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Borgogna JLC, Grace SG, Holm JB, Aviles Zuniga T, Kadriu H, He X, McCoski SR, Ravel J, Brotman RM, Yeoman CJ. Investigating the impact of condomless vaginal intercourse and lubricant use on the vaginal metabolome: a pre-post observational study. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:489-496. [PMID: 37258272 PMCID: PMC11174154 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The vaginal metabolome is a significant factor in the vaginal microenvironment, and data are emerging on its independent role in urogenital health. Condomless vaginal intercourse and personal lubricant use are common practices that may affect the vaginal metabolome. The aim of the present study is to describe the associations between condomless intercourse and lubricant use on the vaginal metabolome. METHODS This study used archived mid-vaginal swabs from a 10-week observational cohort of reproductive age women who self-collected samples and recorded behavioural diaries daily. Cases and controls were defined as participants who self-reported condomless vaginal intercourse with or without lubricant use, respectively. Samples were drawn prior to and following condomless vaginal intercourse. Twenty-two case participants were race/ethnicity matched to 22 control participants. Mid-vaginal swabs were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and untargeted ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy metabolomics. Bayesian mixed-effects regression (unadjusted and adjusted for the vaginal microbiota) was used to evaluate differences in metabolite concentration associated with vaginal intercourse and lubricant use. RESULTS Both condomless penile-vaginal intercourse and lubricant use were independently associated with higher (up to 8.3-fold) concentrations of metabolites indicative of epithelial damage (eg, sarcosine) and many host-produced antioxidants. Lubricant use was significantly associated with increases in lipids related to cellular damage, host-produced sphingolipids (antimicrobials), antioxidants and salicylate, a cooling agent common to lubricants, in a study design which controls for the independent effect of intercourse. Metabolites involved in oxidative stress and salicylate were strongly correlated with several molecular bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important foundational data on how condomless vaginal-penile intercourse and lubricant use affect the vaginal metabolome and may affect the protective mechanisms in the vaginal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna-Lynn C Borgogna
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Savannah G Grace
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Johanna B Holm
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tadeo Aviles Zuniga
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Herlin Kadriu
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah R McCoski
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca M Brotman
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carl J Yeoman
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
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2
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Tarracchini C, Argentini C, Alessandri G, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Fontana F, Anzalone R, Viappiani A, Turroni F, Ventura M, Milani C. The core genome evolution of Lactobacillus crispatus as a driving force for niche competition in the human vaginal tract. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1774-1789. [PMID: 37491806 PMCID: PMC10443340 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lower female reproductive tract is notoriously dominated by Lactobacillus species, among which Lactobacillus crispatus emerges for its protective and health-promoting activities. Although previous comparative genome analyses highlighted genetic and phenotypic diversity within the L. crispatus species, most studies have focused on the presence/absence of accessory genes. Here, we investigated the variation at the single nucleotide level within protein-encoding genes shared across a human-derived L. crispatus strain selection, which includes 200 currently available human-derived L. crispatus genomes as well as 41 chromosome sequences of such taxon that have been decoded in the framework of this study. Such data clearly pointed out the presence of intra-species micro-diversities that could have evolutionary significance contributing to phenotypical diversification by affecting protein domains. Specifically, two single nucleotide variations in the type II pullulanase gene sequence led to specific amino acid substitutions, possibly explaining the substantial differences in the growth performances and competition abilities observed in a multi-strain bioreactor culture simulating the vaginal environment. Accordingly, L. crispatus strains display different growth performances, suggesting that the colonisation and stable persistence in the female reproductive tract between the members of this taxon is highly variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarracchini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Chiara Argentini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | | | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- GenProbio SrlParmaItaly
| | | | | | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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3
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Reid G. How Do Lactobacilli Search and Find the Vagina? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010148. [PMID: 36677440 PMCID: PMC9861324 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of omics technology and the improved culturing of anaerobic microbes, there is a good understanding of the microorganisms present in a healthy and diseased vagina. This has led to the identification of a select few Lactobacillus species associated with health. However, the origin of these species and how they reach the vagina remains unclear, as does their timing of colonization. In an effort to create badly needed therapies for women, these gaps in knowledge need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Reid
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, and Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
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4
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Sanozky-Dawes R, Barrangou R. Lactobacillus, glycans and drivers of health in the vaginal microbiome. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2022; 1:18. [PMID: 38046360 PMCID: PMC10688826 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2022.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
A microbiome consists of microbes and their genomes, encompassing bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and eukaryotes. These elements interact dynamically in the specific environment in which they reside and evolve. In the past decade, studies of various microbiomes have been prevalent in the scientific literature, accounting for the shift from culture-dependent to culture-independent identification of microbes using new high-throughput sequencing technologies that decipher their composition and sometimes provide insights into their functions. Despite tremendous advances in understanding the gut microbiome, relatively little attention has been devoted to the vaginal environment, notably regarding the ubiquity and diversity of glycans which denote the significant role they play in the maintenance of homeostasis. Hopefully, emerging technologies will aid in the determination of what is a healthy vaginal microbiome, and provide insights into the roles of Lactobacillus, glycans and microbiome-related drivers of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodolphe Barrangou
