Vaginal colonization of Lactobacilli: mechanism and function

Abstract

Traditional antibiotics exhibit numerous limitations in addressing female reproductive tract infections associated with vaginal microbiota disturbances. In recent years, the application of vaginal probiotics, notably lactobacilli, has demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. In this article, we summarize the adhesion and colonization mechanisms of female vaginal lactobacilli, influencing factors, functions, and the current status of lactobacillus applications. Meanwhile, in this review, the diverse antagonistic pathogens of vaginal lactobacilli and their characteristics of adhesion and colonization on the vaginal mucosal surface were enumerated and examined. Some probiotic strains with potential clinical relevance that have been identified were also summarized, aiming to offer novel insights for the development of probiotic formulations and the treatment of female reproductive tract infections.

Keywords: S-layer protein; adhesion and colonization; bacterial imbalance; biofilm; vaginal probiotics.