Lactobacillus Species Research Articles

Antibacterial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Etsako Osuemegbe rice.

Background: Probiotics have antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria in the gut while maintaining the balance of intestinal flora. This study aimed to experiment the antibacterial activity of two Lactobacillus species against pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Two different species of Lactobacillus lactiplantibacillus plantarum (CIP 103151) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum (CIP 102980) that were previously isolated from fermented Etsako Osuemegbe rice were investigated for their inhibitory ability against three (3) organisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella). Agar overlay method was employed and plates were examined for clear zone of inhibition. Results: The lactiplantibacillus plantarum inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella sp with diameter zone of inhibition range between 15.00+0.57 and 18.00+0.77 mm, while Limosilactobacillus fermentum inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella sp with diameter zone of inhibition range between 14.00+1.00 and 18.00+0.50 mm. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that LAB species can be used as alternate antibiotic if explored due to their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms.

Effect of Probiotics in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Probiotics may have the potential to protect against breast cancer, partly through systemic immunomodulatory action and active impact upon intestinal microbiota. Given a few clinical studies on their curative role, we conducted a systematic review of the potential effects of probiotics in breast cancer patients and survivors of breast cancer, aiming to support further clinical studies. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the CENTRAL databases from inception through to March 2022. A total of eight randomized clinical trials were identified from thirteen articles published between 2004 and 2022. We evaluated quality-of-life measures, observed bacterial species and diversity indices, probiotic-related metabolites, inflammatory biomarkers, and other responses in breast cancer patients and survivors. Results were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively using random-effects meta-analysis. Different probiotics supplements utilized included Lactobacillus species alone (Lacto), with or without estriol; probiotic combinations of Lactobacillus with Bifidobacterium (ProLB), with or without prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS); ProLB plus Streptococcus and FOS (ProLBS + FOS); and ProLB plus Enterococcus (ProLBE). We found that use of ProLBS with FOS in breast cancer patients and use of ProLBE in survivors of breast cancer show potential benefits in countering obesity and dyslipidemia. ProLBS with FOS use decreases pro-inflammatory TNF-α in breast cancer survivors and improves quality of life in those with breast-cancer-associated lymphedema. Supplementing probiotics capsules (109 CFU) with a prebiotic and using an intake duration of 10 weeks could provide a better approach than probiotics alone.

Nisin E Is a Novel Nisin Variant Produced by Multiple Streptococcus equinus Strains

Nisin A, the prototypical lantibiotic, is an antimicrobial peptide currently utilised as a food preservative, with potential for therapeutic applications. Here, we describe nisin E, a novel nisin variant produced by two Streptococcus equinus strains, APC4007 and APC4008, isolated from sheep milk. Shotgun whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed biosynthetic gene clusters similar to nisin U, with a unique rearrangement of the core peptide encoding gene within the cluster. The 3100.8 Da peptide by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, is 75% identical to nisin A, with 10 differences, including 2 deletions: Ser29 and Ile30, and 8 substitutions: Ile4Lys, Gly18Thr, Asn20Pro, Met21Ile, His27Gly, Val32Phe, Ser33Gly, and Lys34Asn. Nisin E producing strains inhibited species of Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Clostridiodes and were immune to nisin U. Sequence alignment identified putative promoter sequences across the nisin producer genera, allowing for the prediction of genes in Streptococcus to be potentially regulated by nisin. S. equinus pangenome BLAST analyses detected 6 nisin E operons across 44 publicly available genomes. An additional 20 genomes contained a subset of nisin E transport/immunity and regulatory genes (nseFEGRK), without adjacent peptide production genes. These genes suggest that nisin E response mechanisms, distinct from the canonical nisin immunity and resistance operons, are widespread across the S. equinus species. The discovery of this new nisin variant and its immunity determinants in S. equinus suggests a central role for nisin in the competitive nature of the species.

