Protection and Risk: Male and Female Genital Microbiota and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Unique compositional and functional features of the cervicovaginal microbiota have been associated with protection against and risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). In men, our knowledge of the interaction between the penile microbiota and STI is less developed. The current state of our understanding of these microbiota and their role in select STIs is briefly reviewed, along with strategies that leverage existing findings to manipulate genital microbiota and optimize protection against STIs. Finally, we focus on major research gaps and present a framework for future studies.

Automated summary

The unique composition and function of the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with protection against and risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI), while less is known about the interaction between penile microbiota and STIs in men. This review briefly discusses the current understanding of these microbiota and their role in select STIs, as well as strategies for manipulating genital microbiota to optimize protection against STIs, highlighting major research gaps and proposing a framework for future studies.