Vaginal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: A conceptual analysis

Abstract

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), caused by the vaginal dysbacteriosis as well as the excessive growth of pathogenic bacteria, is a pathological condition of the vagina; its treatment using the antibiotics metronidazole or clindamycin often causes high recurrence rates. Considering the similar physiological environments of the intestinal tract and vaginal tract, as well as the pathological mechanism of intestinal infection and vaginal infection, we first propose the conception of vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) and discuss its potential use in BV. This review focuses on the pathology of BV and the side effects caused by its standardised treatment. The extremely dynamic and diverse gut microbiota forms the most intensive microbial system and also plays a significant role in human body, and Lactobacilli dominate in the vaginal tract of women, keeping them healthy. Accordingly, we also propose the concept of VMT based on the effects of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating intestinal infections, and list the potential hurdles for the implementation of VMT.