Effect of cefuroxime axetil on vaginal microecological balance in mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of cefuroxime axetil on vaginal microecological balance in mice. Methods Twenty specific pathogen free (SPF) female mice were randomly divided into experimental group A and B and control group C and D with 5 mice in each group. Mice in experimental groups A and B were given dissolved cefuroxime axetil by gavage for 5 days, mice in the control groups C and D were given 0.9% saline instead. Vaginal secretions from experiment group A and the control group C were collected on d1 after drug withdrawal, and from experiment group B and control group D were collected on d5 after drug withdrawal. The vaginal pH, Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus colony forming units (CFU) were measured, and the ultrastructure of Lactobacillus was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The density and diversity of vaginal flora were determined. t test and Z test were used to analyze data. Results Compared to control group C, vaginal pH was increased in experimental group A on d1 (t=2.675, P<0.05), and CFU of Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus decreased significantly (t=-2.741, -13.501, -3.077 and -2.598, all P<0.05); compared to control group D, vaginal pH in experimental group B was increased on d5 (t=4.797, P<0.05), and CFU of Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus decreased significantly (t=-3.737, -6.816, -16.079 and -3.580, all P<0.05). The morphology of Lactobacillus showed wrinkled, broken cell wall and cell debris in experiment groups A and B under the electron microscope. The density and diversity of vaginal florain experimental groups A and B were decreased compared to those in control groups C and D(Z=-2.437 and -2.297, both P<0.05). Conclusion Broad-spectrum antibiotics cefuroxime axetil can increase vaginal pH, destroy the cell wall of dominant bacterial Lactobacillus, and reduce vaginal flora diversity and density, resulting in disturbance of vaginal micro-ecologicalbalance. Key words: Mice; Lactobacillus; Anti-bacterial agents; Vaginal micro-ecological