EFFECTIVENESS OF LACTOBACILLUS JENSENII IN TREATING VAGINAL AND UROGENITAL INFECTIONS: AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE AND IMMUNE FUNCTION

Una Suljić Fatić; Lana Lekić; Gabrijela Malesevic; Valentina Soldat Stanković; Nina Pinjuh Markota

doi:10.35120/medisij040427s

Authors

Una Suljić Fatić Faculty of Pharmacy, University Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia & Herzegovina Author
Lana Lekić Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Author
Gabrijela Malesevic Faculty of Medicine Banja Luka, University Clinical Center Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina Author
Valentina Soldat Stanković Faculty of Medicine Banja Luka, University Clinical Center Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Hercegovina Author
Nina Pinjuh Markota Primary Health Care Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij040427s

Keywords:

Lactobacillus jensenii, menopauze, infection, bacterial infection, vaginal candidiasis

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus jensenii on vaginal and urogenital infections in women aged 20 to 45. A total of 30 participants were included, with those aged 20–35 showing the most significant improvement, as no pathogens or infections were detected post-treatment. However, women older than 40 experienced persistent infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract infections, despite the probiotic treatment. These results indicate that older women may have reduced immune function and hormonal changes that hinder the effectiveness of probiotics.The findings suggest that L. jensenii can effectively reduce pathogen presence and infections in younger women, likely due to their stronger immune response and hormonal balance. However, in older women, the decreased immune function and altered hormonal levels, such as during postmenopause, might prevent complete resolution of infections. This age-related immune sensitivity, combined with shifts in vaginal microbiota, may necessitate more personalized and multifaceted therapeutic approaches for older populations.Moreover, while probiotics like L. jensenii show promise in restoring microbial balance and preventing infections, the persistence of infections in older women implies that additional therapies may be needed to support the immune system and optimize microbial management. Further research is needed to explore combined probiotic therapies or integrative approaches to improve long-term outcomes for women in this age group. Additionally, attention should be given to factors like comorbidities and previous infections, which could contribute to the higher frequency of infections in older women.This study underlines the potential of Lactobacillus jensenii as a therapeutic agent for vaginal and urogenital health, but also emphasizes the need for age-specific treatment strategies that account for immunological and hormonal changes in postmenopausal women.

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