Review

The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review

Volume: 21 Number: 2 June 30, 2024
TR EN

The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review

Abstract

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem consisting of microorganisms and their genetic material, profoundly impacts physiological processes crucial for human health. Among various niches within the human body, the female genital tract harbours a diverse microbial community, known as the vaginal microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections. This review explores the intricate relationship between the vaginal microbiota and gynaecological conditions, including bacterial vaginosis, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical neoplasia, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, preterm birth, and infertility. Changes in the composition of the vaginal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, have been associated with a higher risk of these conditions. Notably, dysbiosis characterized by a reduction in protective Lactobacillus species and an increase in anaerobic organisms is associated with bacterial vaginosis, HPV infection persistence, and neoplastic development. Furthermore, alterations in the vaginal microbiota during pregnancy have implications for gestational outcomes, with a low frequency of lactobacilli predisposing women to preterm birth. Moreover, abnormal vaginal flora has been implicated in female infertility, affecting embryo implantation, tubal factors and pregnancy outcomes. Although there has been progressing in understanding the role of the vaginal microbiome in gynaecological health, additional research, particularly randomized controlled trials, is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms and devise targeted therapies.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

June 30, 2024

Submission Date

March 17, 2024

Acceptance Date

May 1, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 21 Number: 2

APA
Akgör, U. (2024). The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik Ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi, 21(2), 139-144. https://doi.org/10.38136/jgon.1454290
AMA
1.Akgör U. The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi. 2024;21(2):139-144. doi:10.38136/jgon.1454290
Chicago
Akgör, Utku. 2024. “The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: A Review”. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik Ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi 21 (2): 139-44. https://doi.org/10.38136/jgon.1454290.
EndNote
Akgör U (June 1, 2024) The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi 21 2 139–144.
IEEE
[1]U. Akgör, “The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review”, Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 139–144, June 2024, doi: 10.38136/jgon.1454290.
ISNAD
Akgör, Utku. “The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: A Review”. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi 21/2 (June 1, 2024): 139-144. https://doi.org/10.38136/jgon.1454290.
JAMA
1.Akgör U. The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi. 2024;21:139–144.
MLA
Akgör, Utku. “The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: A Review”. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik Ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi, vol. 21, no. 2, June 2024, pp. 139-44, doi:10.38136/jgon.1454290.
Vancouver
1.Utku Akgör. The Female Genital Tract Microbiome: a review. Jinekoloji-Obstetrik ve Neonatoloji Tıp Dergisi. 2024 Jun. 1;21(2):139-44. doi:10.38136/jgon.1454290