Effect of uterine microbiota on female and offspring health

Abstract

Introduction It is well known that the microbiota of the human body is important for human health. The latest technological advances in molecular biology not only confirm the presence of microbial communities in the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts, but have also led to the detection of the presence of microbiota in niches, previously considered as sterile, for example, in the uterus. Objective In this review we attempt to define the composition of uterine microbiota and its physiological role in the female genital tract. Moreover, we present possible consequences of changes in uterine microbiota composition on the development of gynaecologic disorders. State of knowledge Recent findings suggest the presence of bacteria in amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord blood and in the placenta. This data imply the influence of the uterine microbiota on reproductive and obstetric outcomes, as well as on foetal development and health status. The state of uterine microbiota can influence the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology. Some evidence suggesting a relationship between prenatal microbiota exposure and increased predisposition to some diseases in adulthood is particularly important. Conclusions The influence of the uterine microbiota on fertility disorders, foetus development and newborn health is an important direction of research. In the future, the status of uterine microbiota should play an important role in everyday clinical practice.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• microbiota
• uterus