Vaginal microbiota: composition, altering factors and diagnosis

Abstract

It is essential to keep the vaginal microbiota in balance throughout life and for this a good diet and exercise influence the proper functioning of the body, which guarantees good health. The vaginal microbiota is dynamic and harbors a large number of microorganisms; of these, lactobacilli spp. are recognized as one of the main protective agents of the vagina against invading pathogens. The objective of the research was to analyze scientific evidence on the vaginal microbiota: composition, altering factors and diagnosis. Methodology: A study with explanatory documentary design was carried out, from the MEDLINE databases, PubMed, Springer, ScienceDirect extension, 83 articles published in the last five years were included, the MeSH terms ´´Microbiota´´, Vaginal`` were used., ´´Composition´´, ´´Altering Factors´´, “Diagnosis”, selection criteria based on relevance, validity and focused on the theme were applied. Results: The vaginal microbiota is of great importance in the maintenance of vaginal health and in the protection of the host against disease. Dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota is the result of a set of both external and internal factors that alter the vaginal microbiota. Among the internal factors is the alteration of the vaginal microenvironment and the PH, since vaginal acidity, given by lactobacilli, prevents the growth of other microorganisms and keeps the microbiota stable. And the Gram stain is the most widely used diagnostic test in the laboratory for the detection of bacterial vaginosis. Conclusion: It is concluded that an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota "dysbiosis" could generate diseases such as vaginal infections, mycoses, vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, among other diseases. Regarding the altering factors, there are external factors such as unprotected sexual activity with a condom, multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner, douching, among others.