Factors affecting the coaggregation ability of vaginal Lactobacilli withCandida spp.

In this study, the capacity of 30 strains of lactobacilli to coaggregate withCandida albicans ATCC 10239,C. albicans AJD 180 andCandida krusei ATCC 6258 were studiedin vitro. A marked coaggregation withC. albicans was observed for two strains ofLactobacillus crispatus, a strain ofLactobacillus cellobiosus and a strain ofLactobacillus salivarius. Coaggregation occurred at a pH range from 3 to 7, some strains showing optimal binding at high and other strains at low pH. Treatment of lactobacilli at 70 or 85°C for 20 min or treatment of the bacteria with pepsin abolished their capacity of coaggregation. The results may be of importance when trying to establish probiotics for vaginal use.