Role of non-H2O2 producing lactobacilli and anaerobes in normal and complicated pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

Lactobacilli (Doederlein's bacilli) are the most important predominant protective agents of the vaginal microbial ecosystem and alteration in vaginal pH directly speculates the concentration of lactobacilli. Currently, recognition of anaerobic lactobacilli (non-H2O2 producing lactobacilli) had further raised its significance. Therefore, the present study was aimed to explore the role of non-H2O2 lactobacilli and its association with other anaerobes in 100 cases of complicated pregnancy, 75 cases of normal pregnancy and 35 cases in non-pregnant women. Vaginal and cervical swabs were obtained and were inoculated in special and suitable media. Anaerobic lactobacilli (non-H2O2 producing) were more common genital microbes in women of complicated pregnancy (56.0%) than in normal pregnancy (34.7%) and in control group (14.2%). Rate of recovery of non-H2O2 producing lactobacilli increased when pathogenic bacteria especially anaerobes dominate the genital microflora. Anaerobic lactobacilli were seen in higher numbers when they were associated with bacteroides sp and other anaerobes. They were significantly reduced when aerobes predominated in flora; the correlation have been discussed.