Adhesion of Lactobacillus vaginal strains with probiotic properties to vaginal epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT

The capability of lactobacilli to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells (VEC) has been found to be an important factor in the formation of a barrier to prevent colonization of pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to examine the adhesion ability to VEC, of vaginal Lactobacillus which had been selected for their probiotic properties. A modification of the Mardh and Westr÷n method was employed for this purpose. Adherent bacteria were determined as CFU-grown using selective media. There was a slight degree of difference in the adhesion properties observed among vaginal and non-vaginal Lactobacillus. Different pH values of 4 and 7 did not affect adhesion (P < 0.70). Scanning and transmission electronic microscopy were performed to illustrate the adhesion of the self-aggregating L. salivarius CRL 1328.