Chapter 27, Problem 1SA

How do lactobacilli help protect the vagina from potential pathogens?

Summary Introduction

To review:

The way lactobacilli aid to protect the vagina from the pathogens.

Introduction:

Lactobacillus refers to the genus of the bacteria, which is facultatively anaerobic and Gram-positive and along with this it is rod-shaped and nonspore forming bacteria. These are also known to be the prime part of the lactic acid bacteria club and in humans, they contribute the significant element of the microbiota at different sites of the body.

Explanation of Solution

Vaginal flora or also known as vaginal microbiota refers to the microorganisms thatcolonize the vagina and they were found in the year of 1892. The type and the number of bacteria present consists of significant implications for the woman’s overall health and the primary colonizing bacteria present in the healthy individual refer to the genus called Lactobacillus. Thesebacteria produce lactic acid in the vagina and protect the vagina from infection of pathogenic species. The pH (potential of hydrogen) of this is low and it is accepted by the prime mechanism that controls the composition of the vaginal microflora.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the lactobacilli produce the lactic acid in the body, which prevents the vagina from infections.