In a recent study published in the Cell , a group of researchers investigated oleic acid (OA) as a potential treatment to inhibit Lactobacillus iners ( L. iners ) and promote Lactobacillus crispatus ( L. crispatus ) dominance in bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Background Specific female genital tract (FGT) microbiota are linked to adverse health outcomes, including infertility, preterm birth, and infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). BV, associated with these outcomes, affects up to 58% of women globally and is marked by a lack of lactobacilli and dominance of anaerobic bacteria. Standard antibiotic treatment with metronidazole often leads to recurrence, possibly due to a shift towards L.
iners instead of L. crispatus, which is associated with better health outcomes. Further research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of OA as a targeted treatment for promoting L.
crispatus dominance and preventing BV recurrence. About the study The present study investigated bacterial growth inhibition, enhancement, and killing using various media formulations and additives. Bacterial isolates were revived on solid media, with starter cultures grown in liquid media for 48 hours.
The optical density at 600 nm (OD600) was measured, and cultures were diluted to 40 times the starting OD600 for experiments. Growth enhancement involved pelleting and washing starter cultures to prevent nutrient carryover before inoculation. For bactericidal activity, a minimum bactericidal concent.