Study: L. crispatus competitively excludes G. vaginalis
A 2014 study [1. Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus suggests novel mechanisms for the competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis. Ojala T, Kankainen M, Paulin L, Holm L, Auvinen P, Castro J, Cerca N, Edelman S, Westerlund-Wikström B, BMC genomics-1-15(2014)] has observed that Lactobacillus crispatus has some novel ways of excluding Gardnerella vaginalis from its environment.
Lactobacillus crispatus is a microbe that lives across multiple mammals, animals and humans alike. It is found in the digestive tract of animals, and is a commonly-found microbe in human vaginal tracts. It’s a helpful microbe because it competitively excludes other pathogens and produces itself some potent antimicrobial agents.
Findings of the study
L. crispatus core adhesive proteins has the potential to reduce G. vaginalis’ ability to adhere to epithelial cells. This could have a protective effect from bacterial vaginosis.
Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
- New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)