The vaginal microbiota

Abstract

The vagina is an ecosystem consisting of various species of microorganisms (microbiota) that play important role in maintaining vaginal health. The vaginal ecosystem includes a variety of species classified into aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms which are vaginal microbiota (VMB). In the vagina of a healthy woman, 70% of normal microbiota is dominated by the Lactobacillus species. Lactobacillus is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium, and belongs to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). LAB produces lactic acid which plays a role in maintaining vaginal acidity at pH <4, producing H2O2 and bacteriocin, modulating non-specific immune responses, and preventing colonization of microorganisms through competitive adhesion in the vaginal epithelium. The composition of the VMB can vary between women and can change dramatically in a short time in the same individual. Over the past several decades, it has been known that a significant shift from the normal number of VMB colonies affects the integrity of the mucosal surface protective layer. The imbalance of VMB colonies and their effects on the vagina can cause an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, bacterial vaginosis infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, human papillomavirus infection (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Keywords: Lactobacillus, STI, vaginal microbiota