Mode of action of Lactobacillus in protecting the vaginal environment.
Mechanism
Description
Example
Reference
Hydrogen peroxide production
H2O2 is a potent antimicrobial oxidizing agent, toxic to catalase-negative microorganisms. It also promotes immune tolerance and prevents overgrowth of harmful bacteria, especially during pregnancy.
94% of L. jensenii and 95% of L. crispatus produce H2O2.L. fermentum and L. acidophilus also produce H2O2 and protect against BV in pregnancy.
Lactobacillus spp., ferment glycogen, which is present in the vaginal epithelial cell, and produce D- and L-lactic acid, keeping the pH of the vaginal environment < 4.5, which is detrimental to certain pathogens.
Bacteriocins are anti-microbial peptides produced by Lactobacillus that can hinder cell wall synthesis, nuclease activity, and inhibit spore formation, leading to the death of the pathogen.
L. salivarius CRL 1328 inhibits N. gonorrhoeae, Enterococcus faecalis.L. fermentum 123 against several Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida spp.
Lactobacilli bind to epithelial cell surfaces and block receptor sites needed by pathogen colonization. They also co-aggregate with pathogens, depriving them of nutrition and forming an inhibitory barrier.
Co-aggregation is reported with G. vaginalis, Candida albicans, and E. coli.
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