Anti-Biofilm Properties of CNCM I-3856 and ATCC 53103 Probiotics against .

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm where plays a key role. Previously, we demonstrated that CNCM (French National Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms) I-3856 is helpful in resolving experimental simulated BV in mice. In this study, we analyzed its capacity to affect biofilms and to potentiate the activity of standard antimicrobial agents. We also investigated the anti-biofilm activity of GG (ATCC 53103), a well-known strain for its intestinal healthy benefits. Biofilm biomass was assessed by crystal violet staining, and viability was assessed by a colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that CNCM I-3856 as well as GG were able (i) to significantly inhibit biofilm formation, (ii) to markedly reduce viability among the biomass constituting the biofilm, (iii) to induce disaggregation of preformed biofilm, and (iv) to kill a consistent amount of bacterial cells in a preformed biofilm. Furthermore, CNCM I-3856 strongly potentiates the metronidazole effect on biofilm viability. These results suggest that CNCM I-3856 as well as GG could be potential novel therapeutic agents against bacterial vaginosis.