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VAGINAL LACTOBACILLI PROFILE IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH NORMAL AND ABNORMAL FLORA

Dr.Sila Aman, Dr.Iqra Zaheen, Dr.Unzila Tariq

Background & objectives: Lactobacilli species that are better adapted to vaginal environment of women may colonize better and offer protection against vaginal pathogenic bacteria. This study deals with the distribution of common Lactobacillus species which were investigated in pregnant women. Methods: Sixty seven pregnant women were included in the study and vaginal samples were collected for Gram staining. Based on Nugent’s score the subjects were classified as normal, intermediate flora and bacterial vaginosis (BV). In this study we also collected vaginal samples to identifyLactobacillusspp. by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) profiling of 16S rDNA amplification method. Results:The most predominant Lactobacillus spp. found in pregnant women (normal flora) was Lactobacillus crispatus(100%), subsequentlyL. iners(77%), L. jensenii(74%) and L. helveticus(60%). L. inerswas found to be common across all groups in women with all three flora, L. crispatus, a significant decrease was presented by L. jenseniiand L. helveticusas the vaginal flora changed to intermediate and BV. Except L. iners, other species of lactobacilli prevalence was less frequent in women with BV. Species such as L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, L. paracaseiand L. caseiwere not detected in any vaginal sample. Interpretation & conclusions: Predominant species in women with normal florawere L. crispatus,L. jensiniiand L. helveticus. L. crispatusalone or in combination with L. jensiniiand L. helveticuscould be evaluated for probiotic properties to prevent and treat BV.

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