Elsevier

Microbes and Infection

Volume 2, Issue 5, April 2000, Pages 543-546
Microbes and Infection

Review
Role played by lactobacilli in controlling the population of vaginal pathogens

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1286-4579(00)00313-0Get rights and content
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Abstract

The role of Lactobacillus species in the female urogenital tract as a barrier to infection is of considerable interest. These organisms are believed to contribute to the control of vaginal microbiota by competing with other microorganisms for adherence to epithelial cells and by producing antimicrobial compounds. These bactericidal compounds include organic acid, which lowers the vaginal pH, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocin-like substances and possibly biosurfactants.

Keywords

lactobacilli
vagina
urogenital tract
pathogens

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