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Urogenital Applications of Probiotic Bacteria

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Prebiotics and Probiotics Science and Technology

Abstract

The urogenital tract extends from the perineal skin close to the anus, to the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, urethra, bladder and kidneys. The uterus, bladder and kidneys are regarded as being sterile, although it will not be surprising if molecular techniques discover that this is not necessarily the case. The importance of the urogenital tract in the health of women cannot be understated. Given its proximity to potential pathogens emerging from the rectum, exposure to sexually transmitted organisms, hormonal fluctuations that affect cells, use of tampons, contraceptives and douches, and the birthing process, it is remarkable that this area is not constantly infected. Nevertheless, it has been estimated that almost every female will have a vaginal or bladder infection at some point in her life.

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Abbreviations

BV :

Bacterial vaginosis

Cpn60 :

chaperonin 60 gene

DGGE :

denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

HRT :

Hormone replacement therapy

H 2 O 2 :

hydrogen peroxide

IL :

Interleukin

INF-γ :

interferon gamma

PMNs :

polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Th-1 :

T cell type 1

Th-2 :

T cell type 2

UTI :

Urinary tract infections

VVC :

vulvovaginal candidiasis

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Acknowledgments

Our work is supported by grants from NSERC and AFMnet

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario Lawson Health Research Institute, 268 Grosvenor Street, N6A 4V2, London, Ontario, Canada

    Gregor Reid

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  1. Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading Whiteknights, Reading, UK

    Dimitris Charalampopoulos  & Robert A. Rastall  & 

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Reid, G. (2009). Urogenital Applications of Probiotic Bacteria. In: Charalampopoulos, D., Rastall, R.A. (eds) Prebiotics and Probiotics Science and Technology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79058-9_27

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