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. 2023 Jul 8;19(1):82.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03635-y.

The in vitro effects of probiotic bacteria on genital pathogens of female dogs

Golińska Edyta  1 , Sowińska Natalia  2 , Szydło Marlena  3 , Witka Natalia  4 , Lenarczyk Joanna  5 , Zbigniew Arent  6 , Strus Magdalena  7
Affiliations

The in vitro effects of probiotic bacteria on genital pathogens of female dogs

Golińska Edyta et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Background: An important aspect in the microbiology of the reproductive system of small animals is the potential occurrence of probiotic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of the genus Lactobacillus. The presence of these microorganisms is significant due to their strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. This study aimed to select probiotic strains from the oral cavity and vagina that have outstanding antibacterial properties against typical genital pathogens of the female dog reproductive tract.

Results: The antagonistic activity of ten LAB strains was tested against seven etiological agents isolated from the genital tract of female dogs with signs of inflammation. LAB strains with the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of indicator bacteria were Lactobacillus plantarum and L. acidophilus, while L. fermentum and L. brevis strains inhibited growth the least. Almost all strains showed a complete lack of adherence to Caco-2 epithelial cells.

Conclusions: All tested LAB isolates inhibited the in vitro growth of either Gram-positive or Gram-negative pathogens, suggesting that potential probiotic strains could contribute to the balance of the normal vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, they could be considered for use as prophylactic agents or as an alternative to antibiotic therapy for infections in dogs.

Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Dog; Lactobacillus; Probiotics; Vaginal microflora.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A sample photograph from the semi-quantitative study on the antagonistic abilities of selected strains with probiotic properties against Escherichia coli
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The antagonistic effect of selected strains with probiotic properties against indicator bacteria (quantitative method)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Sample photographs of bacterial adherence
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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