Vaginal microbiota transplantation is a truly opulent and promising edge: fully grasp its potential

Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2024 Mar 22:14:1280636. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1280636. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) is a cutting-edge treatment modality that has the potential to revolutionize the management of vaginal disorders. The human vagina is a complex and dynamic ecosystem home to a diverse community of microorganisms. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of the female reproductive system. However, when the balance of this ecosystem is disrupted, it can lead to the development of various vaginal disorders. Conventional treatments, such as antibiotics and antifungal medications, can temporarily relieve the symptoms of vaginal disorders. However, they often fail to address the underlying cause of the problem, which is the disruption of the vaginal microbiota. In recent years, VMT has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach that aims to restore the balance of the vaginal ecosystem. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of VMT in treating bacterial vaginosis, recurrent yeast infections, and other vaginal conditions. The procedure has also shown promising results in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth in pregnant women. However, more research is needed to establish optimal donor selection, preparation, and screening protocols, as well as long-term safety and efficacy. VMT offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for women with persistent vaginal problems. It could improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide and become a standard treatment option shortly. With further research and development, it could potentially treat a wide range of other health problems beyond the scope of vaginal disorders.

Keywords: application; gynecological ailments; lactobacillus; synthetic bacterial consortia transplantation; vaginal microbiota transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Microbiota*
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth*
  • Quality of Life
  • Vagina / microbiology

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This research work is supported by ‘the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Natural Science Foundation (2022-YGJC-86 and 2020-ZLLH-38 to YM) of Liaoning Province, and Excellent Talent Fund of Liaoning Province Cancer Hospital of YM.