Docking of vaginal Lactobacillus isolates as a potential bactericidal agent in Kirkuk 2022

Abstract

Abstract Background: Because the female genital tract is a complex microbial community that plays various roles in disease development. Alternatively, Lactobacilli in the vaginal environment play an important role in maintaining a healthy vaginal ecosystem by preventing pathogenic overgrowth. Objective: Therefore, this study was suggested to isolate vaginal Lactobacilli with antibacterial activity. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty women participated in this study aged between 15 and 50 years divided into two cohorts of bacterial vaginosis (BV): infected and healthy individuals. BV-isolates isolated and identified according to microbiological and biochemical assays. Accordingly, Lactobacillus isolates were further identified through genomic DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the BV-infected women in the age range of 21–30 and 31–40 was recorded, with the percentages of 40.62% and 31.88%, respectively. Alternatively, a significant decrease (P > 0.05) in the percentages of vaginal Lactobacillus species between women of Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 recorded the ratios of 3.125% and 31% validating Lactobacilli presence as a sign of a healthy vaginal environment. Accordingly, four Lactobacillus isolates were assigned for their broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, results of the partial DNA sequencing revealed the isolation of four Limosilactobacillus fermentum strains registered at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under specific gene bank accession numbers. Conclusion: Effective Lactobacillus species with potential bactericidal activity validates vaginal health.