The role of the bacterial microbiota on reproductive and pregnancy health.
Recent assessments have examined the composition of bacterial communities influencing reproductive, pregnancy and infant health. The Microbiome Project has made great strides in sequencing the microbiome and identifying the vast communities of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies and much work continues to examine the individual contribution of bacteria on health and disease to inform future therapies. This review explores the current literature outlining the contribution of important bacteria on reproductive health among sexually active men and women, outlines gaps in current research to determine causal and interventional relationships, and suggests future research initiatives. Novel treatments options to reduce adverse outcomes must recognize the heterogeneity of the bacteria within the microbiome and adequately assess long-term benefits in reducing disease burden and re-establishing a healthy Lactobacillus-dominant state. Recognizing other reservoirs outside of the lower genital track and within sexual partners as well as genetic and individual moderators may be most important for long-term cure and reduction of disease. It will be important to develop useful screening tools and comprehensively examine novel therapeutic options to promote the long-term reduction of high-risk bacteria and the re-establishment of healthy bacterial levels to considerably improve outcomes among pregnant women and sexually active men and women.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, College of Medicine, Temple University, USA. Electronic address: dnelson@temple.edu.
Deborah B
DB
Nelson
Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts, Temple University, USA.
L Christie
LC
Rockwell
College of Public Health, Temple University, USA.
Morgan D
MD
Prioleau
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, College of Medicine, Temple University, USA.
Laura
L
Goetzl
D039903:Actinobacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000502:physiology*; D045183:Leptotrichia / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D008297:Male; D064307:Microbiota / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014526:Urethritis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control
Adopobium vaginae; Bacterial vaginosis; Lactobacillus spp.; Leptotrichia/Sneathia spp