Modulating phenylalanine metabolism by L. acidophilus alleviates alcohol-related liver disease through enhancing intestinal barrier function

BackgroundImpaired metabolic functions of gut microbiota have been demonstrated in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), but little is known about changes in phenylalanine metabolism.MethodsBacterial genomics and fecal metabolomics analysis were used to recognize the changes of phenylalanine metabolism and its relationship with intestinal flora. Intestinal barrier function was detected by intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity, levels of tight junction protein expression, colonic inflammation and levels of serum LPS. Lactobacillus acidophilus was chosen to correct phenylalanine metabolism of ALD mice by redundancy analysis and Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsUsing 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) methods, we identified elevated levels of phenylalanine and its’ metabolites in the gut of alcohol-fed mice compared to control mice and were negatively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus, which mainly metabolized phenylalanine. The intestinal phenylalanine level was positively correlated with the colon inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, and negatively correlated with ZO-1 and Occludin. While intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) activity was negatively correlated with the colon inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, and positively correlated with ZO-1 and Occludin. Increased phenylalanine inhibited IAP activity, blocked LPS dephosphorylation, increased colonic inflammation and bacterial translocation. Phenylalanine supplementation aggravated alcohol-induced liver injury and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Among the 37 Lactobacillus species, the abundance of Lactobacillus acidophilus was most significantly decreased in ALD mice. Supplementation with L. acidophilus recovered phenylalanine metabolism and protected mice from alcohol-induced steatohepatitis.ConclusionsRecovery of phenylalanine metabolism through the oral supplementation of L. acidophilus boosted intestinal barrier integrity and ameliorated experimental ALD.

Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Assessment of Bouea Macrophylla Yoghurt.

The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one's health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 106 CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.

Variable Selection for Sparse Data with Applications to Vaginal Microbiome and Gene Expression Data

Sparse data with a high portion of zeros arise in various disciplines. Modeling sparse high-dimensional data is a challenging and growing research area. In this paper, we provide statistical methods and tools for analyzing sparse data in a fairly general and complex context. We utilize two real scientific applications as illustrations, including a longitudinal vaginal microbiome data and a high dimensional gene expression data. We recommend zero-inflated model selections and significance tests to identify the time intervals when the pregnant and non-pregnant groups of women are significantly different in terms of Lactobacillus species. We apply the same techniques to select the best 50 genes out of 2426 sparse gene expression data. The classification based on our selected genes achieves 100% prediction accuracy. Furthermore, the first four principal components based on the selected genes can explain as high as 83% of the model variability.

Review of the evidence of the effects of human papillomavirus infection and Gardnerella vaginalis, and their co-infection on infertility.

A prevalent sexually transmitted infection, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is typically obtained just after the first sexual activity. The majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and temporary. Cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers can occur due to recurrent infections with high-risk (hr)-HPV strains, generally decades later. Infections with HPV are significantly associated with reproductive function abnormalities. Per recent research, HPV infections may result in male infertility by reducing sperm motility. The hr-HPV infection was a risk factor for miscarriage, and the indiscriminate HPV genotype increased the probability of premature labor unexpectedly. Women's endometrial trophoblastic cell implantation is decreased by HPV. Gardnerella vaginalis (GV), an anaerobic bacterium that is a component of the natural vaginal flora, can be associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) when it starts to overgrow and emerge as the dominant species. Reduced Lactobacillus species abundance and GV are linked to female infertility. Data from in vitro studies suggests that sialidase produced by GV may facilitate the entry and growth of papilloma and other sexually transmitted viruses. Also, based on some studies conducted in the past, it can be said that GV and BV are associated with the development of uterine cancer. However, there is still not enough information about the exact mechanism of GV and HPV in causing infertility, which requires more research.

An In Vivo Evaluation of Retention and Antibacterial Efficacy of Posterior High Strength Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Hybrid Bulk-fill Alkasite Restorative Material as Conservative Adhesive Restoration in Children with Mixed Dentition: A Comparative Study.

