Immunomodulation of Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 on Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in a murine experimental model.

PRISCILLA DE GREGORIO; MARIA SILVINA JUAREZ TOMAS; MARIA ELENA FÁTIMA NADER

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016 vol. 15 p. 1 - 13

1046-7408

ProblemMaternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is a risk factor forinfectious disease in newborns. One promising strategy is the modulationof vaginal defense to increase the host?s ability to combat infection.Method of StudyThe effect of intravaginal (i.va.) Lactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 inoculationon different immune cell populations, cytokines, and immunoglobulinisotypes in a murine model of GBS vaginal colonization was evaluated.ResultsSeven i.va. inoculations of L. reuteri CRL1324 previous to GBS challengeshowed an immunomodulatory effect on the cells and mediators of innateimmunity, decreasing the number of neutrophils induced by the pathogenand increasing the activated macrophage population. Moreover, increasesin B lymphocytes and IgA and IgG subclasses were observed in mice inoculatedwith L. reuteri CRL1324 and then challenged with GBS.ConclusionLactobacillus reuteri CRL1324 shows a protective effect against GBS colonizationthat could be mediated by the modulation of the immuneresponse.IntroductionStreptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) isa Gram-positive microorganism that can asymptomaticallycolonize the vaginal tract in approximately25% of healthy women.1,2 GBS can bevertically transmitted to neonates during peripartumthrough contact with vaginal fluids, causing severediseases. This pathogen is known as a principal causeof pneumonia, bacteraemia, sepsis, and meningitis innewborns.2 Other pathologies, such as urinary tractinfections, vaginitis, and fine superficial fissures anderythema of vulvar skin in women, have also beenattributed to GBS.3?6For the prophylaxis and treatment of GBS disease,penicillin is the most frequently recommended.Alternatives