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Review
. 2018 Nov 1;18(1):40-50.
doi: 10.1002/rmb2.12249. eCollection 2019 Jan.

Deciphering the effect of reproductive tract microbiota on human reproduction

Inmaculada Moreno  1   2 , Carlos Simon  1   2   3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Deciphering the effect of reproductive tract microbiota on human reproduction

Inmaculada Moreno et al. Reprod Med Biol. .

Abstract

Background: The female reproductive tract contains an active microbiome comprising mainly bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, which is associated with a healthy microbiome state. However, spatio-temporal fluctuations of this microbiome that occur in response to internal and external factors may impact the physiology of the reproductive tract organs and even lead to pathological states.

Methods: Current literature covering the reproductive tract microbiome is summarized and contextualized in this review.

Main findings: This review presents the current knowledge about the bacterial composition of the lower and upper reproductive tract as well as the impact of the microbiota on women's health and reproduction. We place special focus on the impact of the endometrial microbiome in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies.

Conclusion: The assessment of the reproductive tract microbiome adds a new microbiological perspective to human reproduction, pregnancy, and onset of new life, highlighting the importance of considering the evaluation of microbial communities to improve personalized care in reproductive medicine and women's health.

Keywords: dysbiosis; endometrial health; human reproduction; microbiome; reproductive tract bacteria.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Factors influencing the composition of the cervicovaginal microbiota. Reprinted from Kroon et al,37 with permission from Elsevier
Figure 2
Figure 2
History of uterine microbiota investigation. Reprinted from Bakeret al,100 under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagnosis of chronic endometritis depends on the method used. A, Examples of concordant cases using evaluation strategies. B, Examples of discordant cases using evaluation strategies. Reprinted from Moreno et al,59 with permission from Elsevier
Figure 4
Figure 4
The abundance of Lactobacilli in endometrial fluid samples is associated with reproductive outcomes in ART patients. Reprinted from Moreno et al,10 with permission from Elsevier
Figure 5
Figure 5
Effect of antimicrobial therapy on reproductive outcomes in ART patients. A, Ongoing pregnancy rate and/or live birth rate. B, Clinical pregnancy rate. C, Implantation rates. Reprinted from Vitagliano et al,92 with permission from Elsevier
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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