The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the retention and antibacterial efficacy of posterior high strength glass ionomer cement and glass hybrid bulk-fill alkasite restorative material as a conservative adhesive restoration in children with mixed dentition. A total of 60 children of age 6-12 years with mixed dentition were selected and divided into group I (control group n = 30): posterior high strength glass ionomer cement and group II (experimental group n = 30): glass hybrid bulk-fill alkasite restorative material. Restorative treatment was carried out using these two materials. Retention of the material and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species count was estimated at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The collected data were statistically analyzed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 20.0 Chicago, Illinois, USA). About 100% retention of glass hybrid bulk-fill alkasite restorative material, and 90% retention of posterior high strength glass ionomer cement was observed according to United State Public Health Criteria. The * signifies statistically significant results, i.e. p < 0.0001 reduction in salivary S. mutans colony count and Lactobacillus species colony count was seen in both groups at different time intervals. Both the materials showed good antibacterial properties, but glass hybrid bulk-fill alkasite restorative showed better retention, that is, 100% when compared to posterior high strength glass ionomer cement, which showed 90% retention at the end of 6 months follow-up. Soneta SP, Hugar SM, Hallikerimath S, et al. An In Vivo Evaluation of Retention and Antibacterial Efficacy of Posterior High Strength Glass Ionomer Cement and Glass Hybrid Bulk-fill Alkasite Restorative Material as Conservative Adhesive Restoration in Children with Mixed Dentition: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):529-534.

Influence of Lactobacillus reuteri, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, and prebiotic inulin on dysbiotic dental biofilm composition ex vivo.

Probiotic bacterial supplementation has shown promising results in the treatment of periodontitis and the maintenance of periodontal health. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus reuteri or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis supplementation with and without prebiotic inulin on biofilm composition using an ex vivo biofilm model. Subgingival plaque specimens from three periodontitis-affected human donors were used to grow biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks in media supplemented with varying combinations of prebiotic inulin, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Relative abundances of bacterial genera present in mature biofilms were evaluated using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing. Diversity metrics of microbial communities were evaluated using a next-generation microbiome bioinformatics platform. Inulin supplementation produced statistically significant dose-dependent increases in relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species (p<0.001) with concomitant decreases in relative abundances of Streptococcus, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, and Prevotella species (p<0.001). Inoculation with L. reuteri or B. animalis subsp. lactis increased the relative abundance of only the supplemented probiotic genera (p<0.05). Supplemental inulin led to a statistically significant decrease in biofilm alpha diversity (p<0.001). The described ex vivo model appears suitable for investigating the effects of probiotic bacteria, prebiotic oligosaccharides, and combinations thereof on biofilm composition and complexity. Within the limitations imposed by this model, results from the present study underscore the potential for prebiotic inulin to modify biofilm composition favorably. Additional research further elucidating biologic rationale and controlled clinical research defining therapeutic benefits is warranted.

Lactobacillus acidophilus regulates abnormal serotonin availability in experimental ulcerative colitis

ObjectivesProbiotics are known to play a beneficial role in curing irritable bowel syndrome such as ulcerative colitis. Commensal Lactobacillus species are thought to play a protective role against ulcerative colitis, as they restore homeostasis in intestinal disorders. Abnormal serotonin availability has been described in ulcerative colitis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory role of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and its effect on serotonin expression. MethodsUlcerative colitis was created with the intrarectal administration of acetic acid. A total of 40 adult male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats as control, sham, experimental colitis, treatment (Colitis + L. acidophilus) and protective group (L. acidophilus + colitis). To evaluate the effects of L. acidophilus on serotonin expression in ulcerative colitis, this bacterial strain was administered orally to the rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. After oral administration of L. acidophilus for 14 days, serotonin content was biochemically measured and serotonin expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. ResultsThe expression of serotonin and its protein content was significantly increased in colitis compared to the control and sham groups. Abnormal serotonin availability in the rats with acetic acid-induced colitis was significantly reduced by the L. acidophilus. ConclusionsIn our study, it was observed that the amount of serotonin in the intestinal tissue increased excessively with ulcerative colitis. In addition, L.acidophilus has been found to reduce the abnormally increased amount of serotonin in the colon tissue, as well as reduce the inflammation in the intestinal tissue that occurs with ulcerative colitis. With our findings, it is predicted that probiotic application can be used as a treatment option in ulcerative colitis.

