Unravelling the vaginal microbiome, impact on health and disease

Abstract

Purpose of review The vaginal microbiome has a fundamental role in supporting optimal vaginal, reproductive, and sexual health. Conversely, dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome is linked to vaginal symptoms and adverse health outcomes. This review summarizes recent literature concerning the role of the vaginal microbiome in health and disease, with a focus on the most common vaginal dysbiosis, bacterial vaginosis. Recent findings Molecular studies have expanded our understanding of the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Lactic acid-producing lactobacilli are an important component of host defences against pathogens, whereas a paucity of lactobacilli is associated with adverse sequelae. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by low levels of lactobacilli and increased levels of nonoptimal anaerobes; however, the exact cause remains unclear. Furthermore, despite decades of research, bacterial vaginosis recurrence rates following standard treatment are unacceptably high. Strategies to improve bacterial vaginosis cure and promote an optimal lactobacilli-dominated vaginal microbiome are being investigated. Importantly, historical and emerging evidence supports the sexual transmission of bacterial vaginosis, which opens exciting opportunities for novel treatments that incorporate partners. Summary A mechanistic and deeper understanding of the vaginal microbiome in health and disease is needed to inform ongoing development of therapeutics to improve bacterial vaginosis cure. Partner treatment holds promise for improving bacterial vaginosis cure.