BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 2019
Does the vaginal microbiome drive cervical carcinogenesis?
Abstract
Since the discovery of lactic acid producing bacteria in the vagina by Albert Dodelein in 1892, multiple studies have explored the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and various physiological, infectious and malignant conditions (Ćaniewski et\xa0al, Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):7593). Whether the vaginal microbiome influences the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer is one example with several, albeit small studies assessing whether vaginal dysbiosis influences HPV acquisition, persistence and progression to cervical dysplasia and malignancy. Whilst findings from these studies have been consistent and highly suggestive of an altered vaginal microbiome (Brusselaers at al., Am J Obstet Gynaecol 2019: 221(1):9-18), compelling evidence for the specific bacterial community state type (CST) species linked with cervical disease is lacking. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.