Background:

Puerperal infection is an infection of the reproductive tract during labor or puerperal period, which is largely caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection resulting in Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The prevalence of postpartum infection has increased over the past three years, coupled with an increase in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Methicillin Resistant, resulting in high treatment costs and high morbidity and mortality rates.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on the percentage of Th17 cells and the level of IL-17 in Staphylococcus aureus-induced puerperal BALB/c mice.

Methods:

Mice were divided into 4 groups with each group consisting of 4 mice in puerperal period and 4 mice in three days postpartum period; Group I (mice were induced with Staphylococcus aureus at 0–12 hours postpartum), Group II (mice were administered orally with Lactobacillus reuteri), Group III (mice were treated with Lactobacillus reuteri and Staphylococcus aureus) and group IV (control). The percentage of Th17 cells was measured by Flow cytometry method, while the level of IL-17 was measured by ELISA method.

Results:

The results showed that the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri significantly influenced the percentage of Th17 cells and the levels of IL-17 in Staphylococcus aureus-induced puerperal mice.

Conclusion:

In summary, Lactobacillus reuteri may act as a preventive agent of puerperal infections in Staphylococcus aureus-induced mice during the puerperal period and three days postpartum.

Keywords: