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THE FEMALE MICROBIOME: PROBIOTICS, LACTOBACILLUS INCIDENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Abstract

The female urogenital tract has a unique microbiome specific to the body it inhabits. Maintenance of this microbiome’s health is vital to protect the reproductive and urinary systems from harmful pathogens, act as a barrier to foreign bacteria, and aid in overall functioning of the urogenital tract. This study explored flora native to the female urogenital microbiome (FUM) by rehydrating a culture of a Lactobacillus Beijerinck 1901 species by performing streak plate isolations, incubating in anaerobic and aerobic environments, and observing what each colony morphology looks like, as well as testing the bacteria’s susceptibility to specific antibiotics. Results showed that the macrolide erythromycin was most effective in inhibiting the growth of L. acidophilus. The zones of inhibition measured from erythromycin varied between 34 and 36 mm in diameter which makes L. acidophilus susceptible to it. The other antibiotics ciprofloxacin (quinolone) and sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim (sulfonamide), were ineffective in inhibiting the growth of L. acidophilus. Three name brand probiotic yogurts were selected and studied to determine which promoted the growth of L. acidophilus best. Results indicated that Yoplait® showed to be the most successful. Finally, an experiment was conducted on 10 female participants ages 19-34 that are students, faculty, or staff at Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia. Urine samples were collected, plated, incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, and analyzed to ascertain the microbiome composition of the individuals. The experimental group of participants ingested a probiotic yogurt daily for 14 days, while the control group were given no changes in their diet. At the end of the 14 days, the results were examined for potential changes in the makeup of each participant's FUM. The results showed that all of the participants in the control group except for one, had a decrease in Lactobacillus colonies, and all of the participants given the probiotic yogurt except for one, had an increase in Lactobacillus colonies.

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