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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Protocols for Vaginal Inoculation and Sample Collection in the Experimental Mouse Model of Candida vaginitis
Published on: December 8, 2011
Vaginal Microbiomes Associated With Aerobic Vaginitis and Bacterial Vaginosis
Evelyn Kaambo1,2,3, Charlene Africa4, Ramadhani Chambuso5,6
1Genital Mucosal HIV and STI Research Group, Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Medical Virology Laboratory, Cape Town, South Africa.
Abstract:
A healthy vaginal microbiota is considered to be significant for maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections. However, certain vaginal bacterial commensal species serve an important first line of defense of the body. Any disruption of this microbial barrier might result in a number of urogenital conditions including aerobic vaginitis (AV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). The health of the vagina is closely associated with inhabitant microbiota. Furthermore, these microbes maintain a low vaginal pH, prevent the acquisition of pathogens, stimulate or moderate the local innate immune system, and further protect against complications during pregnancies. Therefore, this review will focus on vaginal microbial "health" in the lower reproductive tract of women and on the physiological characteristics that determine the well-being of reproductive health. In addition, we explore the distinct versus shared characteristics of BV and AV, which are commonly associated with increased risk for preterm delivery.
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