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Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets

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ISSN (Print): 1871-5265
ISSN (Online): 2212-3989

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Research Article

Vaginal States: Detection of Conversion Processes in Women Using Contraception and Characterization of Vaginal Lactobacillus Species

Author(s): Sonia Elena María Fosch*, Marta Lucia Trossero, Omar Agustin Grosso, Ana Paula Reyes, Silvina Ema Cocucci, Sandra Noemí Payalef and Beatriz Elizabeth Perazzi

Volume 22, Issue 4, 2022

Published on: 24 February, 2022

Article ID: e260122200531 Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/1871526522666220126154731

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: The vaginal microenvironment, regulated by an immune system, can be protected or altered by many factors, including contraceptive methods.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of contraceptive methods on the basic vaginal states (BVSs) and to identify culturable vaginal Lactobacillus species.

Methods: This is a prospective, consecutive, longitudinal, and descriptive study. The vaginal contents of 208 women were sampled prior to initiating contraception and six months later. The BVSs were established using the balance of vaginal content (BAVACO) methodology that evaluates microbiota and vaginal inflammatory reaction (VIR). Lactobacillus species were characterized by biochemical tests and mass spectrometry. The following contraceptive methods were evaluated: combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), condom (CON) and rhythm method (RHYT). McNemar's test was used.

Results: Of the 208 women, 171 attended both examinations. In the COCP group (n=127), 83 vaginal contents maintained a normal microbiota, 1 sample became dysbiotic, and 37/43 dysbiotic microbiota samples reverted to normal (p<0.0001). A conversion to BVS with VIR was detected in the CON group (n=31) (p=0.001). The RHYT group (n=13) maintained its initial BVSs. The predominant Lactobacillus species found were L. crispatus and L. gasseri, with a trend toward a positive association between L. crispatus and COCP (OR=2.82; p=0.058).

Conclusion: Hormone administration corrected the dysbiosis and preserved a normal BVS. The CON increased the VIR. The protection of the microbiota observed in the rhythm method probably responds to a systemic hormonal influence. The trend toward a positive association between COCP and L. crispatus, with its protective properties, evidenced an effective hormonal relationship.

Keywords: Basic vaginal states, contraception, conversion processes, vaginal microbiota, vaginal inflammatory reaction, Lactobacillus species.

Graphical Abstract

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