The Presence of <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. and its Effect on the Occurrence of Other Microorganisms in the Reproductive Tract of Polish Women

Disorders of the vaginal microbiota can lead to many complications and affect fertility. This study evaluates the role of <i>Lactobacillus</i> in the vagina and its impact on the incidence of colonization by pathogenic microorganisms, analyzing the results of 1,039 women of reproductive age (18-49 years) who underwent a microbiological examination of the reproductive tract in 2020. Samples were examined by microscopy, culture, and NAAT. As the number of <i>Lactobacillus</i> increases, the chance of developing symptoms decreases. In fact, it has been shown that the higher the number of <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. the less frequently <i>Gardnerella vaginalis</i> and <i>Streptococcus</i> group B are observed. As the concentration of <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. increases by one category, the risk of <i>G. vaginalis</i> after adjustment to age and pH decreases by 80% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Similarly, the correlation between <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. and vaginal pH was shown. After adjustment to age, the odds of prevalence pH > 4.5 for people with <i>Lactobacillus</i> category higher 1 is 76% lower.