Mechanism of Action of Clove and Ginger Herbal Formulation-Mediated TiO2 Nanoparticles Against Lactobacillus Species: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: With its numerous practical applications, the usage of nanotechnology in the medical profession has been a godsend in our modern technological era. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconducting metal oxide with superior inherent qualities which can be utilized in various applications across various fields. Taking into account all of the above information, the current study focused on the mechanism of action of TiO2 nanoparticles mediated by clove and ginger herbal formulations against Lactobacillus species. Materials and Methods: Extract of clove and ginger herbal formulation-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles was obtained with acetone in the ratio of 10:1, yielding 9 mg/mL. After overnight incubation and further serial dilutions, the solution was introduced into microplate wells with cultured Lactobacillus species for 4 hours. A 5% of test solution was added into Kimble tubes containing Muller-Hinton broth along with the plant extract, followed by recording of minimum inhibitory concentrations at certain time intervals. The number of samples used for each concentration was 4 using the convenience method. The grouping sample was 3, i.e. test group, antibiotic and positive control group. The results were statistically analysed following one-way analysis of variances using SPSS software version 22. Result: Optical density determines the degree of scattering of light that is produced by a bacterium within a culture plate. The more the bacteria, the more the light is scattered. The results ( P &lt; .005) show that as the concentration increases, the value of optical density decreases which proves that there occurs a bactericidal process that results in the reduced bacterial count. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced with clove and ginger might be used as an antibacterial agent against Lactobacillus species.

Genome analysis of novel Apilactobacillus sp. isolate from butterfly (Pieris canidia) gut reveals occurrence of unique glucanogenic traits and probiotic potential.

This study was conducted with a perception that fructose-rich niches may inhabit novel species of lactic acid bacteria that are gaining importance as probiotics and for the production of exopolysaccharides that have applications in food and pharmaceuticals. Recently, some Lactobacillus species have been reclassified as fructophilic lactic acid bacteria due to their preference for fructose over glucose as a carbon source. These bacteria are likely to be found in fructose rich niches such as flower nectar and insects that feed on it. We explored the butterfly gut and acquired a new isolate, designated as F1, of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria, which produces a glucan-type exopolysaccharide. Whole genome sequencing and in silico analysis revealed that F1 has significantly lower average nucleotide identity and DNA-DNA hybridization values as compared to its closest Apilactobacillus neighbors in phylogenetic analysis. Therefore, we declare the isolate F1 as a novel Apilactobacillus species with the proposed name of Apilactobacillus iqraium F1. Genome mining further revealed that F1 harbors genes for exopolysaccharide synthesis and health-promoting attributes. To this end, F1 is the only Apilactobacillus species harboring three diverse α-glucan-synthesis genes that cluster with different types of dextransucrases in the dendrogram. Moreover, many nutritional marker genes, as well as genes for epithelial cell adhesion and antimicrobial synthesis, were also detected suggesting the probiotic attributes of F1. Overall analysis suggests A. iqraium sp. F1 be a potential candidate for various health beneficial and pharmaceutical applications.

The vaginal microbiota of women living with HIV on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and its relation to high-risk human papillomavirus infection

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the vaginal microbiota (VM) in women living with HIV (WLWH) in the context of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, even though WLWH are at an increased risk of HPV-related malignancies, including cervical cancer. To explore the impact of HIV and HPV infection on the VM in WLWH, we determined the prevalence of HR-HPV infection and cervical cytologic abnormalities in a cohort of 44 WLWH and 39 seronegative-women (SNW), characterized the vaginal microbiota by 16S sequencing, assessed genital inflammation and systemic immune activation by multiplex bead assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, we explored relationships between bacterial richness and diversity, the top 20 bacterial genera, genital inflammation and systemic immune activation.ResultsWe found that HR-HPV prevalence was similar between WLWH and SNW. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were only detected in WLWH negative for HR-HPV infection. In regression analyses, no risk factors were identified. Women co-infected with HIV and HR-HPV had the highest level of systemic immune activation, and these levels were significantly different compared with SNW without HR-HPV infection. Lactobacillus iners was the dominant Lactobacillus species in WLWH and SNW alike.ConclusionWe found no evidence of differences in vaginal microbial richness and diversity, microbial community structure, and genital inflammation by HIV, HPV, or HIV and HPV status.

