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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-03-2014 | Review

The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health

Authors: Sandra Borges, Joana Silva, Paula Teixeira

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Background

The vaginal microbiota of healthy women consists typically of a diversity of anaerobic and aerobic microorganisms. Lactobacilli are the most prevalent and often numerically dominant microorganisms and are relevant as a barrier to infection. The capacity of lactobacilli to adhere and compete for adhesion sites in the vaginal epithelium and the capacity to produce antimicrobial compounds (hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, bacteriocin-like substances), are important in the impairment of colonization by pathogens.

Objective

This review summarizes the role of lactic acid bacteria in preventing illness of the host, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast vaginitis, urinary tract infection and sexually transmitted diseases.

Conclusions

The administration of probiotics that colonize the vaginal tract can be important in maintaining a normal urogenital health and also to prevent or treat infections.

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Title: The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health
Authors: Sandra Borges
Joana Silva
Paula Teixeira
Publication date: 01-03-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-3064-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health

Abstract

Background

Objective

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Conclusions

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