Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that form the majority of lactic-acid producing bacteria, converting sugar into lactic acid. Many areas of the human body are colonised with different species of lactobacilli, including the digestive system, vulvovaginal area, and urinary tract.
Lactobacilli form biofilms, acting in a symbiotic relationship with human tissues – we need them and they need us. Lactobacilli protect us from pathogens, and we provide them with nutrients.
Lactobacilli species are most commonly found in fermented dairy products like yoghurt and some cheeses, but is used medically to treat diarrhoea, vulvovaginal conditions, and skin problems.
Some useful and interesting lactobacilli species relating to the vulvovaginal area and urinary tract are:
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus crispatus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus jenensii
- Lactobacillus iners
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus johnsonii