Probiotics in vaginal health.

Bacterial vaginosis, a type of vaginal inflammation, can be considered the main reason for abnormal discharges of the vagina and vaginal dysbiosis during reproductive years. Epidemiological investigations of females suffering from vaginitis demonstrated that at least 30% to 50% of all women had Bacterial vaginosis (BV). One of the fields of treatment is the use of probiotics, probiotics are commonly defined as viable microorganisms (yeasts or bacteria) that can positively affect the health of their hosts. They are used in foods, notably fermented milk products, and medicine-related products. The development of new probiotic strains is aimed at more active advantageous organisms. Lactobacillus species are the dominant bacteria in a normal vagina that can decrease the pH of the vagina by the production of lactic acid. A number of lactobacilli types can produce hydrogen peroxide as well. The presence of hydrogen peroxide-induced low pH can prevent the growth of several other microorganisms. The vaginal flora of BV cases can modify by replacing the Lactobacillus species with a high density of anaerobic bacteria (i.e. Mobiluncus sp. Bacteroides sp.), Mycoplasma hominis, and Gardnerella vaginalis. More vaginal infections are treated with medications, while there is a possibility of recurrence and chronic infection because of the adverse effects on the indigenous lactobacilli. Probiotics and prebiotics have shown capacities for optimizing, maintaining, and restoring the vaginal microflora. Therefore, biotherapeutics can offer alternative approaches to reduce infections of the vagina and thus promote consumers' health.

Gardnerella subgroup dominant microbiomes are associated with divergent cervicovaginal immune responses in a longitudinal cohort of Kenyan women.

Most cervicovaginal microbiome-immunology studies to date have relied on 16S rDNA microbial profiling which does not resolve the molecular subgroups of Gardnerella, believed to be central to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and subsequent risk of HIV acquisition. Here we used the cpn60 universal target which in addition to other microbial taxa, resolves four Gardnerella subgroups, for cervicovaginal microbial profiling in a longitudinal cohort of Kenyan women to examine associations with cellular and soluble markers of inflammation and HIV susceptibility. Participants (N = 41) were sampled, contributing 362 samples for microbiome analysis. All non-Lactobacillus dominant microbial communities were associated with high pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Divergent associations were observed among different Gardnerella subgroup dominated communities with respect to the chemokine IP-10. Specifically, Gardnerella subgroup A dominant and polymicrobial communities were associated with reduced concentrations of IP-10 in adjusted linear mixed models (p<0.0001), compared to microbial communities dominated by Lactobacillus (non-iners) species. However, these associations did not translate to significant differences in the proportion or absolute number of CCR5, HLA-DR and CD38 expressed on cervical CD4+ T- cells. These findings suggest that some associations between Gardnerella subgroup dominant microbiomes and mucosal immunity differ and are relevant for the study of BV-pathogenesis and understanding the mechanisms of BV-associated HIV risk.

Metabolic contributions of vaginal lactobacilli species to the cervicovaginal environment utilizing human 3d cervical epithelial cell models

To differentiate the metabolic potential of common, but lesser studied vaginal Lactobacillus species (L. mulieris, L. paragasseri, and L. iners) and identify metabolites that may contribute to cervicovaginal homeostasis and promote an environment resistant to sexually transmitted infections (STI).

How Do Lactobacilli Search and Find the Vagina?

