Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Glycogen metabolism by Lactobacillus spp. that dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome contributes to a low vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). During bacterial vaginosis (BV), strict and facultative anaerobes including Gardnerella vaginalis become predominant, leading to an increase in the vaginal pH (> 4.5). BV enhances the risk of obstetrical complications, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, and cervical cancer. Factors critical for the maintenance of the healthy vaginal microbiome or the transition to the BV microbiome are not well defined. Vaginal pH may affect glycogen metabolism by the vaginal microflora, thus influencing the shift in the vaginal microbiome.

Results

The medium simulating vaginal fluid (MSVF) supported growth of L. jensenii 62G, L. gasseri 63

SUBMITTER: Navarro S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10339506 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature