Lactobacillus

Paul Auwaerter, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic (or microaerophilic) rod [Fig].
- > 170 species are known.
Normal flora of the GI/GU tract.
Produces lactic acid from glycogen, providing for a low vaginal pH.
Species are often used to produce yogurt, cheese, wine and other fermented products.
Most are inherently resistant to vancomycin.
- Lactobacilli are typically resistant to aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole.
  - L. acidophilus are susceptible to both penicillin and vancomycin
  - L. rhamnosus and L. casei are resistant to metronidazole and vancomycin.

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