The barrier to HIV transmission provided by genital tract Lactobacillus colonization

Am J Reprod Immunol. 2014 Jun;71(6):531-6. doi: 10.1111/aji.12232. Epub 2014 Mar 24.

Abstract

While resistance to HIV transmission is due to multiple mechanisms such as the epithelium, a lower genital tract microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus appears to play an important role. This article reviews selected recent research on genital tract microbiota in women including how microbiota impacts HIV resistance and factors affecting Lactobacillus colonization.

Keywords: Genital tract microbiota; HIV transmission; Lactobacillus; glycogen; lactic acid; pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cervix Uteri / chemistry
  • Cervix Uteri / microbiology*
  • Cervix Uteri / virology
  • Epithelium / microbiology
  • Female
  • Glycogen / metabolism
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lactobacillus / immunology*
  • Microbiota / immunology*
  • Vagina / chemistry
  • Vagina / microbiology*
  • Vagina / virology

Substances

  • Glycogen
  • Hydrogen Peroxide