Microbiota and Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Role of Vaginal Microbiota in Increasing the Risk of Cervical Cancer

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. in Genetics, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. M.Sc. in Genetic, Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 M.Sc. in Genetic, Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 PhD Student in Medical Genetics, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. PhD Student in Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Associate Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical Genetic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.86624.6376

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Although human papillomavirus is known as the main risk factor for cervical cancer, the role of the vaginal and cervical microbiota in the stages of carcinogenesis is also important. This systematic review study was conducted with aim to evaluate the composition of the vaginal and cervical microbiota and its association with cervical cancer dysplasia.
Methods: In this review study, the research articles published between 2017 and Februar 2025 from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were extracted and evaluated with MeSH keywords related to vaginal microbiota, cervix, HPV, dysplasia, and cervical cancer.
Results: In the final 18 studies, 42 unique bacterial species were reported in the vaginal and cervical microbiome. Seven bacterial species, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Prevotella, Gardnerella, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Lactobacillus jensenii, were increased during different stages of cervical carcinogenesis in women. Overall, 7 species were associated with healthy status, 11 species with human papillomavirus sequelae, and 24 species with abnormal cytology/dysplasia, including 7 species associated with cervical cancer. Also, 12 studies had compared alpha and beta diversity between diseased and healthy groups.
Conclusion: Identifying bacterial species associated with cervical carcinogenesis may play a significant role in prevention, early diagnosis, and design of targeted therapies. All studies emphasized the significant association of the vaginal microbiota with the occurrence or progression of cervical cancer. However, the reported microbial composition varied across populations and regions. These findings could form the basis for the development of microbiota-based interventions in the future.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 6
August 2025
Pages 78-108

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