performing Medline/PubMed literature searches using the key words biofilm, Lactobacillus, urethral, and vagina. Additional information was evaluated from previously presented doctoral theses and scientific meeting abstracts. The important protective role of Lactobacillus biofilm in the female reproductive tract is supported by research with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases, with mixed data for female urinary-tract infections. Lactobacillus biofilm, therefore, may be a target for treatments when developing treatments to reduce reproductive system infections. Promoting Lactobacillus biofilm growth may also be important for reducing complications after gynecologic surgery and obstetrical procedures that typically disrupt the healthy, protective vaginal biofilm.
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