Genital Microbiome

(Vaginal Microbiome)
(Vaginal Flora)
 Definition

The vaginal microbiome is a complex and

dynamic micro-ecosystem that constantly
undergoes fluctuations during the female
menstrual cycle and the woman’s entire life.
Ecosystem: a homeostatic and mutualistic relationship
exists between the microbiota and its human host.
Dominant M.O. is Lactobacillus sp.

90 – 95% of vaginal flora

 Function

Lactobacillus produce

hydrogen
lactic acid bacteriocins
peroxide
 Facts

1. Data from 110 persons of

reproductive age revealed that the
vagina contains 1010–1011 bacteria.
2. The most common lactobacillus
sp. are L. crispatus, L. iners, L.
jensenii, and L. gasseri.
 Risk of
Bacterial
STD
Vaginosis PID
Preterm birth
 Eubiosis vs Dysbiosis

• Eubiosis: normal microbial balance within the

body.
• Dysbiosis: a disruption to the microbiota
homeostasis caused by:
1. imbalance in the microflora.
2. changes in their functional composition.
3. changes in metabolic activities.
4. shift in their local distribution.
BV TTT with probiotics
Probiotics in the Egyptian market
 References

1. Chen, X., Lu, Y., Chen, T., & Li, R. (2021). The female
vaginal microbiome in health and bacterial vaginosis.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972.
2. France, M., Alizadeh, M., Brown, S. et al. Towards a deeper
understanding of the vaginal microbiota. Nat
Microbiol 7, 367–378 (2022).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-022-01083-2.