Characterisation Of Probiotic Properties Of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Vaginal Microflora Of Healthy Turkish Women

Abstract

The goal of this investigation was to assess the potential probiotic properties of 10 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from vaginal microflora of 60 healthy women in Kirsehir province. The selected LAB (lactic acid bacteria) were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. In order to evaluate their probiotic properties, low pH and high bile salt, concentration tolerance, antagonistic and antimicrobial activities, H2O2 production capabilities as well as auto-aggregation and coaggregation capabilities, cholesterol removal, their capacity to adhere to uroepithelial cells and to determine their anti-proliferative or cytotoxic effects on HeLa [Human Cervical Carcinoma Cell] and Caco-2 [Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line] cells were investigated. All strains were found to be resistant to low pH (pH 2.5 and 3.0) conditions and high bile salt concentrations (0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). Vaginal LAB displayed a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity against urogenital pathogens, and resistance to antibiotics commonly prescribed for infections caused by these pathogens. All isolates tested were able to auto aggregate (ranging from 47% to 81% assessed at 4 hours of incubation) and to co-aggregate with the three pathogenic microorganisms. The highest antiproliferative action on the HeLa and Caco-2 cells was found to vary between 75-95% at the highest doses of the metabolite products of the L1, L6 and L8 strains. Considering all these properties together with, it is thought that these strains can contribute to the development of new probiotic formulations which may be effective in the prevention and treatment of urogenital infections.