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Argentini C, Fontana F, Alessandri G, Lugli GA, Mancabelli L, Ossiprandi MC, van Sinderen D, Ventura M, Milani C, Turroni F. Evaluation of Modulatory Activities of Lactobacillus crispatus Strains in the Context of the Vaginal Microbiota. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0273321. [PMID: 35266820 PMCID: PMC9045136 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02733-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely reported that members of the genus Lactobacillus dominate the vaginal microbiota, which is represented by the most prevalent species Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus iners. L. crispatus is furthermore considered an important microbial biomarker due to its professed beneficial implications on vaginal health. In order to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for health-promoting activities that are believed to be elicited by L. crispatus, we performed in silico investigations of the intraspecies biodiversity of vaginal microbiomes followed by in vitro experiments involving various L. crispatus strains along with other vaginal Lactobacillus species mentioned above. Specifically, we assessed their antibacterial activities against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms that are associated with vaginal infections. Moreover, coculture experiments of L. crispatus strains showing the most antibacterial activity against different pathogens revealed distinct ecological fitness and competitive properties with regard to other microbial colonizers. Interestingly, we observed that even phylogenetically closely related L. crispatus strains possess unique features in terms of their antimicrobial activities and associated competitive abilities, which suggests that they exert marked competition and evolutionary pressure within their specific environmental niche. IMPORTANCE The human vaginal microbiota includes all microorganisms that colonize the vaginal tract. In this context, a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus and specifically by Lactobacillus crispatus is considered a hallmark of health. The role of L. crispatus in maintaining host health is linked to its modulatory activity toward other members of the vaginal ecosystem and toward the host. In this study, in vitro experiments followed by genetic analyses of the mechanisms used by L. crispatus in colonizing the vaginal ecological niche, particularly in the production of different antimicrobial compounds, were evaluated, highlighting some intriguing novel aspects concerning the genetic variability of this species. Our results indicate that this species has adapted to its niche and may still undergo adaptation to enhance its competitiveness for niche colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Argentini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Alessandri
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Andrea Lugli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mancabelli
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ossiprandi
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Microbiome Research Hub, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Stuivenberg GA, Burton JP, Bron PA, Reid G. Why Are Bifidobacteria Important for Infants? Microorganisms 2022; 10:278. [PMID: 35208736 PMCID: PMC8880231 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of Bifidobacterium species in the maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota is arguably an evolutionary trait that allows these organisms to be primary colonizers of the newborn intestinal tract. Their ability to utilize human milk oligosaccharides fosters their establishment as core health-promoting organisms throughout life. A reduction in their abundance in infants has been shown to increase the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorder, and all-cause mortality later in life. Probiotic strains have been developed as supplements for premature babies and to counter some of these ailments as well as to confer a range of health benefits. The ability to modulate the immune response and produce short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetate and butyrate, that strengthen the gut barrier and regulate the gut microbiome, makes Bifidobacterium a core component of a healthy infant through adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit A. Stuivenberg
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A4V2, Canada; (G.A.S.); (J.P.B.)
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Jeremy P. Burton
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A4V2, Canada; (G.A.S.); (J.P.B.)
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | | | - Gregor Reid
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A4V2, Canada; (G.A.S.); (J.P.B.)
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Seed Health Inc., Venice, CA 90291, USA;
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7
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Krakowsky Y, Potter E, Hallarn J, Monari B, Wilcox H, Bauer G, Ravel J, Prodger JL. The Effect of Gender-Affirming Medical Care on the Vaginal and Neovaginal Microbiomes of Transgender and Gender-Diverse People. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:769950. [PMID: 35127550 PMCID: PMC8814107 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse individuals may seek gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to produce primary and/or secondary sex characteristics that are more congruent with their gender. Gender-affirming medical care for transmasculine individuals can include testosterone therapy, which suppresses circulating estrogen and can lead to changes in the vaginal epithelium that are reminiscent of the post-menopausal period in cisgender females. Among transfeminine individuals, gender-affirming medical care can include vaginoplasty, which is the surgical creation of a vulva and neovaginal canal, commonly using penile and scrotal skin. The effect of gender-affirming medical care on the vagina of transmasculine individuals and on the neovagina of transfeminine individuals is poorly characterized. This review summarizes what is known of the epithelium and local microbiota of the testosterone-exposed vagina and the neovagina. We focus on potential pathogens and determinants of gynecological health and identify key knowledge gaps for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonah Krakowsky
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Transition Related Surgery, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emery Potter
- Transition Related Surgery, Department of Surgery, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Hallarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Bern Monari
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hannah Wilcox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Greta Bauer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Jessica L. Prodger,
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Reid G, Dhir R, Bron PA. Fixing Functional GI Disorders Using Microbes: Easier Said Than Done. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:804179. [PMID: 35360061 PMCID: PMC8963371 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.804179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Reid
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Gregor Reid,
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The Two-Way Interaction between the Molecules That Cause Vaginal Malodour and Lactobacilli: An Opportunity for Probiotics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212279. [PMID: 34830161 PMCID: PMC8621103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaginal malodour is a sign of dysbiosis. The biogenic amines (BAs) cadaverine, putrescine and tyramine are known to be causative compounds. Recent reports suggest these compounds produced by pathogens might have a role beyond causing malodour; namely inhibiting the growth of lactobacilli bacteria that are crucial in the maintenance of vaginal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to identify whether certain lactobacilli strains could reduce BAs and to evaluate how Lactobacillus species were affected by these compounds. Using LC–MS and HPLC-UV, five Lactobacillus crispatus strains were identified as being capable of significantly reducing BAs from the media under in vitro conditions. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of vaginal swabs exposed to Bas, cadaverine was found to reduce the relative abundance of lactobacilli. When L. crispatus was exposed to media supplemented with BAs with an HCl adjusted lower pH, its growth was enhanced, demonstrating the relevance of the maintenance of an acidic vaginal environment. If strains are to be developed for probiotic application to alleviate bacterial vaginosis and other conditions affecting large numbers of women worldwide, their ability to adapt to Bas and regulate pH should be part of the experimentation.
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