Uterine microbiome

The uterine microbiome refers to the community of commensal, nonpathogenic microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, and yeasts/fungi—present in a healthy uterus, as well as in the amniotic fluid and endometrium.

These microorganisms coexist in a specific environment within the uterus, playing a vital role in maintaining reproductive health.

Recent advancements in microbiological research, particularly the improvement of 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques, have challenged this long-held belief.

[2] Using this procedure that allows the detection of bacteria that cannot be cultured outside the body, studies of microbiota present in the uterus are expected to increase.

[3] In the past, the uterine cavity had been traditionally considered to be sterile, but potentially susceptible to be affected by vaginal bacteria.

The existence of more than 10% of non-Lactobacillus bacteria in the endometrium is correlated with negative impacts on reproductive function and should be considered as an emerging cause of implantation failure and pregnancy loss.

In the context of infertility, researchers have studied the effects of a treatment plan of antibiotics in conjunction with prebiotics and probiotics to increase Lactobacillus colonization in the endometrium.

Based on a Web of Science analysis, the highest number of documents published on the topic was in 2023, with a total of 23 papers.

Similarly, Dr. Maria Walther-Antonio’s lab at the Mayo Clinic focuses on the microbiome’s role in endometrial cancer.

A research team led by Dr. Inmaculada Moreno at the Carlos Simon Foundation studies the role of the endometrial microbiome in human reproduction.