Bacterial biota of women with bacterial vaginosis treated with lactoferrin Original paper
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.
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Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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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
What was studied?
This study investigated the bacterial biota in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and assessed the effects of two different concentrations of vaginal lactoferrin pessaries (100 mg and 200 mg) on the vaginal bacterial composition. The aim was to characterize the vaginal microbiota before, during, and after lactoferrin treatment.
Who was studied?
Sixty sexually active women of reproductive age (18–45 years old) with symptomatic acute BV were studied. The women were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received 200 mg lactoferrin vaginal pessaries, and the other received 100 mg lactoferrin vaginal pessaries.
What were the most important findings?
The study showed that lactoferrin treatment significantly altered the vaginal microbiota in women with BV. During the treatment, both 100 mg and 200 mg doses of lactoferrin reduced the abundance of bacteria commonly associated with BV, such as Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Lachnospira. Concurrently, the levels of Lactobacillus species increased. The most significant changes were with the 200 mg lactoferrin dose, which maintained the bacterial balance up to 2 weeks after treatment. In contrast, the 100 mg dose did not maintain the microbiota balance as effectively post-treatment, with an increase in Gardnerella and Prevotella species observed. The study also highlighted that Lactobacillus helveticus became the dominant species during and after treatment, a species not previously detected in the vaginal microbiome of these participants.
What are the implications of this study?
The findings suggest that lactoferrin could be a viable alternative therapeutic approach for BV, offering a non-antibiotic treatment option. By promoting the growth of Lactobacillus species and reducing pathogenic bacteria, lactoferrin helps restore a healthier vaginal microbiota. This approach may overcome some of the limitations of antibiotic treatments for BV, such as recurrence and resistance development. The emergence of Lactobacillus helveticus during lactoferrin treatment suggests the potential for new probiotic strains for BV management. These results also point toward the need for further research on the role of lactoferrin in maintaining long-term vaginal health.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally occurring iron-binding glycoprotein classified as a postbiotic with immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and prebiotic-like properties.