Beneficial bacteria

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus

Previously lactobacillus rhamnosus, this bacteria is commonly found in a healthy female genito-urinary tract. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is used in probiotic formulations for its role in controlling a dysbiotic (imbalanced) vaginal microbiome.

Lactobacillus crispatus

This is the most commonly found bacteria, native to the vaginal canal, and is associated with health. It keeps the vaginal canal at an acidic pH, due to its lactic acid producing capabilities, which helps to keep pathogenic bacteria at bay.

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus gasseri is a lactic acid producing microbe, and keeps the vaginal canal at an acidic pH, protective against pathogens.

Lactobacillus helveticus

Although this lactobacillus strain is not generally found as a native bacteria in the vaginal canal, its presence is beneficial and protective. It’s commonly found in probiotics supportive of vaginal health.

Lactobacillus iners

Lactobacillus iners has moderate lactic acid producing capabilities, hence creates a less stable environment, with a higher risk of contracting Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Lactobacillus iners can proliferate after antibiotic treatment for vaginal and bladder infections. Ideally a stronger strain of lactobacillus should be encouraged.

Lactobacillus jensenii

This bacteria is capable of moderate acid production, keeping the vaginal canal at a healthy acid pH, less favourable for pathogens. This is found dominating the microbiome in about 5% of women.

Lactobacillus mulieris

Lactobacillus mulieris is a bacterium that’s commonly found in the healthy female urogenital tract. Like all lactobacillus strains, it produces lactic acid, and by doing so keeps the environment acidic and less favourable for pathogens.

Lactobacillus paragasseri

This bacteria is closely related to lactobacillus gasseri. Its acid producing capabilities allow it to keep the vaginal canal at a healthy acidic pH, supportive of an environment free from pathogens.

Ligilactobacillus salivarius

Ligilactobacillus salivarius is a type of good bacteria, found naturally in the human body. It’s also found in fermented foods. It helps the body absorb nutrients, and fight off bad microbes that might cause diseases. It’s very beneficial in the vagina due to its lactic acid producing function.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum

Limosilactobacillus fermentum is a very protective bacteria in the vaginal canal. It’s commonly found in microbiome sites of the human body, in breast milk, fermented foods and supplement formulations.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri

Limosilactobacillus reuteri is a well-studied probiotic with the ability to colonise a wide range of microbiome sites - gut, urinary tract, vagina, skin and breast milk. It is a very beneficial microbe in the vaginal tract, and is used in many women’s probiotic formulations to support health of the vagina and vulval tissues areas.

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Bifidobacterium bifidum is a type of bacteria that can be found in the vaginal microbiomes of some women of reproductive age. Similar to lactobacillus strains, bifidobacterium can produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide to help prevent pathogen overgrowth. Overall, it is protective for the vaginal canal.

Bifidobacterium breve

Bifidobacterium breve is a very common microbe found in the gut, with various health benefits. Its acid producing, so its also protective in the vaginal canal, although is found less commonly than lactobacillus strains.

Bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacterium longum is a bacterium that can be found in the vagina and is a dominant member of some vaginal microbiomes. It produces lactic acid and other acids that can help keep the vagina’s acidity low and protect against pathogenic bacteria and yeasts.

To go back to the Beneficial Bacteria on a Species Level click here.