However, individual aspects of this superorganism receive more attention than others, a fact that is somewhat due to their physical size. It is now clear to many people that a healthy ecosystem in the gut is of great importance for health. Other areas are discussed much less frequently, such as the microbiome of the female genital tract, which has been termed “the vaginome”. 

Here too, there is a complex ecosystem, with important functionality for health, as well as defence against potential pathogens. This ecosystem is dominated by Lactobacilli, which represent 80-95% of the resident microorganisms [3,4]. These produce lactate, which lowers the pH, supports the innate immune system and has a direct impact on harmful bacteria [5]. 

Disruption or changes in the vaginal flora play an essential role in the development of problems such as bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and premature childbirth [6-8].

One of the most common diseases in the vaginal area is bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are often prescribed to deal with this, a measure that does not always lead to long-term resolution [5].

Studies which investigated the use of lactoferrin in bacterial vaginosis have been quite successful. 

A 2017 study showed that lactoferrin was able to reduce the number of pathogenic germs while simultaneously increasing the concentration of lactobacilli. These measurable differences were still present 2 weeks after the vaginal treatment with lactoferrin [5].

The vaginome has other profound influences, closely related to fertility and how the pregnancy progresses.

We know that infections caused by pathogens can play a role in premature births. The presence of these pathogens can stimulate the release of various pro-inflammatory messengers, ultimately triggering a premature labour via the formation of prostaglandins [9].

A healthy vaginal microflora is essential here, helping prevent colonisation by pathogens.

Giunta et al. investigated the possibilities of using lactoferrin in women who showed an increased risk of premature childbirth due to infection. Oral administration of lactoferrin was correlated with a reduced level of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in the vaginal secretions, with a  normalising of the vaginal microbiome and a reduced risk of premature delivery [9]. 

A smaller study of six women with a history of miscarriage, premature birth and bacterial vaginosis also showed a significant improvement in the vaginal microbiome following administration of lactoferrin [10]. The authors referred to similar results in animal studies [11] and were optimistic that lactoferrin could help reduce the risk of premature births as related to infections. 

Independent of microbiome research, this effect of lactoferrin was already presented in previous human studies [12].

Chlamydia infection also deserves a mention: this often requires long-term treatment with antibiotics, with a significant increased risk of antibiotic resistance.  It has been shown that lactoferrin used as a suppository intravaginally can be successful [13].

Vaginal dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, is also associated with reduced pregnancy rates [14].

After examining microbial diversity, a recent study was able to predict whether In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) would be successful or not [15].

Thanks to new methods of analysis, interventions can be tailored to be more specific. A pilot study has examined triple therapy of antibiotic, probiotic plus lactoferrin in managing endometrial dysbiosis [16], with the conclusion that the restoration of the microbiome could mean a distinct advantage with regard to fertilisation. 

More research, along with the use of new technologies and new therapeutic approaches could open the door for a completely new range of treatments.

Lactoferrin lives up to its role as a multifunctional protein and may be an essential component of such innovative concepts.