Dramatic scenario of urogenital Candida albicans in presence of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)

Abstract

Yeast infections of the vagina are more prevalence and frequently recurring problem of women. Such infections are caused primarily by Candida albicans and apparently occur when the environmental balance in the-vagina is disturbed. Lactobacillus acidopbilus restricts the growth of pathogenic microorganisms per se displayingwide inhibitory spectrum substances. Fifteen (30%) C. albicans isolates were obtained through 50 vaginal swabs from patients who visited the obstetrics and Gynecology clinic departments of hospitals in Baghdad city during the period of March to July 2010. Local isolates of L. acidophilus was evaluated as antifungal activity against vaginal isolates of C. albicans. Such activity was comprised with common four antifungal agents (Nystatine, Fluconazol, Griseofulvin and Amphotricin B). Susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to L. acidophilus bacteria were determined by means of disc diffusion assay. Results of susceptibility were showed in-vitrothat all isolates 15 (100%) sensitive to Nystatine after cultivation on ESDA agar at 37°C for 24 h. Sensitivity of C. albicans to L. acidophilus suspension was less than Nystaine but still high with 13 sensitive isolates (86.6%). Fluconazol and Griseofulvin antifungal agents were showed same susceptibility of 10 sensitive isolates (66.6%) against C. albicans growth, while Amphotricin B had relatively low sensitivity with 7 isolates (46.5%). All results of susceptibility are being detected by the importance of L. acidophilus bacteria in re equilibrium normal flora of vagina that prevent or reduce the chances of vaginal infection especially recurrent vaginal candidiasis (RVC) cases. Also the findings of the study suggest that using of yoghurt as local application can be an important role to reduce or prevent RVC cases, and this can be verify by continuous efforts to make sure of probiotic effects of lactobacilli species. Key words: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans, vaginitis.