Speaker Credentials
OMS-II
College
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Medical Specialty
Gynecology
Format
Poster
Start Date
November 2024
End Date
November 2024
Track
2
Abstract
Objective: The goal of this review is to educate providers about the importance of maintaining the balance of the vaginal microbiome (VMB) and how modifiable factors may be used to improve treatment outcomes of patients with bacterial vaginosis. Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and is treated with Metronidazole, which has a high recurrent infection rate. Preliminary studies highlighted the balance of VMB species affects the development of BV and therapeutic outcomes of Metronidazole. Furthermore, previous studies have described how VMB composition can be shaped by various factors. Methods: Here, we review the composition of the VMB and investigate the influence of hormones, diet, and hygiene practices on the typical vaginal microbiome composition and development of BV. Results: Homogeneity of Lactobacilli colonization of the VMB is a critical factor in maintaining VMB health. In contrast, developing diverse species, including Gardnerella colonization, predisposes women to develop BV. Factors such as oral contraceptives, low glycemic index diet, and probiotics help maintain VMB Lactobacilli symbiosis. Conversely, cortisol, high glycemic index diet, and vaginal douching are factors that allow for the growth of Gardnerella species. Conclusion: The recurrent infection rate of Metronidazole calls into question the efficacy of this treatment and a need for future clinicians to emphasize other modifiable areas, such as hormonal factors, diet, and hygiene practices, to improve the treatment outcomes of women suffering from BV.
Improving Treatment Outcomes for Bacterial Vaginosis by Affecting the Vaginal Microbiome
Objective: The goal of this review is to educate providers about the importance of maintaining the balance of the vaginal microbiome (VMB) and how modifiable factors may be used to improve treatment outcomes of patients with bacterial vaginosis. Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and is treated with Metronidazole, which has a high recurrent infection rate. Preliminary studies highlighted the balance of VMB species affects the development of BV and therapeutic outcomes of Metronidazole. Furthermore, previous studies have described how VMB composition can be shaped by various factors. Methods: Here, we review the composition of the VMB and investigate the influence of hormones, diet, and hygiene practices on the typical vaginal microbiome composition and development of BV. Results: Homogeneity of Lactobacilli colonization of the VMB is a critical factor in maintaining VMB health. In contrast, developing diverse species, including Gardnerella colonization, predisposes women to develop BV. Factors such as oral contraceptives, low glycemic index diet, and probiotics help maintain VMB Lactobacilli symbiosis. Conversely, cortisol, high glycemic index diet, and vaginal douching are factors that allow for the growth of Gardnerella species. Conclusion: The recurrent infection rate of Metronidazole calls into question the efficacy of this treatment and a need for future clinicians to emphasize other modifiable areas, such as hormonal factors, diet, and hygiene practices, to improve the treatment outcomes of women suffering from BV.