Library · Microorganism
Vaginal lactobacilli
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Vaginal lactobacilli are bacteria found within communities that vary in composition. Picture an ecosystem that can be organized in several ways. When lactobacilli dominate, they produce lactic acid. If the pH is acidic enough, that acid can kill microorganisms and may help protect against infections of the reproductive tract.
A cohort of 396 asymptomatic North American women of reproductive age showed this variation. Four community types were each dominated by a different Lactobacillus species. The fifth had fewer lactic acid bacteria and more strict anaerobes, bacteria that live without oxygen.
In brief
Lactobacilli are bacteria found in vaginal communities that vary in composition. When they dominate, they produce lactic acid that can act as a microbicide at a sufficiently acidic pH and may help protect against infections of the reproductive tract.
One example of this variation comes from a cohort of 396 asymptomatic North American women of reproductive age. The study identified five community types among these women: four dominated by Lactobacillus iners, L. crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii, respectively, and one with fewer lactic acid bacteria and more strict anaerobes.
Sources (2)
- Ravel J, Gajer P, Abdo Z, et al.; Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesVaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women; DOI 10.1073/pnas.1002611107; PMID 20534435
- O'Hanlon DE, Moench TR y Cone RA; PLOS ONEVaginal pH and Microbicidal Lactic Acid When Lactobacilli Dominate the MicrobiotaPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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