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Lactobacillus Biofilms Influence Anti-Candida Activity
Carola Parolin1, Vanessa Croatti1, Luca Laghi2
1Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 15, 2021
Summary
Lactobacillus biofilms enhance anti-Candida activity, particularly for L. crispatus and L. plantarum strains, while L. gasseri is more effective planktonically. Biofilm formation impacts Lactobacillus metabolism and antifungal properties.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Medical Mycology
- Host-Microbiota Interactions
Background:
- Lactobacilli dominate the vaginal microbiota, providing defense against pathogens like Candida.
- Biofilm formation is a key microbial growth strategy with significant health implications.
- Resident microbiota biofilms can enhance microbial persistence and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate biofilm formation capabilities of vaginal Lactobacillus strains.
- To correlate Lactobacillus growth modes (biofilm vs. planktonic) with anti-Candida activity.
- To assess the impact of growth mode on Lactobacillus metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Tested 16 vaginal Lactobacillus strains (L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. vaginalis, L. plantarum) for biofilm formation.
- Assessed anti-Candida activity of Lactobacillus culture supernatants against 6 Candida species.
- Analyzed Lactobacillus metabolomes using 1H-NMR to understand metabolic changes.
Main Results:
- L. plantarum strains showed the highest biofilm production; L. crispatus and L. gasseri exhibited variable biofilm formation.
- L. crispatus and L. plantarum biofilms enhanced anti-Candida activity.
- L. gasseri strains were more effective against Candida in planktonic mode.
- Biofilm formation altered Lactobacillus metabolism, particularly nitrogen and amino acid pathways.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus anti-Candida activity is linked to carbohydrate metabolism and influenced by growth mode.
- Biofilm formation by vaginal Lactobacilli is crucial for host-microbiota interactions.
- Findings support developing probiotic strategies using adherence-grown Lactobacilli for antimycotic therapies.
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