The Presence of Lactobacillus spp. and its Effect on the Occurrence of Other Microorganisms in the Reproductive Tract of Polish Women

Abstract

Disorders of the vaginal microbiota can lead to many complications and affect fertility. This study evaluates the role of Lactobacillus in the vagina and its impact on the incidence of colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, analyzing the results of 1,039 women of reproductive age (18–49 years) who underwent a microbiological examination of the reproductive tract in 2020. Samples were examined by microscopy, culture, and NAAT. As the number of Lactobacillus increases, the chance of developing symptoms decreases. In fact, it has been shown that the higher the number of Lactobacillus spp. the less frequently Gardnerella vaginalis and Streptococcus group B are observed. As the concentration of Lactobacillus spp. increases by one category, the risk of G. vaginalis after adjustment to age and pH decreases by 80% (p 4.5 for people with Lactobacillus category higher 1 is 76% lower.

Keywords

• female reproductive tract microbiota
• lactobacillus
• bacterial vaginosis
• genital infections