gynecology and obstetrics medical project, gynecology journal, obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, reproductive medicine, gynecological endoscopy, ultrasonography, gynecology articles

Ginekologia i Poloznictwo
ISSN 1896-3315 e-ISSN 1898-0759

Selection of Lactobacillus strains and the efficacy of intravaginal gynaecological probiotics


Abstract

Author(s): KATARZYNA PAWŁOWSKA

Vaginal discharge of healthy women is a habitat of approximately 107 - 108 CFU/g of bacteria. The most frequently isolated Lactobacilli in the vaginal discharge of the Polish population are: L. acidophilus (including L. gasseri), L. fermentum, L. plantarum. In order to preserve the healthy condition of urogenital tracts, i.e. the vaginal microflora with a constant quantitative and qualitative composition, the Polish Gynaecological Society recommends using probiotics. Our study is an attempt to answer the question whether the number of strains included in a gynaecological probiotic has an effect on its efficacy. World literature supplies information on differences in the qualitative and quantitative composition of vaginal microflora between different geographic regions of the world. It has been observed, however, that the diversity of vaginal Lactobacillus strains is limited to several species. Therefore, it appears reasonable to use more than one strain of lactic acid bacilli in a probiotic. The assumption has been confirmed by experts of the Polish Gynaecological Society, who recommend using in a probiotic at least 2 strains of Lactobacillus found in the physiological vaginal biocenosis of the Polish population. Moreover, the article takes into consideration the requirements of FAO/ WHO commissions regarding Lactobacillus strains contained in probiotics.