The Role of Sialidases in the Development of Bacterial Vaginosis and their Use as Potential Markers in the Diagnosis of Vaginal Infections

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an inflammatory condition of the vagina with a polyetiological origin, most commonly associated with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella spp. Pathogens compromise the protective barrier of the vagina through multiple mechanisms. Sialidases, key virulence factors of BV pathogens, desialylate vaginal glycans, altering their structure and function. Point-of-care tests based on sialidase activity are available for diagnostics. This work reviews the role of sialidases in BV pathophysiology, focusing on their effects on mucosal integrity and biofilm formation, as well as their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.