In vitro testing of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (TM) as a possible probiotic for the urogenital tract

L. acidophilus NCFM(TM) was examined in vitro for characteristics indicating suitability for probiotic application to the urogenital tract. Characteristics of L. acidophilus NCFM(TM) were compared to L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14, both known to colonize the vagina. Using standard screening methods, L. acidophilus NCFM(TM) adhered to urogenital cells and produced biosurfactants which significantly inhibited uropathogenic enterococci adhesion. However, the strain's ability to adhere, competitively exclude attachment of uropathogens, and inhibit the growth of uropathogens was not as high as L. rhamnosus GR-I and L. fermentum RC-14. Thus, while application of the dairy probiotic L. acidophilus NCFM(TM) strain to humans might be feasible if applied directly to the vagina, it would not be the optimal choice of strain for this purpose or for oral delivery as a functional food. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.