Human vaginal microbiome

The human vaginal microbiome is a complex, dynamic community of microorganisms—primarily bacteria—inhabiting the vaginal tract. The ecosystem is dominated in healthy reproductive-age women by *Lactobacillus* species, which help maintain acidic pH and offer protection against pathogenic infections and inflammation. Dysbiosis, marked by loss or reduction of *Lactobacillus* and overgrowth of other taxa (e.g., *Gardnerella*, *Prevotella*), is associated with increased risks of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, sexually transmitted infections, and adverse reproductive outcomes. Several therapeutic and diagnostic approaches—including antibiotics, probiotics, and advanced sequencing for profiling—are employed to manage and investigate vaginal microbiome-related health and disease.

Other names

Vaginal microbiomeVaginal microbiotaFemale vaginal microbiomeHuman vaginal microbial community

Restoration of *Lactobacillus* dominance (for probiotics and transplantation); Eradication of overgrown pathogens (for antibiotics/antifungals); Rebalance of microbial communities (for live biotherapeutic products)