Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is closely linked to disruptions in the vaginal microbiome. Probiotics restore microbial balance, reduce inflammation, and validate PID’s microbiome signature. By targeting both pathogens and immune responses, probiotics emerge as a dual-purpose solution: a proven therapy and a diagnostic enhancer in PID care.
Validation of Probiotics as a Microbiome-targeted intervention for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
Probiotics offer a promising microbiome-targeted intervention (BTI) for managing pelvic inflammatory disease (ID). By restoring beneficial Lactobacillus species and reducing inflammation, they directly counteract the microbial imbalances and immune dysregulation characteristic of ID. This article explores the therapeutic mechanisms of probiotics, their clinical validation, and how they reinforce the accuracy of ID’s microbiome signature as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
Research Feed 
References Overview
Probiotics address pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by targeting both microbial imbalances and host inflammatory mechanisms. The therapeutic benefits of probiotics validate their role as microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTI), reinforcing the accuracy of PID’s microbiome signature. By restoring the vaginal microbiota, particularly through enhancing Lactobacillus dominance, probiotics directly counteract pathogen proliferation and reduce inflammation, thereby improving clinical outcomes.
Validation of Probiotics as an MBTI for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Probiotics exert their beneficial effects primarily by modulating the host’s immune response and altering the microbial composition in the reproductive tract. Key mechanisms include reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8, which are significant mediators in PID-related inflammation.[1] Lactobacillus strains, specifically L. brevis and L. crispatus, enhance mucosal immunity and directly inhibit pathogen adhesion and invasion, notably against Chlamydia trachomatis infections.[2] Clinically, probiotics significantly reduce symptoms such as pelvic pain and inflammation severity, offering tangible improvements in patients with PID.
Microbial Effects Summary Table
| Microbial Effects of Probiotics | Microbiome Signature of PID |
|---|---|
| Increased Lactobacillus species (e.g., L. crispatus, L. brevis) | Lactobacillus species decreased in PID |
| Decreased pathogenic taxa | Pathogenic taxa increased in PID |
| Reduced microbial diversity skewed towards pathogens | High diversity of pathogenic species and reduced lactobacilli in PID |
Validation of the Microbiome Signature of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The microbiome signature of PID typically shows a marked depletion of protective Lactobacillus species alongside an increased abundance of pathogenic taxa like Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella spp.[3] Probiotic intervention specifically targets this dysbiosis by increasing beneficial Lactobacillus species, thereby validating the critical role of these species in maintaining vaginal health and reinforcing the microbiome signature associated with PID. This alignment between the therapeutic effects of probiotics and the known PID microbial profile confirms the clinical accuracy and diagnostic utility of the microbiome signature in PID.
Dual Validation Paragraph
The observed microbial shifts, notably the restoration of beneficial Lactobacillus populations and suppression of pathogenic taxa, alongside improved clinical outcomes such as reduced inflammation and symptom relief, validate probiotics as an effective microbiome-targeted therapy for PID. Simultaneously, these results substantiate the clinical relevance and accuracy of the microbiome signature characterized by diminished Lactobacillus species and elevated pathogens. Thus, probiotics not only affirm their role as a targeted intervention but also confirm the microbiome signature’s importance as a diagnostic and therapeutic guide for PID management.
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Lactobacilli–lactoferrin interplay in Chlamydia trachomatis infection
May 15, 2017
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Infertility •
Infertility
Did you know?
Despite common perceptions, male factors alone are responsible for about 30% of all infertility cases and contribute to another 20% when combined with female factors. This highlights the importance of evaluating both partners in infertility assessments.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) •
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Did you know?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder linked to an increased risk of PID and that restoring Lactobacillus-dominant flora reduces this risk?
The study found a potent inhibitory effect against Chlamydia trachomatis infection using Lactobacillus brevis combined with lactoferrin, notably reducing bacterial adhesion, invasion, and inflammation. This indicates significant therapeutic potential in preventing chronic complications from genital infections.
What was studied?
This research study examined the interaction of two specific Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus crispatus) and lactoferrin in the context of a genital infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The researchers aimed to understand how lactobacilli and lactoferrin, individually and in combination, impact the infection process of C. trachomatis in cervical epithelial cells, specifically evaluating their effects on bacterial adhesion, invasion, intracellular replication, and the inflammatory response induced by infection.
Who was studied?
The study used an in vitro cell culture model involving human cervical epithelial HeLa cells. These cells were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis and exposed to either Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus crispatus, bovine lactoferrin, or combinations thereof. This experimental setup simulated the genital environment, allowing the investigators to measure interactions and inflammatory responses directly relevant to human female genital tract infections.
What were the most important findings?
