ABSTRACT
Background: For biotechnological application, selected lactic acid bacteria strains belonging to the genera Lactobacillus [Lb] are proposed as an alternative to the antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of urogenital tract infections
Objectives: Isolating and selecting vaginal lactobacilli strains for probiotic use based on their technological and probiotic aptitudes
Materials and Methods: The vaginal isolates were examined for their essential characteristics as the potential probiotic such as low pH tolerance, bile-salt and simulated human intestinal fluid [SIF] resistance, adhesion to the vaginal epithelial cells [VECs], aggregation and coaggregation, surface hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, acid production, antibiotic resistance, and resistance to spermicides. The best strain was identified by PCR
Results: From 70 lactobacilli isolates and according to the 16 rDNA sequences, isolates B6 and B10 showed the closest homology [99%] to the Lb. gasseri and Lb. plantarum respectively. They produced hydrogen peroxide [H[2]O[2]], tolerant to acid, bile, simulated human intestinal fluid, present a strong adhesion, highest percentages of aggregation, and antibacterial activity. These strains are resistant to the spermicide and actively acidify the growth medium
Conclusions: Strains Lb. plantarum B10 and Lb. gasseri B6 have a strong potential probiotic confirming their value as a tool for prevention against urinary and vaginal infections