Colonization of the rectum by Lactobacillus species and decreased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Lactobacilli colonizing the rectum may be a reservoir for vaginal lactobacilli. In a cross-sectional study of 531 females, vaginal and rectal colonization by lactobacilli were assessed by culture methods. A subset of isolates was identified to the species level by use of whole-chromosomal DNA probes. Lactobacillus crispatus (16%), L. jensenii (10%), and L. gasseri (10%) were the prevalent lactobacilli colonizing the rectums of 290 females. Only 13 (9%) of 147 females colonized by L. crispatus or L. jensenii vaginally and/or rectally had bacterial vaginosis (BV), compared with 12 (44%) of 27 females colonized by other H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli (P < .001). Cocolonization of the vagina and rectum by H(2)O(2)-producing lactobacilli was associated with the lowest prevalence of BV (5%), whereas females colonized only vaginally, only rectally, or at neither site had a successively increased risk of BV (P < .001). Lactobacillus species in the rectum may contribute to the maintenance of vaginal microflora.
Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
May A D
MA
Antonio
Lorna K
LK
Rabe
Sharon L
SL
Hillier
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002876:Chromosomes, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000032:analysis; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012007:Rectum / Q000382:microbiology*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide