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Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria
Published on: May 25, 2022
Relationship between lactobacilli and opportunistic bacterial pathogens associated with vaginitis
Mohammad Sabri A Razzak1, Alaa H Al-Charrakh, Bara Hamid Al-Greitty
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Babylon University, Iraq.
North American Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 28, 2012
Summary
Lactobacilli protect against vaginitis by producing beneficial compounds. Antibiotic selection is crucial to preserve these helpful bacteria, as some common treatments can harm them.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gynecology
- Probiotics
Background:
- Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, sometimes involving the vulva.
- Lactobacilli maintain vaginal flora balance and offer protection against infections.
- Lactobacilli produce safe, antagonizing compounds with probiotic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate Lactobacilli's protective role against common bacterial opportunistic pathogens in vaginitis.
- Investigate the effects of specific antibiotics on Lactobacilli isolates.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 110 vaginal swabs from women with vaginitis in Iraq.
- Isolated opportunistic bacterial pathogens and Lactobacilli.
- Assessed Lactobacilli's probiotic factors (hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocin, lactic acid).
Main Results:
- Identified Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae as common pathogens.
- Lactobacilli produced hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocin, inhibiting some pathogens.
- Lactobacilli showed sensitivity to erythromycin but resistance to ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and gentamycin.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacilli play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health.
- Selective antibiotic use is vital to avoid eliminating beneficial Lactobacilli.
- Preserving the vaginal ecosystem requires careful consideration of antibiotic impact on probiotics.
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