Mixed Infections in the Female Lower Genital Tract: Unlocking the Current Landscape and Future Directions

Abstract

Understanding mixed infections in the female lower genital tract is a critical challenge in modern infection research. The interplay of multiple pathogens complicates disease progression, often resulting in treatment failure, recurrent infections, and significant public health and economic burdens. These infections are further exacerbated by disrupted host immune responses, which hinder the recovery of the vaginal microecosystem. Additionally, microbial biofilms—a fundamental mode of pathogen coexistence—contribute to the persistence and drug resistance of these infections, complicating management strategies. This review examines the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of mixed infections in the female lower genital tract while exploring potential avenues for future research. These findings emphasize the need for greater focus on these infections and offer insights to enhance further research in this area.

Keywords

Mixed infections / Female lower genital tract / Vaginal microbiome / Biofilms / Research advancements

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Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 81874483)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Huazhong University of Science and Technology