| Abstract [eng] |
The vaginal microbiota is a constantly changing environment, influenced by changing environmental factors, hormones and the immune system. The greatest protective role is played by strains of Lactobacillus bacteria, maintaining the acidic pH of the vagina and inhibiting the adhesion and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. The balance of the microbiota affects a woman's reproductive health. An unstable microbial balance can cause vaginal dysbiosis, associated with bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. In pregnant women, it can lead to premature birth complications and in postmenopausal women the aggravation of symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy. The increasing frequency of recurrence of vaginal infections and the problem of antimicrobial resistance have prompted the search for alternative treatments that affect the microbiota. The aim of this work is to analyze the scientific literature on the importance of probiotics for the vaginal microbiota at different stages of a woman's life, to assess the effect of probiotics on conditions related to vaginal dysbiosis and to review the possibilities and future prospects of vaginal microbiota transplantation. Objectives: to review the composition of the vaginal microbiota and the factors affecting it, to evaluate the biological properties of Lactobacillus bacteria, their effect on various forms of vaginal dysbiosis, and to discuss the clinical potential of probiotics and microbiota transplantation. Research methods: a narrative review of the scientific literature was conducted. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with selected keywords. Results: literature analysis showed that a healthy vaginal ecosystem is mainly colonized by Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners ir Lactobacillus jensenii. A decrease in their concentration is directly associated with vaginal dysbiosis and an increased risk of infections. Probiotics consisting of Lactobacillus bacterial strains are an effective adjuvant that helps restore the balance of the vaginal microbiota. Vaginal microbiota transplantation is considered a promising, but still experimental, treatment method for recurrent dysbiosis. Conclusion: Probiotics are an important tool in maintaining the balance of the vaginal microbiota at various stages of life and microbiota transplantation may become an individualized treatment strategy in the future, but further clinical studies are necessary to assess its safety and efficacy. |
