Tissue Affected: Mouth

Prevotella spp. in the vagina

Prevotella species are a group of bacteria that live in the mouth and vagina, and can cause infections, particularly in the gums, lungs, sinuses and ears, and wounds. Prevotella species associated with vulvovaginal or urogenital infections include:

Porphyromonas spp.

Porphyromonas is a genus known to have pathogenic and commensal species that create part of the salivary microbiome. Because the mouth and vagina share many characteristics, these bacteria may be found in the urogenital tract. Porphyromonas asaccharolytica Porphyromonas endodontalis Porphyromonas gingivalis

Lactobacillus fermentum vulvovaginal colonisation

Lactobacillus fermentum is a bacteria found harmlessly in sourdough, fermenting foods, and the vulvovaginal area in women (considered probiotic), with some less friendly strains found in dental cavities in the mouth. Lactobacillus fermentum has sometimes been mistaken for what is now known as Lactobacillus reuteri, a well-known and researched vulvovaginal and urinary tract probiotic.

Lactobacillus spp.

Many areas of the human body are colonised with different species of lactobacilli, including the digestive system, vulvovaginal area, and urinary tract.

Hoylesella timonensis (formerly Prevotella timonensis) vulvovaginal infections

Prevotella timonensis commonly lives in healthy mouths and vaginal tracts, but is an opportunistic pathogen, sometimes leading to unpleasant symptoms, like bacterial vaginosis or abscesses in the mouth. 

Prevotella disiens vulvovaginal infections

Prevotella disiens was formerly known as part of Bacteroides disiens. P. disiens is most commonly found in the mouth, and has been related to bacterial vaginosis.

Prevotella corporis vulvovaginal infections

A member of the Prevotella species that can contribute to infections in the vagina and reproductive tract of women, such as bacterial vaginosis, and in the mouth. 

Prevotella buccalis vulvovaginal infections

Prevotella buccalis naturally lives in the mouth and vagina, but is considered an opportunistic pathogen, and is associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis vulvovaginal infections

P. gingivalis is a pathogenic bacteria frequently involved in gum disease, however it has been found in women with BV and women who are having trouble conceiving.

Bacteroides endodontalis vulvovaginal infections

Highly associated with periodontal disease, causing infections in the gums and tooth roots. Relatives of this species cause or contribute to vaginal infections, and so B. endodontalis is flagged as a possible cause or contributor of vulvovaginal infections or dysbiosis. Bacteria that cause gum disease may survive in the vaginal mucosal environment given the right

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 (Genital Herpes)

Commonly associated with genital herpes, but can appear as coldsores and in other areas.

Streptococcus vestibularis vulvovaginal infections

S. vestibularis can be found in the vagina, but is not associated with vulvovaginal infections, though can rarely cause human infection.

Helicobacter pylori vulvovaginal infections

Helicobacter pylori is most commonly associated with stomach ulcers, but it can affect other areas of the body like the vagina, urinary tract, and mouth.

Enterococcus faecalis vulvovaginal infection

Enterococcus faecalis is naturally extremely hardy and highly antibiotic resistant, causing aerobic vaginitis and urinary tract infections.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Actinomyces naeslundii vulvovaginal infections

Actinomyces naeslundii is best known for its role in dental plaque and as a mouth pathogen, however it has been found in abscesses throughout the body, including in the female pelvis.