Protective Effect of Lactobacillus crispatus against Vaginal Colonization with Group B Streptococci in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background: A normal vaginal microbiota may protect the vaginal mucosa from colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria, including group B streptococci (GBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between colonization with GBS and the presence of specific vaginal microbiota is...

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Published in:Pathogens (Basel) 2022-08, Vol.11 (9), p.980
Main Authors: Starc, Maja, Lučovnik, Miha, Eržen Vrlič, Petra, Jeverica, Samo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerobic bacteria
Aerobic microorganisms
Antibiotics
Bacteria
Childbirth & labor
Colonization
Enrichment media
Gestational age
group B Streptococcus
Lactobacilli
Lactobacillus crispatus
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
Microbiota
Microorganisms
Neonates
Pregnancy
pregnant women
Scientific imaging
semiquantitative culture
Streptococcus
Streptococcus infections
Vagina
vaginal microbiota
Womens health
Yeasts
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Summary:Background: A normal vaginal microbiota may protect the vaginal mucosa from colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria, including group B streptococci (GBS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between colonization with GBS and the presence of specific vaginal microbiota isolated from vaginal swabs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: A semiquantitative culture of 1860 vaginal swabs from consecutive pregnant women in their third trimester was analyzed. The dominant bacteria, including lactobacilli, were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. An enrichment culture for GBS was performed on the swabs. GBS colonization correlated with the bacteria isolated at the same time. Results: Lactobacilluscrispatus was isolated in 27.5% of the cultures, followed by L. jensenii (13.9%), L. gasseri (12.6%), and L. iners (10.1%). The presence of lactobacilli as a group, and of L. crispatus, inversely correlated with GBS colonization (OR = 0.44 and OR = 0.5, respectively; both with p < 0.001). Other microorganisms, including Gardnerella vaginalis, mixed aerobic bacteria and yeasts, were not associated with GBS colonization. Conclusions: Lactobacilli, especially L. crispatus, may prevent GBS colonization in pregnancy. Maintaining a normal vaginal microbiota could be an effective method for the antibiotic-free prevention of invasive GBS infections in neonates.
ISSN:2076-0817
2076-0817
DOI:10.3390/pathogens11090980