Turovskiy, Yevgeniy. The potential of a probiotic-derived antimicrobial peptide for the control of vaginal pathogens. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3SF2VTK
DescriptionBacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by replacement of vaginal probiotics with several anaerobic pathogens. This condition can lead to numerous complications during pregnancy and labor. It is also a risk factor for HIV acquisition. Currently-available antibiotic treatments for BV are notorious for having a high (30-40%) rate of reoccurrence; therefore alternative treatments are critically desired. A multiple-hurdle approach involving bacteriocins may provide such an alternative. Previous studies indicate that lactocin 160, a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus, a vaginal probiotic, is active against BV - associated Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia. The objective of the current study is to understand the mode of action of lactocin 160 against G. vaginalis and to seek out other natural antimicrobials exhibiting
synergistic activity with this bacteriocin. Our results demonstrate that lactocin 160 targets the cytoplasmic membrane of G. vaginalis, causing the efflux of ATP molecules and dissipation of both, ΔΨ and ΔpH components of proton motive force. Based on these
results, we presume that like many other known bacteriocin-like substances, lactocin 160 triggers formation of transient pores in the cytoplasmic membranes of its target cells. The interactions between lactocin 160 and four other natural antimicrobials in the ability to inhibit G. vaginalis were evaluated using the checkerboard assay. Our results indicate that zinc lactate and soapnut extract act synergistically with lactocin 160 against this pathogen and therefore have a potential to be successfully used as the components of the multiple-hurdle antimicrobial formulation for the treatment of BV.