With the advent of omics technology and the improved culturing of anaerobic microbes, there is a good understanding of the microorganisms present in a healthy and diseased vagina. This has led to the identification of a select few Lactobacillus species associated with health. However, the origin of these species and how they reach the vagina remains unclear, as does their timing of colonization. In an effort to create badly needed therapies for women, these gaps in knowledge need to be addressed.

Prebiotic Activity of Vaginal Lactobacilli on Bifidobacteria: from Concept to Formulation.

The gut of babies born vaginally is rapidly colonized by Bifidobacterium spp. after birth, while in infants born by cesarean section (C-section), the presence of bifidobacteria drops dramatically, increasing the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders. Considering that newborns naturally come into contact with maternal lactobacilli as they pass through the birth canal, the aim of this work is to exploit for the first time the bifidogenic activity exerted by the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) from lactobacilli of vaginal origin, belonging to the species Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Limosilactobacillus vaginalis, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. CFSs were recovered after 7 h, 13 h, and 24 h of fermentation and assessed for the ability to stimulate the planktonic growth and biofilms of Bifidobacterium strains belonging to species widely represented in the gut tract. A bifidogenic effect was observed for all CFSs; such activity was maximal for CFSs recovered in exponential phase and was strongly dependent on the species of lactobacilli. Importantly, no stimulating effects on an intestinal Escherichia coli strain were observed. CFSs from L. vaginalis BC17 showed the best bifidogenic profile since they increased bifidobacterial planktonic growth by up to 432% and biofilm formation by up to 289%. The CFS at 7 h from BC17 was successfully formulated with a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel aimed at preventing and treating breast sores in lactating women and exerting bifidogenic activity in infants born mainly by C-section. IMPORTANCE Bifidobacteria in the gut tract of infants play crucial roles in the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and the maturation of the immune system. Consequently, strategies to trigger a bifidogenic shift in the infant gut are highly desirable. Evidences suggest that the presence of a maternal vaginal microbiota dominated by health-promoting lactobacilli and the development of a bifidobacterium-enriched gut microbiota in newborns are interconnected. In this context, we found out that the cell-free supernatants from lactobacilli of vaginal origin were able to effectively stimulate the proliferation of Bifidobacterium spp. grown in free-floating and biofilm forms. The cell-free supernatant from Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17 showed excellent bifidogenic behavior, which was preserved even after its incorporation into a nipple formulation for lactating women. Lactobacilli derivatives, such as cell-free supernatants, have gained increasing interest by virtue of their safer profile than that of living cells and can be proposed as an ecosustainable approach to favor gut colonization of infants by bifidobacteria.

Microbiota unbalance in relation to high-risk human papillomavirus cervical infection

ObjectivesTo assess vaginal dysfunction using basic vaginal states and the presence of lactobacillary microbiota in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with no squamous intra-epithelial lesions (SIL), with low-grade squamous...

Compositional Changes in the Vaginal Bacterial Microbiome of Healthy Pregnant Women across the Three Gestational Trimesters in Ismailia, Egypt

The composition of the vaginal microbiome may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Normal pregnancy is associated with changes in the vaginal bacterial community composition, which tend to be more enriched with one or two Lactobacillus species promoting a healthy vagina and favorable birth outcomes. The aim of the current study was to determine compositional changes in the healthy vaginal microbiome composition during the three trimesters of pregnancy in Ismailia, Egypt using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA. The phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus dominated across the three trimesters of pregnancy. L. iners was the most abundant species. However, L. coleohominis and L. reuteri represented the least dominant vaginal lactobacilli. Core microbiome analyses showed the Lactobacillus genus and L. iners species to have the highest prevalence in all the samples of our study groups. The phylum Firmicutes was found to be negatively correlated with almost all other vaginal phyla during pregnancy. Likewise, a negative correlation between Lactobacillus and almost all other genera was detected, including significant negative correlations with Dialister and Prevotella. Furthermore, negative correlations of L. iners were detected with almost all other species, including a significant negative correlation with L. helveticus, G. vaginalis, S. anginosus, and S. agalactiae.