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The Human Microbiome during Bacterial Vaginosis.
Andrew B Onderdonk1, Mary L Delaney2, Raina N Fichorova3
1Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA aonderdonk@partners.org.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|February 12, 2016
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women, characterized by a shift in vaginal flora. Research suggests BV may be a syndrome with multiple bacterial triggers and varied host immune responses, rather than a single cause.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Women's Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common microbiological condition in women of reproductive age.
- It involves a shift from Lactobacillus dominance to a polymicrobial vaginal flora.
- BV is linked to adverse health outcomes like preterm birth and increased HIV susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the complex etiology of bacterial vaginosis.
- To investigate the role of various microbial pathogens and host immune responses in BV.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological, microscopic, microbiological culture, and sequencing-based data.
- Analysis of bacterial species implicated in BV, including Gardnerella, Prevotella, and BV-associated bacteria.
- Consideration of host immune function variability.
Main Results:
- No single etiology has been consistently identified for BV across all affected women.
- Multiple bacterial species with pro-inflammatory characteristics can provoke BV symptoms.
- Host immune response variability plays a significant role in the manifestation of BV.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial vaginosis is likely a clinical syndrome with diverse triggers.
- The condition results from a combination of pro-inflammatory bacteria and individual host immune responses.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the multifactorial nature of BV.
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