Vaginal Microbiome in Reproductive Medicine

Günther V, Allahqoli L, Watrowski R, Maass N, Ackermann J, von Otte S, Alkatout I. Vaginal Microbiome in Reproductive Medicine. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 Aug 12;12(8):1948. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12081948. PMID: 36010298; PMCID: PMC9406911.

The human microbiome has been given increasing importance in recent years. The establishment of sequencing-based technology has made it possible to identify a large number of bacterial species that were previously beyond the scope of culture-based technologies. Just as microbiome diagnostics has emerged as a major point of focus in science, reproductive medicine has developed into a subject of avid interest, particularly with regard to causal research and treatment options for implantation failure. Thus, the vaginal microbiome is discussed as a factor influencing infertility and a promising target for treatment options. The present review provides an overview of current research concerning the impact of the vaginal microbiome on the outcome of reproductive measures. A non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiome was shown to be associated with dysbiosis, possibly even bacterial vaginosis. This imbalance has a negative impact on implantation rates in assisted reproductive technologies and may also be responsible for habitual abortions. Screening of the microbiome in conjunction with antibiotic and/or probiotic treatment appears to be one way of improving pregnancy outcomes.

Disponível Em: <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>