Characterisation and selection of a Lactobacillus species to re-colonise the vagina of women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis

This research article investigates the antimicrobial properties of various Lactobacillus strains against bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis, including Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Bacteroides species. The study evaluated 13 different Lactobacillus strains for their ability to inhibit these pathogenic bacteria using in vitro assays. The researchers measured zones of inhibition and assessed bacterial adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells. Key findings demonstrate that different Lactobacillus strains exhibited variable inhibitory activity against the target organisms, with some strains showing significantly greater antimicrobial effects than others. The study also examined the ability of Lactobacillus strains to compete with pathogenic bacteria for adhesion to host cells. Results indicate that certain strains possessed superior antagonistic properties against bacterial vaginosis-associated organisms. These findings suggest that specific Lactobacillus strains may be more effective than others as potential probiotics for preventing or treating bacterial vaginosis. The research contributes to understanding which lactobacillar species and strains could be therapeutically useful for maintaining vaginal health through competitive exclusion and direct antimicrobial activity.

Key findings

• Different Lactobacillus strains demonstrated variable inhibitory activity against Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, and Bacteroides species, with some strains producing significantly larger zones of inhibition than others
• Specific Lactobacillus strains showed superior ability to compete with pathogenic bacteria for adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells
• Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. jensenii, and L. crispatus from vaginal sources exhibited differential antimicrobial efficacy against bacterial vaginosis-associated organisms
• The study identified particular strains with enhanced antagonistic properties that could serve as potential probiotics for vaginal health maintenance