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[Inhibitor effect of vaginal lactobacilli on group B streptococci]

Ziya Cibali Açikgöz1, Söhret Gamberzade, Safiye Göçer

  • 1Fatih Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dali, Ankara.

Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|May 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Certain lactobacilli strains inhibit the growth of group B streptococcal (GBS) infections in vitro. These findings suggest probiotics may offer a safe, natural alternative for preventing neonatal GBS infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Probiotics

Context:

  • Neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) infections pose significant mortality and morbidity risks globally.
  • Current preventive strategies include perinatal antibiotic therapy and GBS polysaccharide vaccination.
  • Lactobacilli are being explored for their potential role in combating GBS.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of lactobacilli on group B streptococcal (GBS) growth.
  • To identify specific lactobacilli strains with GBS inhibitory properties.
  • To explore the mechanism behind lactobacilli's inhibitory action.

Summary:

  • Fifty-one lactobacilli strains were tested against five GBS strains using in vitro techniques.
  • Ten lactobacilli isolates (20%) demonstrated significant GBS inhibitory effects.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus was identified as a key inhibitory species, with higher acid production linked to inhibition, which was reversed by pH adjustment.

Impact:

  • This research suggests that specific lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can inhibit GBS growth in vitro.
  • The findings support the potential use of lactobacilli probiotics as a safe, physiological, and cost-effective alternative for preventing neonatal GBS infections.
  • Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these promising results for clinical application.

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