Abstract
Lactobacillus strains dominate the vaginal habitat and they are associated with a lower risk of genital infections. In addition, they contribute to the conservation of the vaginal microbiota by producing postbiotic agents. Previous studies have shown that their predominance involves antimicrobial activity against urogenital pathologies. In this context, probiotics may improve treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probiotic properties of lactobacilli strains of vaginal origin using a multidisciplinary approach. For this purpose, safety criteria, ability to resist at low pH and bile salts, antimicrobial activity, ability to produce biofilm, capacity to produce hydrogen peroxide and more importantly, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation (with Candida spp.) and adhesion to human cells were evaluated. The strains belonged to the species of L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus and L. delbruckii. Among these, a strain of L. rhamnosus named AD3 showed the best probiotic properties. As probiotics are already in use in many clinical practice and there are no major safety concerns, L. rhamnosus AD3 showed promise in becoming a prevention and complementary treatment option for urogenital diseases. Indeed, these results suggest that strain L. rhamnosus AD3 is non-pathogenic and likely to be safe for human consumption. This study revealed the great amensalistic properties of a new L. rhamnosus strain which can aim to be used as probiotic in pharmaceutical applications.