Lactobacillus crispatus M247: the only probiotic strain with studied activity against HPV

HPV infection can be worrying since some types of HPV are associated with the development of cervical cancer, so a rapid viral clearance is crucial to serenity.

Lactobacillus crispatus M247 is the only probiotic that has been studied for its capability of promoting HPV clearance. Moreover, it shows a very high colonization profile of the vaginal environment where it creates the ideal conditions to prevent vaginal infections from several pathogens.

HPV infections and the protective role of vaginal microbiota

HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, so much so that, according to estimates, most sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives if they have not received the vaccine. This is extremely worrying, considering that persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types is a significant risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, in case of HPV infection a rapid clearance is desirable.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines in reducing HPV infection rates, however, the number of HPV types that are still not covered by the vaccine remains high.

Recently, the scientific literature has suggested that the vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and protecting against infections, including sexually transmitted infections like HPV. In particular, different studies indicate that women with a Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbiota are at higher risk of acquiring and retaining HPV infections while conversely, a predominance of lactobacilli in the vaginal environment, especially of L. crispatus, is generally correlated with absence of HPV infection.

L. crispatus M247: evidence on its impact on HPV eradication

A recent pilot study conducted at the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, Oral administration of Lactobacillus crispatus M247 to papillomavirus-infected women: results of a preliminary, uncontrolled, open trial, investigated the ability of L. crispatus strain M247 to colonize the vaginal environment in HPV-infected women and promote the clearance of viral infection.

Researchers recruited 35 HPV-positive women with low-grade lesions who were not vaccinated for HPV. Afterwards, participants took Crispact®, probiotic supplement containing L. crispatus M247, 1 stick per day for 90 days.

After the 3-month treatment, the authors observed that:

  • 94% of women obtained a Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota, although at recruitment no women had crispatus in the vaginal environment,
  • 71% of women achieved the complete clearance of HPV 

This finding is significant because, according to current statistical data, the spontaneous clearance of HPV occurs in 1 year in 50% of cases, therefore the intervention with L. crispatus M247 proves to promote and accelerate the process of viral clearance.   

What are the X-factors of L. crispatus M247 in fighting HPV?

L. crispatus M247 is the second most studied crispatus strain in the world. The only one that, has been investigated for its activity against HPV. But how can L. crispatus M247 show a so high colonization profile and a so significant role in countering HPV infection?

The presence of genes encoding for exopolysaccharides justifies the adhesion of L. crispatus M247 to both the intestinal and vaginal environment, ensuring its colonization.

Moreover, the activity of L. crispatus M247 against human papillomavirus can be explained with

  • its ability of maintaining the acidic pH of the vagina through the synthesis of lactic acid
  • the release of bacteriocins
  • its high production of hydrogen peroxide with anti-inflammatory effect

Thanks to these features, taking L. crispatus M247 by oral administration can restore a healthy vaginal ecosystem. promoting a protective barrier against potential pathogens., not only viruses, but also bacteria (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis) and fungi (such as Candida) with a protective role against vaginal and urinary tract infections.

L. crispatus M247 is just available in the product Crispact® that contains 20 billion viable bacteria of this exclusive strain.