Characterization of lactobacilli with probiotic potential and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against microorganisms that cause genito-urinary infections

• Grant number: 23/03676-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Lizziane Kretli Winkelströter Eller
• Grantee: Thiago José da Cruz Neves
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Genito-urinary tract infections are common and can have significant consequences for health, especially due to antimicrobial resistance developed by some pathogenic bacteria, in addition to the socioeconomic impacts generated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used in the food industry and other sectors due to their ability to produce lactic acid and other products such as vitamins, antioxidants and hydrogen peroxide, which contribute to the nutrition and health of individuals. LABs also produce bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides that are capable of inhibiting the growth of a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. In addition, several LABs have the ability to become probiotics. Probiotics are characterized as live microorganisms that promote benefits to human health in several diseases, including infections of the genitourinary tract, respiratory tract and skin. In this context, the use of lactic acid bacteria as potential probiotics can be effective to restore normal vaginal and urinary microbiota for the host. This project aims to characterize lactobacilli with probiotic potential and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against microorganisms that cause genito-urinary infections. Lactic acid bacteria will be isolated from the vaginal cavity of women of childbearing age during a standard procedure in a routine consultation in a private gynecological office. Samples will be seeded on Man Rogosa Sharpe agar and then identified for gram and catalase staining. The isolates will be identified and characterized for bacteriocin production by the spot-in-the-law technique against pathogens that cause urogenital infections such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria Gonorrhea and Candida albicans. The isolates that show antimicrobial effects will be investigated for bacteriocin production, antimicrobial resistance, gastrointestinal conditions and then sequenced. The results will be compiled in graphs and tables; statistical analysis will be performed considering a significance level of 0.05. The use of BALs and probiotics in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the genitourinary tract is a very current topic and presents itself as a very interesting therapeutic possibility since they can be useful tools in the promotion of human health.