Therapeutic Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum ATG-K2 in Bacterial Vaginosis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by reduced vaginal lactobacilli and pathogenic bacteria proliferation, leading to symptoms such as vaginal epithelial cell detachment and unpleasant odor, along with various complications. Most Lactobacillus species play a crucial role in not only inhibiting BV, but also maintaining vaginal health. We aimed to determine whether Lactobacillus plantarum ATG-K2 has therapeutic and preventive effects against Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), a representative pathogen of BV. In vitro cell assays confirmed that ATG-K2 clusters within cells without cytotoxic effects and inhibits both the cytotoxicity and GV adhesion. Furthermore, biofilm formation assays using crystal violet revealed that ATG-K2 disrupts GV-formed biofilms. In GV-induced BV mouse models, ATG-K2 reduced clue cell formation and sialidase activity, thereby addressing the key aspects of BV. Additionally, when ATG-K2 was administered, the measurement of GV DNA within the vaginal tissue revealed a reduction in GV. In conclusion, ATG-K2 holds promise as a therapeutic agent for BV by inhibiting GV colonization and the associated pathology, potentially offering an alternative to antibiotics.