Vaginal Impair Dimorphic Switching and Biofilm Formation.

spp. generally dominate the vaginal microbiota and prevent pathogen adhesion and overgrowth, including spp., by various mechanisms. Although spp. can be commensal, in certain conditions they can become pathogenic, causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. The insurgence of candidiasis is related to the expression of virulence factors, including morphologic switching and biofilm formation. Germ tubes, pseudohyphae, and hyphae promote tissue invasion, biofilms increase persistence and are often resistant to antifungals and host immune response. Here, we explored the inhibitory activity of vaginal strains belonging to , , , and species towards virulence factors. With the aim to investigate the interrelation between mode of growth and functionality, supernatants were collected from lactobacilli planktonic cultures and, for the first time, from adherent ones, and were evaluated towards dimorphic switching and biofilm. biofilms were analyzed by multiple methodologies, i.e., crystal violet staining, MTT assay, and confocal microscopy. supernatants reduce switching and biofilm formation. Importantly, supernatants showed the best profile of virulence suppression, especially when grown in adherence. These results highlight the role of such species as a hallmark of vaginal eubiosis and prompt its employment in new probiotics for women's health.