The most significant outcome was that the combination of Lactobacillus brevis and bovine lactoferrin showed the strongest inhibitory effect against C. trachomatis infection, especially during the early phases of bacterial adhesion and invasion into host cells. This combination notably reduced the formation of infectious bacterial units (IFUs), indicating a substantial decrease in bacterial load. Individually, Lactobacillus brevis was more effective than Lactobacillus crispatus in preventing chlamydial adhesion, while bovine lactoferrin significantly hindered bacterial internalization. Lactobacilli displayed effective co-aggregation with C. trachomatis elementary bodies (EBs), reducing bacterial infectivity. The study also highlighted that this combined treatment dramatically reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, thus suggesting a potent anti-inflammatory effect beneficial in preventing chronic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage associated with persistent chlamydial infections.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study carries important clinical implications. The synergy between Lactobacillus brevis and bovine lactoferrin points towards a promising non-antibiotic strategy to prevent and manage genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Given the rising concern of antibiotic resistance and chronic inflammation linked to persistent chlamydial forms, employing probiotics combined with lactoferrin could offer a safer, more sustainable method to maintain genital tract health. Moreover, the significant anti-inflammatory impact indicates potential utility in reducing the chronic complications of C. trachomatis infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Translating these findings into clinical interventions, including topical probiotics and lactoferrin formulations, could notably enhance the current therapeutic approaches for sexually transmitted infections and associated inflammatory conditions.
Research Progress on the Interaction between Intestinal Flora and MicroRNA in Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
January 19, 2025
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) •
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Did you know?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder linked to an increased risk of PID and that restoring Lactobacillus-dominant flora reduces this risk?
This review highlights the crucial interactions between gut microbiota and microRNAs in pelvic inflammatory disease, revealing novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
What was reviewed?
This review article examined the current scientific progress on the interactions between the intestinal flora (gut microbiota) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It explores the reciprocal regulatory roles of gut microbiota and miRNAs, highlighting their contributions to immune-inflammatory processes, microbial balance, and disease progression in PID. The review also discusses emerging microbiome-targeted and miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
Who was reviewed?
The authors synthesized evidence from a broad range of experimental, clinical, and animal studies focusing on women with PID and relevant model systems. These studies investigated changes in gut and reproductive tract microbiota, miRNA expression profiles linked to PID and related complications (e.g., endometritis, ectopic pregnancy), and how modulation of these factors affects inflammation and immune responses. The review also included findings on probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
What were the most important findings?
The review underscores that PID pathogenesis is closely associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which disrupts immune homeostasis and triggers chronic inflammation through pathways involving pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and immune cell dysregulation. miRNAs emerge as critical regulators, modulating inflammation by targeting signaling pathways like NF-κB, TLR4, and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Specific miRNAs are implicated in PID severity and progression by influencing immune cell function and microbial populations. Furthermore, miRNAs can directly alter the gut microbiome composition, while microbial metabolites influence host miRNA expression, establishing a bidirectional regulatory network. Interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, dietary adjustments, and fecal microbiota transplantation show promise in restoring microbiome balance and modulating miRNA profiles to alleviate inflammation and improve PID outcomes. This integrated view highlights the microbiome-miRNA axis as a novel frontier for diagnostic markers and targeted therapies in PID.
What are the greatest implications of this review?
This review provides a compelling rationale for developing precision medicine approaches targeting both the microbiome and miRNAs to manage PID more effectively. Understanding the dynamic interplay between gut microbiota and miRNAs can facilitate the identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of PID. Additionally, microbiome and miRNA modulation could serve as adjunct or alternative therapies to conventional antibiotics, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and improving long-term reproductive health. The review calls for further research into the mechanisms governing microbiome-miRNA interactions and clinical trials to validate microbiome-targeted and miRNA-based interventions. Ultimately, this could transform PID management by enabling personalized treatments that address the underlying immune-inflammatory dysregulation.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a complex interplay between pathogens, immune responses, and microbial communities. As research continues to uncover the microbiome's role in reproductive health, microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) such as probiotics, prebiotics, and transplants are redefining how we prevent and treat PID. This page dives deep into these innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized, biologically informed women’s healthcare.
Microbiome-Targeted Interventions (MBTIs)
Microbiome Targeted Interventions (MBTIs) are cutting-edge treatments that utilize information from Microbiome Signatures to modulate the microbiome, revolutionizing medicine with unparalleled precision and impact.
References
- Lactobacilli–lactoferrin interplay in Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Rosa Sessa, Marisa Di Pietro, Simone Filardo, Alessia Bressan, Paola Mastromarino, Alessandra Vittoria Biasucci, Luigi Rosa, Antimo Cutone, Francesca Berlutti, Rosalba Paesano, Piera Valenti,. (Pathogens and Disease, Volume 75, Issue 5, July 2017, ftx054,)
- Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations.. Liu, P., Lu, Y., Li, R., & Chen, X. (2023).. (Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1153894.)
- Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations.. Liu, P., Lu, Y., Li, R., & Chen, X. (2023).. (Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1153894.)
Rosa Sessa, Marisa Di Pietro, Simone Filardo, Alessia Bressan, Paola Mastromarino, Alessandra Vittoria Biasucci, Luigi Rosa, Antimo Cutone, Francesca Berlutti, Rosalba Paesano, Piera Valenti,
Lactobacilli–lactoferrin interplay in Chlamydia trachomatis infectionPathogens and Disease, Volume 75, Issue 5, July 2017, ftx054,
Read ReviewLiu, P., Lu, Y., Li, R., & Chen, X. (2023).
Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1153894.
Liu, P., Lu, Y., Li, R., & Chen, X. (2023).
Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13, 1153894.