Can Lactobacillus acidophilus influence the adhesion capacity of Candida albicans on the combined contraceptive vaginal ring?

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus acidophilus on the adhesion capacity of Candida albicans on the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR). Study Design: Two vaginal isolates of C. albicans and an ATCC strain of lactobacilli were used. Isolated and associated yeasts and bacteria (co-aggregated) were employed on the CCVR adherence assays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Isolated yeasts and lactobacilli adhered strongly to the CCVR. After the co-aggregation, there were an increase in adhesion capacity of the yeasts (p<.001) and a diminished adhesion of the lactobacilli (p<.001). SEM showed the isolated and co-aggregated microorganisms intimately attached to the irregularities of the CCVR. Conclusions: If these findings correlated with the conditions in vivo, the use of probiotics based on L. acidophilus or its presence in the vaginal microbiota would not protect against the adhesion of C. albicans to the ring. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.