Bacteria are microscopic living organisms,which are ubiquitous. They live on all household items, live in water and air, and are also found in humans and animals. Bacteria can be of three types. The first live in the body permanently and do not bring him any harm. The second - conditionally pathogenic bacteria - also live inside us all the time. Their difference is that with various endogenous and exogenous factors (for example, reduced immunity, hypothermia, the presence of chronic foci of infection), they begin to multiply and damage the body, causing various diseases. The third group includes pathogenic bacteria, they penetrate from the outside and always bring with them some kind of infection.
What are lactobacilli?
Lactobacilli belong to the natural microfloraorganism. They are necessary to ensure normal metabolism, so they are always inside us. The habitat of lactobacilli is the entire digestive tract, as well as the external genitalia in women. These microorganisms can take various forms, most often they are found in the form of sticks. Lactobacilli are Gram (+) and anaerobic bacteria, they are incapable of forming spores. These microorganisms belong to the group of lactic acid sticks due to their ability to process lactose and other carbohydrates. In the process of their metabolism, they secrete lysozyme - a disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide and other metabolic products that have antibiotic activity. Their main property is the formation of lactic acid, which prevents the development and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Habitat Lactobacillus spp
Lactobacilli live in large numbers onmucous membrane of internal organs. They are distributed throughout the digestive tract, starting from the mouth. Next, Lactobacillus spp move to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach and intestines. The place of their greatest accumulation is the final section of the digestive tract. This is explained by the fact that in the large intestine there are special cells - enterocytes, the interaction with which ensures the processes of repair of the mucous membrane, the formation of body defenses through the formation of lysozyme and special immune competent cells (cytokines). Another habitat of Lactobacillus spp is the vulva and vagina. The presence of lactobacilli on the external genitalia in women is necessary to protect the mucous membrane from pathogenic factors and provide an obstacle to ingestion of infection.
Lactobacillus spp: normal in women
In the female body, lactobacilli are found inmore compared to the biocenosis in men. Since girls' genitals are open gates for various infectious agents, Lactobacillus spp. The norm for women is - 106- 109 CFU / ml.If these indicators are found in smears from the vulva, vagina and urethra, this is not a cause for concern. These bacteria are present in women of all ages, but their greatest number is observed in young girls who have not begun their sexual life. Previously, in the smear from the vagina, only the total number of fermented milk microorganisms was determined for the degree of purity and they were called Dederlein sticks. With the development of modern medical technology it has become possible to isolate each type of bacteria, it turned out that a significant number of them are Lactobacillus spp. The rate for sexually active women is slightly lower than for girls. However, it should not be below 106 CFU / ml.
The change in the number of lactobacilli
Lactobacilli, like other microorganisms, havea certain amount, which is considered normal. At each site of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, this value is different. For example, the content of lactobacilli in the gastric juice is only 102-ten3 Cfu / ml, while the colon contains 106-ten7 Cfu / ml Lactobacillus spp.The rate of these microorganisms in the vagina is the highest, compared with other mucous membranes. Therefore, when the detection of lactobacilli in the body, it is necessary to know their quantitative indicators for each department. The normal flora of Lactobacillus spp is the norm for a healthy person. The change in the number of lactobacilli in any part of the body indicates a pathological condition.
Why does the amount of lactobacillus change?
If the indicators of Lactobacillus spp go beyondlimits of the norm or do not reach them, it is necessary to find out the cause of this state. Usually, an increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria on the vaginal mucosa is associated with dysbacteriosis, which develops with the irrational use of antibiotics. In addition, it can be observed with the constant use in food of kefir, citrus fruits, vinegar, etc. In this case, their amount will recover after reducing the acidity of the products. A decrease in lactobacilli in the intestine is also associated with dysbacteriosis. When lowering them in the vagina and urethra should think about the presence of an infectious process in the genitals.
Methods for the diagnosis of lactobacilli
If you suspect a change in quantitylactobacilli must necessarily consult a doctor. Modern diagnostic methods will quickly establish the qualitative and quantitative composition of microorganisms. In gynecology, the material for the study are smears taken from the mucous membrane of the urethra, vulva and vagina. First, they are subjected to microscopic examination, and with a change in the number of Dederleyn sticks, more accurate diagnostic methods are performed. The method that allows you to quickly and accurately determine the presence of bacteria is PCR. It is based on the isolation of its DNA from a microorganism. Lactobacillus spp, as well as other components of the genital microbiocenosis, is determined with 100% accuracy.
Use of lactobacilli
Лактобациллы применяют в нескольких сферах industry, as well as in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Like bifidobacteria, these microorganisms contain special strains - probiotics - substances used to maintain the normal quantitative composition of bacteria. They are used with long-term use of antibacterial drugs, as well as added to the composition of vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. Lactobacillus spp - what is it? Since lactobacilli are natural microorganisms, they can be safely used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive tract, as well as inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.
Lactobacillus in the food industry
В связи с неправильным питанием и широким the spread of dysbiosis, most people suffer from digestive problems. For this reason, lactobacilli began to be used in the manufacture of dairy products, which are not only beneficial to the body, but also help the intestines to work faster. In addition, in the food industry they are used in salting vegetables, preparing salads, pickled products, pickles. Some use lactobacilli in agriculture for forage. In this case, their benefit lies in the fermentation of silage, which contributes to long-term storage and the absence of mold. Lactobacilli are necessary in many areas of human activity, as they protect our body from pathogenic effects.
