The Vaginal Microbiome: I. Research Development, Lexicon, Defining "Normal" and the Dynamics Throughout Women's...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gynecology
• Vaginal Health Research

Background:

• The vaginal microbiota plays a key role in maintaining vaginal health.
• Understanding the composition and function of the vaginal microbiome is essential for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current findings on the vaginal bacterial microbiota.
• To provide clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders with relevant information.
• To focus on advancements in vaginal microbiome research, definitions, and dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Database search of PubMed using terms like "vaginal microbiome" and life stages.
• Review of full article texts and screening of reference lists.
• Inclusion of "human microbiome project" as a search term.

Main Results:

• Molecular techniques have significantly advanced the characterization of the vaginal microbiota over the past two decades.
• Studies have improved the definition of vaginal health and the "normal" vaginal microbiome (VMB).
• The dynamics of VMB throughout women's lives, including different life stages and ethnicities, have been explored.

Conclusions:

• Interactions between vaginal microorganisms and the host are vital for a comprehensive understanding of vaginal health.
• Clinical applications of microbial community sequencing are emerging but require further determination for practical clinical use.