Control of the microbial flora of the vagina by H2O2-generating lactobacilli

Article Abstract:

Certain types of bacteria, such as lactobacilli, streptococci, and pneumococci, can produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which becomes highly toxic in the presence of the enzyme peroxidase and a halide group (a chemical compound with a halogen, such as chlorine, bromine or iodine). In addition to eliminating surrounding bacteria, fungi, viruses, sperm, and tumor cells, these H2O2-producing bacteria can also be self-destructive in the presence of peroxidase and a halide. Peroxidase is produced by certain types of white blood cells, saliva, cow's milk, and uterine fluid. H2O2-producing Lactobacillus bacteria (LB+) are normally present in the vagina. One study reported that the vaginas of 96 percent of normal women had LB+, whereas only 4 percent of normal women had Lactobacilli that did not generate H2O2. Among women with bacterial vaginosis, or vaginal infection with Gardnerella vaginalis, only six percent had LB+ in the vagina, whereas 36 percent had non-H2O2-producing Lactobacilli. These studies suggest that LB+ may help to prevent the overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis. The effects of LB+ on G. vaginalis were assessed in 21 women, including 11 with bacterial vaginosis. High levels of LB+ were toxic to G. vaginalis, and the effectiveness of LB+ was enhanced by myeloperoxidase and chloride. Further observations suggest that the toxicity resulted from H2O2. In addition, the toxic effects of LB+ and chloride could be produced by adding H2O2 combined with iodide, bromide, or thiocyanate. LB+ combined with myeloperoxidase and chloride prevented its own growth. Seventeen of 21 women had sufficient levels of vaginal peroxidase. These findings suggest that LB+ may help to control the growth of bacteria within the vagina. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infection, Physiological aspects, Lactobacillus, Bacteria, Vaginosis, Vagina

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The antimicrobial treatment of subacute endometritis: a proof of concept studies

Article Abstract:

An antimicrobial treatment trial of 153 women is performed to evaluate its effect on clinical and laboratory findings in women at risk for endometritis. Antimicrobial therapy decrease in the abnormal clinical findings and histologic endometritis in women without a clinical diagnosis of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) prior PID increases the prevalent cervical infection and poses a risk for endometritis.

Science & research, Research, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Endometritis

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Sexual assault victims: Factors associated with follow-up care

Article Abstract:

A study undertaken to describe patient, assault, and examination characteristics associated with compliance with follow-up in sexual assault victims is presented. The findings might inform care strategies designed to improve follow-up for women who are at risk for significant sequelae.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, Sexually abused patients, Clinical report

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