Vaginal fluid transplant may soon become a reality in US. The new procedure will be a new tool to fight against bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the female genitals. Researchers at the John Hopkins University were inspired after the success of faecal transplant to balance bacteria in the gut. By planting vaginal microbes through fluid transplant, the researchers hope to cure bacterial infection of the vagina. The researchers have published an article in journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology outlining their universal donor screening approach that was implemented on 20 women. They stated in the study that vaginal microbiota transplant (VMT) may be a more effective option to treat bacterial vaginosis as compared to the standard treatment. The regular treatment with antibiotics almost always results in the recurrence of the disease.

What is the Vaginal Microbiota?

Vaginal flora or vaginal microbiota are micro-organisms that live in the female genitalia. A healthy vagina comprises the bacteria Lactobacillus, which keeps it slightly acidic to curb the growth of other harmful bacteria. Does Your Vagina Need Probiotics? How Good Bacteria Can Improve Vaginal Health.

Other bacteria in the vagina include Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, E Coli, Mycoplasma, etc. When these bacteria grow unchecked, it over powers Lactobacillus, causing bacterial vaginosis. The vaginal microbiome impacts not only the woman’s health but also her newborns.’ From Garlic to Herb ‘Sticks!’ Things You Should Never Put into Your Vagina.

What is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the female genitalia, caused by the overgrowth of the bacteria. When the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria is disturbed, it results in a number of symptoms such as grey discharge, burning sensation, itching and even pain.

The disease can be sexually transmitted and can be dangerous if left untreated. Bacterial vaginosis increases your risk of STIs, premature births, low birth weight of children and inflammatory pelvic disease. Vaginal Smells: 5 Types of Feminine Odours And The Health Issues They Indicate.

How Does Vaginal Microbiota Transplant or Fluid Transplant Work?

Women in her childbearing years produces approximately one to four millilitres of vaginal fluid that contains scores of bacterial cells. The fluid can be transferred from a healthy woman’s vagina to those suffering from bacterial vaginosis.

The culture of good bacteria from the fluid can help correct the imbalance caused by bad bacteria and heal bacterial vaginosis.

Dr Ethel Weld, an author of the study, designed a questionnaire along with her colleagues for screening super donors with the right balance of vaginal bacteria. Once they are identified using the questionnaire, the super donors then donate their vaginal fluid as per patients’ requirements.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2019 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).