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Predictors of the vaginal microflora.
E R Newton1, J M Piper, R N Shain
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 17, 2001
Summary
Race and the presence of other microorganisms significantly influence vaginal microflora patterns. Sexual behaviors and hormonal status had less impact on the vaginal microbiome composition.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
- Public Health
Background:
- The vaginal microflora plays a crucial role in reproductive health.
- Understanding factors influencing its composition is essential for diagnosing and treating infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors affecting the patterns of vaginal microflora in women.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year longitudinal study of 617 African American and Mexican American women.
- Assessed vaginal microflora and sexual behaviors, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify associations.
Main Results:
- African American race was consistently associated with specific vaginal microorganisms (e.g., Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, bacterial vaginosis).
- Sexual behaviors like multiple partners and douching showed less consistent effects.
- Lactobacillus species demonstrated a protective effect against bacterial vaginosis and Gardnerella vaginalis infection.
Conclusions:
- Race and the presence of other microorganisms are stronger predictors of cervical-vaginal organisms than sexual behavior or hormonal status.
- Vaginal devices and abnormal vaginal bleeding had minimal influence on microflora patterns.