Vaginal microflora

The vaginal microflora is the aggregate community of microorganisms present in the vagina, most predominantly *Lactobacillus* species in healthy reproductive-age women, which maintain an acidic environment and protect against pathogenic invasion[6][7]. Disruption of this balance (dysbiosis), characterized by a loss of lactobacilli and proliferation of anaerobic or pathogenic bacteria (notably *Gardnerella vaginalis*, *Atopobium vaginae*), is linked to bacterial vaginosis and increased susceptibility to infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and may modulate the risk for cervical cancer[2][4][6]. While the community itself is not a defined molecular therapeutic target, clinical interventions aim to restore, maintain, or manipulate this microbial composition through antibiotics, antifungals, probiotics, and experimental modalities such as vaginal microbiome transplantation[2][5]. Biomarkers of microbial composition are used diagnostically, and therapeutic efforts focus on restoring the health-associated lactobacilli-dominant state[1][2][6]. Safety challenges exist, particularly in microbiome transplants and repetitive antibiotic use, necessitating further research into selective, personalized interventions[5]. **Note:** "Vaginal microflora" is not a canonical name for a molecular entity and does not represent a single drug target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. It should not be listed as a therapeutic target molecule. Instead, individual microorganisms (e.g., *Lactobacillus crispatus*) within the vaginal microflora, or their specific molecular mechanisms, may be considered for targeted therapy or biomarker development in future structured data[6][7].

Other names

Vaginal microbiotaVaginal microbial communityVaginal microbiome

Restoration of lactobacillus-dominated flora via probiotics or transplantation; Direct inhibition of pathogens through antimicrobial production (e.g., lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins by lactobacilli); Modulation of host immune response; Disruption of pathogenic biofilms (biofilm disruptors)