Role of Vaginal microbiota and Human Papillomavirus infection in cervical Oncogenesis: where do we stand?

Abstract

Vaginal Microbiota has emerged as an important contributing factor for viral persistence, which can lead to the process of oncogenesis. The female reproductive system has a unique microbiome that helps keeping health maintenance and protects against infection. Contrary to other mucosal sites, the vaginal microbiota often exhibits limited diversity and contains few Lactobacilli species, which were categorized into five distinct community state types using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. According to current research, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition, persistence, and cervical cancer development are influenced by increasing vaginal microbiome diversity and decreased Lactobacillus spp. This review explores the intricate relationship between vaginal microbiota and HPV in the context of cervical cancer development. It discusses the impact of microbiota diversity and dysbiosis on the acquisition, persistence, and clearance of HPV. The review also emphasizes the role of vaginal microbiota in maintaining a healthy female reproductive system and explores the potential of various interventions, such as probiotics and prebiotics, in restoring a healthy vaginal environment. Challenges and future directions for a healthy vaginal environment are also revealed in the article.