Microbial Bioactives
Microbial Bioactives | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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Volume 5 Number 1 2022
REVIEWS (Open Access)
The Reproductive Tract Microbiome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analytic Narrative of Anatomical Niches, Ecological Dynamics, and Clinical Relevance
Ilya Kublanov 1*, Aleksandr Sergeevich Savvichev1, Sergey Gavrilov 1
Microbial Bioactives 5 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.5110703
Submitted: 12 July 2022 Revised: 06 September 2022 Accepted: 15 September 2022 Published: 17 September 2022
Abstract
The reproductive tract microbiome represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem that profoundly influences human and animal reproductive health. Traditionally considered sterile or dominated by a few key organisms, modern high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed extensive microbial diversity across anatomical niches, including the vulva, vagina, uterus, and endometrium. These microbial communities interact with host physiology, hormonal cycles, and environmental exposures to maintain homeostasis or, when disrupted, contribute to dysbiosis and adverse reproductive outcomes. In humans, Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota supports acidic pH maintenance and pathogen suppression, whereas shifts toward anaerobic species are linked to bacterial vaginosis, infertility, and pregnancy complications. In non-human mammals, reproductive niches display higher diversity and near-neutral pH, emphasizing species-specific microbial architectures. Endometrial microbiota, once presumed absent, show distinct low-biomass profiles that correlate with implantation success in assisted reproductive technologies. Emerging evidence also explores the controversial placental microbiome and its potential roles in fetal immune priming. Inter-niche connectivity via the gut-reproductive axis, sexual activity, and environmental influences further shapes community dynamics. This systematic review synthesizes current literature, highlighting ecological principles, clinical correlations, and methodological considerations in studying reproductive microbiomes. Integrating findings across humans and animal models offers insights for microbiome-guided diagnostics, fertility interventions, and personalized reproductive medicine. Understanding the intricate interplay between microbial communities and host physiology is essential for developing strategies that promote reproductive health, prevent dysbiosis, and optimize fertility outcomes.
Keywords: Reproductive tract microbiome; Vaginal microbiota; Uterine microbiota; Endometrial microbiome; Dysbiosis; Fertility; Lactobacillus; Assisted reproductive technologies
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