Anaerococcus is a genus of Gram-positive, obligate anaerobic cocci within the phylum Firmicutes. It is a normal inhabitant of the human vaginal, skin, and gastrointestinal microbiota, but is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in dysbiotic states, particularly when Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal communities are disrupted.
Anaerococcus enrichment has been documented in the vaginal microbiome of women with endometriosis, where its increased abundance correlates with non-Lactobacillus-dominant community state types ([1], cross-sectional; [2], cross-sectional). The genus has also been identified as enriched in HPV-positive cervical cancer, where it contributes to the anaerobic, pro-inflammatory vaginal environment associated with persistent HPV infection and malignant progression ([3], mega-analysis). These patterns position Anaerococcus as a marker of vaginal dysbiosis across gynecological conditions.
Cross-References
- bacterial vaginosis — associated dysbiotic state
- endometriosis — condition of enrichment
- cervical cancer — condition of enrichment
- lactobacillus — inversely correlated in vaginal communities