What are these Dederlein sticks? Dederlein's sticks in the smear - what do you need to know?

Regular examination by a gynecologist is the responsibility of every woman who values her health. During a routine examination, the doctor usually takes a swab of flora from the woman's vagina. According to the results of laboratory studies, he can draw conclusions about the degree of purity of the vaginal flora, and, if necessary, prescribe medications for its normalization. The doctor pays special attention to the amount of Dederlein's sticks present in the vagina of the woman, as this can tell about the presence of the problem.

What does the vaginal smear show?

Taken on the analysis, a smear from the vagina is applied to the glass, after which it is stained with specially designed dyes. Further investigation of the material under the microscope is intended to determine such indicators:

• slime;
• Leukocytes;
• Flat epithelium ;
• Some pathogens;
• Sticks of Dederlein.

The purity of the vagina is measured by the ratio of the number of Dederlein sticks to the number of cocci. With a reduced concentration of the first microbiocenosis of the vagina is considered impaired, in simple terms, this indicates the development of bacteriosis. So Dederlein's sticks are very important.

The special role of the Dederlein sticks

These special bacteria are part of the vaginal microbiocenosis, moreover, they are its main part. Providing an acidic environment in the vagina is the main task that Dederlein's wands perform. What is it and how do they work? These are lactobacilli, that is, useful bacteria that look like microscopic beams, like elongated sticks (hence the name). The product of their life is lactic acid. Why is it needed? In lactic acid, weak and poorly developed spermatozoa die - this is how the primary selection takes place.

The role of the lactobacillus of the vagina is much wider. They contribute to the activity of macrophages, that is, immune cells, which are actively fighting with all the harmful "aliens". In addition, the sticks of Dederlein provoke the production of biologically active substances and specific antibodies. And besides, they are active participants in the processes that are included in the work of local and general immunity.

What do the sticks of Dederlein in the smear say

As already noted, these bacteria in the vaginal microbiocenosis quantitatively exceed all other components. If the wands of Dederlein in the smear are found in a very large amount, then the woman is not infected with viruses, microbes or protozoa. If the analysis reveals that the number of lactobacilli has decreased, this will indicate the developed dysbacteriosis of the vagina.

If the number of Dederlein sticks is reduced in the vagina or they are completely absent, then the woman is either infected with something, or it is the result of internal changes in her body. Culprits of bacterial vaginosis and a number of other related diseases can be trichomonads and gardnerelles. Also, antibiotic therapy, hormonal therapy, intestinal dysbacteriosis, malfunctions in the production of hormones or the work of the immune system can be the reasons for this extremely undesirable condition.

Usually, when a small amount of Dederlein's sticks is detected in a general analysis, the gynecologist prescribes an additional analysis (bacussis) aimed at finding the cause of this deplorable state of the microflora.

How to increase the number of Dederlein sticks

The number of lactobacilli in the vagina can be brought back to normal only after the reasons for the reduction in their number have been discovered and eliminated. Bakposev (analysis, when a vaginal smear is placed in an artificial nutrient medium) helps not only to identify harmful bacteria and fungi, but also their number, but also to conduct experiments to determine suitable antibiotics for treatment.

After properly sanitizing the vagina, restorative therapy is usually prescribed to normalize the microflora. At this time, it is advisable to use vaginal suppositories, which help to colonize useful bacteria, including Dederlein sticks.

Dederlein's rods play a big role in protecting the female genital tract from infection and affect the immunity of the whole organism. Decrease in their number indicates the development of dysbacteriosis of the vagina, behind which there may be different reasons. Only after their elimination can vaginal microbiocenosis be restored. If such a state is ignored, the most unpleasant and dangerous diseases can develop over time.