[Causes and consequences of an unbalanced vaginal ecosystem]

The vaginal microflora of a healthy asymptomatic woman is part of a dynamic ecosystem which is easily disturbed by known and unknown factors. The normal vaginal microflora consists of a broad spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic germs. The anaerobic microaerophilic Doederlin's bacillus (lactobacillus) plays a major role in the microflora, but is only one of the many factors controlling and tuning a well-balanced ecosystem. Although our understanding is still insufficient, basic knowledge of the ecosystem and new results lead to a successful therapeutic approach.