Vaginal and urogenital microbiota

The vaginal and urogenital microbiota refers to the complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit the female genitourinary tract (NIH, 2022). In a healthy state, this ecosystem is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, which maintain an acidic environment through the production of lactic acid, thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms (StatPearls, 2023). Dysbiosis, or the imbalance of this microbial community, is strongly associated with conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preterm birth (PubMed, 2021). Therapeutic interventions targeting this microbiota include the use of antibiotics like metronidazole to eliminate overrepresented pathogens and live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) like LACTIN-V designed to restore a healthy microbial balance (NEJM, 2020). Furthermore, the urogenital microbiota's influence extends to the urinary tract, where its composition can affect the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder health (Nature Reviews Urology, 2019). Understanding the interactions within this niche is critical for developing precision treatments for reproductive and urinary health.

Other names

Vaginal microbiomeUrogenital microbiomeVaginal floraGenitourinary microbiotaFemale reproductive tract microbiota

Restoration of microbial homeostasis, acidification of the vaginal environment, competitive inhibition of pathogens, and disruption of polymicrobial biofilms.