Genital Microbiome Influences HSV-2 Serostatus in Men & Women - Physician's Weekly
A study of male and female genital microbiomes shows that STIs and the sexual health of men and women are "inextricably linked biologically and behaviorally." Couples-level consideration of the genital microbiome and STIs could pave the way for more effective preventive strategies, according to a study by Supriya D. Mehta, MHS, PhD, and colleagues. The study found an association between penile taxa and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in female partners and between vaginal taxa and HSV-2 in male partners. "Our previous studies showed that the penile microbiome of men with genital ulcers had a greater presence and abundance of bacteria that are often associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in women," Dr. Mehta explained. "BV represents a shift in the vaginal microbiome from one that is Lactobacillus -dominant to one that is diverse, with many anaerobic bacteria. There is also clinical and epidemiologic evidence that BV and HSV-2 are correlated."