Vaginal microbiome modulation

Vaginal microbiome modulation is a therapeutic strategy aiming to restore or maintain a healthy vaginal ecosystem, primarily dominated by beneficial *Lactobacillus* species, in order to prevent or treat diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and other vaginal or reproductive tract infections. This can be approached using antibiotics, antifungals, probiotics, acidifying agents, biofilm-disrupting agents, or vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT). The efficacy of these interventions varies, with high recurrence rates and emerging safety challenges for some. Current research aims to identify specific microbial strains and develop targeted therapies with improved long-term outcomes and minimized risks.

Other names

Vaginal microbiome-directed therapeuticsVaginal microbiota modulationVaginal microbial community modulationVMB modulation

The mechanism of action involves the restoration of a Lactobacillus-dominant community, suppression of pathogenic or dysbiotic organisms, reinforcement of an acidic pH via lactic acid production, and disruption of biofilms.