Antimicrobial activity of bovine lactoferrin against Gardnerella species clinical isolates Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study investigated the antimicrobial activity of bovine lactoferrin (MTbLF) against clinical isolates of Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis), which is a key pathogen in the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The study also examined the potential synergistic effects of bovine lactoferrin when combined with commonly used antibiotics, metronidazole and clindamycin. It utilized a range of in vitro experiments to determine the dose-dependent effects of MTbLF and its ability to inhibit the growth of both metronidazole-resistant and susceptible G. vaginalis isolates.
Who was studied?
The study focused on 71 clinical isolates of Gardnerella vaginalis that were presumptively identified from vaginal samples collected from women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. The researchers subjected these isolates to antimicrobial susceptibility testing to evaluate their resistance profiles against metronidazole and clindamycin.
What were the most important findings?
The study found that MTbLF exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against G. vaginalis isolates, including those resistant to metronidazole. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent and not strain-dependent, suggesting that MTbLF could effectively target G. vaginalis, regardless of the strain. Combining MTbLF with clindamycin enhanced the antibiotic’s efficacy against G. vaginalis, producing a synergistic effect. This finding highlights the potential of MTbLF as an adjunctive treatment for BV, particularly in cases involving antibiotic-resistant strains. Additionally, the study confirmed that G. vaginalis strains were unable to utilize bovine lactoferrin as an iron source, contrasting with their ability to acquire iron from human lactoferrin, which may contribute to the pathogen’s resilience in the vaginal environment.
What are the implications of this study?
The study highlights the potential of MTbLF as an adjunct or alternative treatment for BV, especially in cases where traditional antibiotics like metronidazole and clindamycin are ineffective due to resistance. Given its iron-binding properties, MTbLF could help disrupt the growth of G. vaginalis by depriving it of essential iron, thereby hindering its ability to proliferate. The observed synergy between MTbLF and clindamycin could pave the way for more effective combination therapies. Furthermore, MTbLF’s ability to inhibit G. vaginalis, even in biofilm-forming states, highlights its potential in managing BV, a condition known for its recurring nature and complexity. These findings warrant further exploration, particularly in clinical settings, to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of MTbLF in treating and preventing BV recurrence.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally occurring iron-binding glycoprotein classified as a postbiotic with immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and prebiotic-like properties.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, where the typically dominant Lactobacillus species are significantly reduced, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic and facultative bacteria.