Lactobacillus spp: the norm in women. What is Lactobacillus spp

Bacteria are microscopic living organisms that are ubiquitous. They live on all household items, live in water and air, and also are in the human body and animals. Bacteria can be of three kinds. The first live in the body constantly and do not bring him any harm. The second - conventionally pathogenic bacteria - also live inside us all the time. Their difference lies in the fact that for various endo- and exogenous factors (for example, a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, the presence of chronic foci of infection), they begin to multiply intensively and harm the body, causing various diseases. The third group includes pathogenic bacteria, they penetrate from the outside and always bring with them some sort of infection.

What are lactobacilli?

Lactobacilli belong to the natural microflora of the body. They are necessary for the maintenance of normal metabolism, that's why they are inside of us constantly. The habitat of lactobacilli is the entire digestive tract, as well as the external genitalia in women. These microorganisms can take a different form, most often they are found in the form of rods. Lactobacilli refers to Gram (+) and anaerobic bacteria, they are incapable of spore formation. These microorganisms belong to the group of lactic acid rods, due to their ability to process lactose and other carbohydrates. In the process of their metabolism, they secrete lysozyme - a disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide and other metabolic products that have antibiotic activity. Their main property is the formation of lactic acid, which prevents the development and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Habitat Lactobacillus spp

Lactobacilli in large numbers live on the mucosa of internal organs. They are distributed throughout the digestive tract, starting with the oral cavity. Further Lactobacillus spp pass to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and intestines. The place of their greatest accumulation is the end section of the digestive tract. This is explained by the fact that in the large intestine there are special cells - enterocytes, interaction with which provides the repair of the mucosa, the formation of protective forces of the body through the formation of lysozyme and special immunocompetent cells (cytokines). One more habitat of Lactobacillus spp is the vulva and the vagina. The presence of lactobacilli on the external genitalia in women is necessary to protect the mucous membrane from pathogenic factors and to provide an obstacle to getting the infection inside.

Lactobacillus spp: the norm in women

In the female body, lactobacilli are in greater numbers compared to biocenosis in men. Since the sexual organs of girls are open gates for various infectious agents, there is a need for Lactobacillus spp. The norm in women is - 10 ⁶ - 10 ⁹ cfu / ml. If in the smears from the vulva, vagina and urethra these indicators are found, then this is not a cause for concern. These bacteria are present in women of all ages, but the greatest number is observed in young girls who have not started sexual activity. Previously, in the swab of the vagina, the purity was determined only by the total number of fermented microorganisms and called them Dederlein's chopsticks. With the development of modern medical technologies, it became possible to isolate each species of bacteria, it was found that a significant number of them is Lactobacillus spp. The norm in women who have sex is slightly lower than that of girls. However, it should not be lower than 10 ⁶ cfu / ml.

Change in the number of lactobacilli

Lactobacilli, like other microorganisms, have a certain amount that is considered normal. On each site of the mucosa of the digestive tract, this value is different. For example, the content of lactobacilli in gastric juice is only 10 ² -10 ³ cfu / ml, while the large intestine contains 10 ⁶ -10 ⁷ cfu / ml of Lactobacillus spp. The norm of these microorganisms in the vagina is the highest, in comparison with other mucous membranes. Therefore, when lactobacilli are detected in the body, it is necessary to know precisely their quantitative indices for each department. Normoflora Lactobacillus spp is the norm for a healthy person. The change in the amount of lactobacilli in any part of the body indicates a pathological condition.

Why does the number of lactobacilli change?

If Lactobacillus spp values go beyond the norm or do not reach them, then it is necessary to find out the cause of this condition. Usually, the increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria on the vaginal mucosa is associated with a dysbacteriosis that develops with irrational use of antibiotics. In addition, it can be observed with the constant use of kefir, citrus fruits, vinegar, etc. in the food. In this case, their quantity will be restored after the acidity of the products has decreased. Reduction of lactobacilli in the intestine is also associated with dysbacteriosis. If you lower them in the vagina and urethra, you should think about the presence of an infection process in the genitals.

Methods for diagnosis of lactobacilli

If you suspect a change in the amount of lactobacilli, you should always consult a doctor. Modern diagnostic methods will quickly establish the qualitative and quantitative composition of microorganisms. In gynecology, the test material is a swab taken from the mucous membrane of the urethra, vulva and vagina. First, they undergo microscopic examination, and when changing the number of Dederlein sticks , more accurate diagnostic methods are carried out. A method that allows to quickly and accurately determine the presence of bacteria is PCR. It is based on the isolation of its DNA from the microorganism. Lactobacillus spp, like other components of the genital microbiocenosis, is determined with 100% accuracy.

Use of lactobacilli

Lactobacilli is used in several industries, as well as in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Like bifidobacteria, these microorganisms contain special strains - probiotics - substances used to maintain the normal quantitative composition of bacteria. They are used with long-term use of antibacterial drugs, and also add to the composition of vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. Lactobacillus spp - what is it? Since lactobacilli are natural microorganisms, they can be safely used to treat and prevent diseases of the digestive tract, as well as inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.

Lactobacilli in the food industry

In connection with malnutrition and widespread disbacteriosis, most people suffer from digestive problems. For this reason, lactobacilli have been used in the manufacture of fermented milk products, which are not only beneficial to the body, but also help the intestines to work faster. In addition, they are used in the food industry for salting vegetables, preparing salads, pickled products, pickles. Some use lactobacilli in agriculture for fodder preparation. In this case, their benefit is the fermentation of silage, which contributes to long storage and the absence of mold formation. Lactobacilli are necessary in many spheres of human life, because they protect our body from pathogenic effects.