[Lactobacillus speciesas opportunistic pathogens in children]

The purpose of this research was the analysis of the Lactobacillus spp. strain occurrence in diagnostic materials obtained in the clinical pediatric hospital as well as to evaluate the phenotypic features of isolated strains and bile salts hydrolase (BSH) activity. Isolated strains were grown booth on media routinely used in clinical microbiology (TSA, Columbia + 5% sheep blood, D-coccosel) and on selective media (MRS) to isolated Lactobacillus bacteria. Strains were identified on the basis of biochemical profile in API 50CH test. Strains morphology and appearance of bile salts hydrolase activity were determined. During the research 107 Lactobacillus strains were isolated in oncology ward (37%), pulmonology (24%), home marrow transplantation (10%), intensive care unit (11%), and others. The strains were isolated from blood (9%), cerebrospinal fluid (1%), peritoneal fluid (1%), intestinal fistula (1%), respiratory tract (81%) and others. L. rhamnosus species dominated. The isolates grew poorly on routine media white on selective (MRS) media they grew well. Bile salts hydrolase (BSH) activity was detected in 20% of the strains. The results of the research show that Lactobacillus rods colonise patients with lowered immunity and may be the source of serious opportunistic infections in children. Phenotypic features, including many similar to Enterococcus species, make the diagnosis of these bacteria difficult. The use of MRS media can make it easier to isolate Lactobacillus rods from clinical materials.