Vaginal microbiota: Potential targets for vulvovaginal candidiasis infection

Vaginal microbiota: Potential targets for vulvovaginal candidiasis infection

2024 | Yufei Wang, Zhaoxia Liu, Tingtao Chen
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infection characterized by symptoms such as itching, soreness, and abnormal discharge, and is associated with adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes. Traditional antifungal treatments, while effective, face challenges such as drug intolerance, treatment failure, and the emergence of drug-resistant *Candida* species. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This review focuses on the potential of probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics in treating VVC, as well as the emerging therapy of vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT). Probiotics, particularly *Lactobacillus* species, have shown promise in restoring vaginal health by inhibiting *Candida* growth, modulating immune responses, and reducing inflammation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that probiotic interventions can reduce the recurrence rate of VVC and improve symptoms. However, the effectiveness of probiotics varies depending on the specific strain, timing of administration, and dosage. Yeast-based probiotics, such as *Saccharomyces boulardii* and *S. cerevisiae*, also exhibit beneficial effects against VVC by inhibiting *Candida* colonization and biofilm formation. These probiotics are less sensitive to antibiotics and have been shown to enhance the efficacy of antifungal drugs. Postbiotics, derived from probiotics, offer a safer alternative due to their non-viable nature and lack of risk of antibiotic resistance. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them potential candidates for VVC treatment. VMT, which involves transplanting a healthy vaginal microbiota community, has shown promise in restoring vaginal health and reducing recurrence rates of VVC. However, it faces challenges such as ethical issues, inter-individual variability, and potential risks of infections. Prebiotics and synbiotics, which enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, also show potential in managing VVC by improving vaginal health and reducing the need for antimicrobial agents. In conclusion, while probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and VMT show promise in treating VVC, more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infection characterized by symptoms such as itching, soreness, and abnormal discharge, and is associated with adverse reproductive and obstetric outcomes. Traditional antifungal treatments, while effective, face challenges such as drug intolerance, treatment failure, and the emergence of drug-resistant *Candida* species. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This review focuses on the potential of probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics in treating VVC, as well as the emerging therapy of vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT). Probiotics, particularly *Lactobacillus* species, have shown promise in restoring vaginal health by inhibiting *Candida* growth, modulating immune responses, and reducing inflammation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that probiotic interventions can reduce the recurrence rate of VVC and improve symptoms. However, the effectiveness of probiotics varies depending on the specific strain, timing of administration, and dosage. Yeast-based probiotics, such as *Saccharomyces boulardii* and *S. cerevisiae*, also exhibit beneficial effects against VVC by inhibiting *Candida* colonization and biofilm formation. These probiotics are less sensitive to antibiotics and have been shown to enhance the efficacy of antifungal drugs. Postbiotics, derived from probiotics, offer a safer alternative due to their non-viable nature and lack of risk of antibiotic resistance. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them potential candidates for VVC treatment. VMT, which involves transplanting a healthy vaginal microbiota community, has shown promise in restoring vaginal health and reducing recurrence rates of VVC. However, it faces challenges such as ethical issues, inter-individual variability, and potential risks of infections. Prebiotics and synbiotics, which enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria, also show potential in managing VVC by improving vaginal health and reducing the need for antimicrobial agents. In conclusion, while probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and VMT show promise in treating VVC, more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
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[slides and audio] Vaginal microbiota%3A Potential targets for vulvovaginal candidiasis infection