Intravaginal Lactobacillus Suppository for Prophylaxis

The long-term goal of this project is to develop a commercially available vaginal suppositorycontaining a H2O2-producing strain of Lactobacillus for use in colonization of the vagina. Vaginallactobacilli are the primary microbial defense against infection. Lactobacillus predominant vaginal florais associated with decreased frequencies of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections. Women withH2O2-producing lactobacilli have fewer vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and trichomonia-sis. High concentrations of H2O2-producing lactobacilli are viricidal to Human Immunodeficiency Virus.While only half of women of child-bearing age are colonized by H2O2-producing lactobacilli, there areno commercially available products in the US suitable as vaginal suppositories. In this project, a strainof Lactobacillus will be identified based on adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, H2O2 production, andgrowth characteristics. Methods for strain preservation and maintenance of viability, biochemical,physiologic and genetic characteristics during large scale production will be optimized