PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATIONS CONTAINING Lactobacillus fermentum AND Lactobacillus rhamnosus FOR VAGINAL INFECTIONS TREATMENT

CAMILLETTI, ANA LISSA; ASURMENDI, PAULA; PASCUAL, LILIANA; BARBERIS, LUCILA

Córdoba

Congreso; XI Congreso Argentino de Microbiología General; 2015

Sociedad Argentina de Microbiología

Lactobacillus genus is very important in relation to human and animal health and some species are often used as probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. Lactobacilli are the most predominant microorganisms in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women in reproductive age,protecting it from possible infections caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. This antimicrobial activity of lactobacilli is based on many properties, including their specific adhesion to the vaginal epithelium, coaggregation with pathogenmicroorganisms, stimulation of local immune system, competitive exclusion of pathogen agents from vaginal epithelium and production of metabolites such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins and biosurfactants, these antagonist substances inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antimicrobial activity of L.fermentum L23 y L. rhamnosus L60, two probiotic strains, in different pharmaceutical formulations. These formulations were prepared using lactobacilli strains and different concentrations of glycerol and gelatin. Inhibitory activity of the probiotic strainscontained in the ovules was evaluated and quantified using well diffusion assay and radial streak method. Count of lactobacillifrom the time of production of the ovule until six months after was determined using plate dilution assay by duplicate. As an indirect method to determine the vaginal epithelium adhesion capacity by biofilm production crystal violet staining was performed. Lactobacilli contained in Formulation N°1 remained viable for 40 days, while from Formulations N°3 and N°4 viable lactobacilli were recovered even after 180 days. The inhibitory activity of lactobacilli was maintained over time regardless of the count of each strain in each formulation. Strains contained in pharmaceutical formulations are biofilm producers, and they maintained this capacity through the duration of the present experience. In conclusion, probiotic strains contained in the pharmaceutical formulations maintained their antimicrobial activity, biofilm production and other beneficial properties through 180 days.