The in vitro Activity of Vaginal Lactobacillus With Probiotic Properties Against Candida
Lactobacilli, the predominant vaginal microorganisms in healthy premenopausal women, control other members of the vaginal microflora and thus protect against bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. It has been claimed that some lactobacilli are also protective against Candida vaginitis. Li...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2005-01-01
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| Series: | Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10647440400028136 |
| Summary: | Lactobacilli, the predominant vaginal microorganisms in healthy premenopausal women, control other members of the
vaginal microflora and thus protect against bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. It has been claimed that some
lactobacilli are also protective against Candida vaginitis. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms by which these
lactobacilli can control vaginal populations of Candida and prevent vaginitis. To address this question, vaginal Lactobacillus
strains with known antagonistic properties against bacteria were tested for their cell surface properties, adhesion to vaginal
cell lines in vitro and antagonistic activities against Candida. A small proportion of the lactobacilli tested adhered strongly to
cultured vaginal epithelial cells and inhibited growth of Candida albicans but not of C. pseudotropicalis. This anticandidal
activity was in some Lactobacillus strains related to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, but catalase treatment did not
suppress this activity in other Lactobacillus strains, suggesting alternative mechanism(s). Moreover, tested vaginal Candida
strains were resistant to relatively high concentrations of H2O2 that markedly exceeded those produced by even the most
active Lactobacillus strains. |
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| ISSN: | 1064-7449 1098-0997 |