Influence of Culture Conditions on Hydrogen Peroxide Production by Lactobacillus jensenii

The purpose of this study was to determine how changes in certain culture conditions influence hydrogen peroxide production rate by the vaginal isolate Lactobacillus jensenii. Hydrogen peroxide production was detected for all variables, but the highest rates occurred at 13.8 mM glucose, pH 7, 40°C, and during early logarithmic growth stage when cell density was taken into account. Hydrogen peroxide was produced from L. jensenii regardless of the experimental variable; however, significant differences in production rate were detected within each variable. Since vaginal lactobacilli may play a crucial role in prevention of disease, it is important to know how in vitro environmental factors, which may emulate the vaginal environment or aid in the development of potential vaginal probiotic strains, influence production of hydrogen peroxide.