Quantitative analysis of initial adhesion of bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes to ME-180 cells

•We quantified initial adhesion of bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes to ME-180 cervical epithelial cells.•Of the species tested, Gardnerella vaginalis showed the greatest capacity for initial adhesion to epithelial cells.•Adherence of G. vaginalis was inhibited only slightly by L. crispatus and was actually increased by L. iners.•In general, Lactobacillus crispatus was more effective at blocking initial adhesion of BV-related anaerobes than L. iners.

Bacterial vaginosis is the leading vaginal disorder but the transition from health to this dysbiotic condition remains poorly characterized. Our goal was to quantify the ability of BV-associated anaerobes to adhere to epithelial cells in the presence of lactobacilli. Gardnerella vaginalis outcompeted Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners actually enhanced its adherence.