The vaginal ecosystem

Article Abstract:

This article describes the normal flora (microorganisms) present in the vagina as well as the changes that can take place when disease is present. The article is part of a supplement concerning the causes of and treatments for vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vulva and vagina). Vaginitis is defined as vaginal inflammation characteristic of infections, while bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a change in vaginal flora without inflammation. BV is also called nonspecific vaginitis and vaginal bacteriosis. Lactobacilli are the main members of normal vaginal flora, while BV is characterized by the presence of several kinds of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. These include Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides species, Mycoplasma hominis, and Mobiluncus species. Mobiluncus mulieris is present almost exclusively in BV, while Mobiluncus curtisii has been found in women with pelvic inflammatory disease. The organisms characteristic of BV are thought to reside in the intestinal tract. Only women of reproductive age develop BV, and the condition is probably influenced by hormonal factors. Lactobacilli cause a decrease in the vaginal pH (a more acid condition), which helps limit the growth of other organisms. This drop in pH does not occur as reliably if other organisms are present. Bacterial growth is also facilitated by changes in the receptors for microorganisms located on the cells that line the vagina. These changes may make it easier for bacteria to bind to the cells. The 'clue' cell, characteristic of BV, is a detached vaginal epithelial cell studded with G. vaginalis bacteria. Hormonal fluctuations affect the vaginal flora, most notably during pregnancy, when the environment becomes more acidic. Vaginal candidiasis (a fungal infection) is more likely at that time. Diaphragms, tampons, and intrauterine devices with 'tails' also alter the flora, as do some disease states (poorly controlled diabetes mellitus) and drugs such as antibiotics. Long-term vaginitis or vaginosis can be associated with the spread of organisms to the reproductive organs (endometritis and salpingitis) and possibly with other complications. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Vagina

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Vaginal flora changes associated with Mycoplasma hominis

Article Abstract:

The presence of Mycoplasma hominis may indicate additional risk factors when found in women with bacterial vaginosis. Researchers analyzed vaginal cultures of women attending family planning clinics. A total of 123 women were infected with M. hominis, and 50 of these (40.7%) had bacterial vaginosis, or vaginal infection with smelly discharge. M. hominis infection was associated with a fishy smelling vaginal discharge, vaginal pH above 4.7, clue cells, and a positive amine test. Infected women had more sexually risky behavior and a greater likelihood of previous induced abortion or sexually transmitted disease than uninfected women.

Mycoplasma infections

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Is the lack of concurrence of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidosis explained by the presence of bacterial amines?

Article Abstract:

Some bacteria produce chemicals called amines and these amines appear to prevent Candida from forming a germ tube. Candida must form a germ-tube in order to infect many tissues. This explains why women never have vaginal Candida infection as well as a vaginal bacterial infection.

Health aspects, Amines, Candida albicans

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