Selection of vaginal H2O2-generating Lactobacillus species for probiotic use

• Published in: Current microbiology Vol. 38; no. 5; pp. 279 - 284
• Main Authors: OCANA, V. S, PESCE DE RUIZ HOLGADO, A. A, NADER-MACIAS, M. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Springer 01-05-1999; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Hydrogen peroxide; Hydrogen Peroxide - metabolism; Hydrogen Peroxide - pharmacokinetics; Hydrogen Peroxide - pharmacology; Lactobacillus - growth & development; Lactobacillus - metabolism; Metabolites; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Microbiology; Miscellaneous; Pathogens; Probiotics; Probiotics - metabolism; Probiotics - pharmacokinetics; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Time Factors; Vagina - microbiology; Probiotic; Lactic acid bacteria; Microorganism interrelationships; Vagina; Hydrogen Peroxides; Biological activity; Screening; Antagonism; Pathogenic; Female genital system; Bacteria; Lactobacillaceae; Micrococcales; Micrococcaceae; Staphylococcus aureus; Lactobacillus
• ISSN: 0343-8651; 1432-0991
• DOI: 10.1007/pl00006802

Lactobacilli are believed to contribute to the control of the vaginal microflora by different mechanisms such as production of antagonistic substances like lactic acid, bacteriocins, and H2O2. This paper describes the selection of H2O2-generating lactobacilli among 35 hydrophobic isolates from the human vagina. Lactobacillus crispatus F117, which generated the highest H2O2 level, was chosen to study: (a) the kinetics of H2O2 production considering different culture conditions, and (b) the effect of this metabolite on the growth of urogenital tract pathogens. The levels of H2O2 in L. crispatus supernatant increased during its growth and were maximum at the early stationary phase (3.29 mmol H2O2 L-1) under aerated conditions (agitated cultures). In nonagitated cultures there were no detectable levels of H2O2. L. crispatus F117 spent supernatant inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth in plaque assay. Inhibition was due to H2O2 since catalase treatment of the supernatant suppressed inhibition. In mixed cultures performed with L. crispatus and S. aureus a significant decrease in pathogen growth was observed. The inhibitory effect depended on the initial inoculum of S. aureus. Further evaluation of the properties of L. crispatus F117 will be performed to consider its inclusion in a probiotic for local use in the vaginal tract.