Lubnevskaya Lyudmila - 08.05.2008

This year, 82-year-old Ariadna Ivanovna Kazei did not live to see Victory Day. Quite a bit - she was buried on May 1.

Ariadna Ivanovna always looked forward to the day of May 9 with a special feeling. Bright holiday of Victory, although with a touch of sorrow. After all, on May 11, 1944, her brother Marat died. Fourteen year old boy, Hero Soviet Union.
... On March 8, as usual, I congratulated Ariadna Ivanovna on the holiday. She was also going to visit - to take another look at her family album and together select pictures for Komsomolskaya Pravda.
For example, I really liked the picture of four-year-old Maratik, standing on a chair in an embrace with his father's "cadets" Andrey Pichugin and Kostya Shumsky - the same Kostya, who was the first to run to Anna Kazei with the news that her husband had been arrested ...
“Oh, I'm afraid that I gave away all the photos ...” - Ariadna Ivanovna complained, promising to find the pictures in the near future. Did not make it…

Marat's father Ivan Georgievich Kazei was arrested in 1935 for wrecking. He died in exile in Birobidzhan.
Already after the war, in 1959, when the “enemy of the people” was posthumously rehabilitated, Ariadna Ivanovna decided to find out why her father had been arrested. And I heard: for wrecking. He spoiled and broke, allegedly, collective farm equipment.
This is the revolutionary idealist Ivan, who wore a sailor's vest under the robe of a mechanic and was the first in the Dzerzhinsky district to open courses for tractor drivers for rural boys and girls. The poorest of them even lived with the Kazeevs, because they did not have their own corner, having come to study as orphans from orphanages.

The mother was expelled from work and from the institute, and the children had to be distributed to grandmothers

... Do you know how Anna Alexandrovna and Ivan Georgievich met? In his native Stankovo. It so happened that a guy and a girl from the same village had the same surname, although they belonged to different families. That's just the mother's family was Polish, and the father was Belarusian.
In 1921, when Stankovo ​​was liberated from the White Poles, the brave 27-year-old sailor came home on a visit and could not take his eyes off the 16-year-old beauty Anyuta. That is why, writing off a year later on the shore, he asked for her hand. Having married, they lived soul to soul. Ivan's romantic nature manifested itself in giving the children unusual names. He named his son Marat - in honor of his beloved battleship. And the daughter of Ariadne: he really liked the legend of the saving thread of Ariadne.
- I have never - although I had little time to live with my parents - did not see the father with a cup in his hand. And even more so mom. But I remember well that when guests came, frequent in our hut, a whole human vir, a samovar, sugar, white Belarusian cheese were put on the table. The parents were very hospitable.

Mother Anna Alexandrovna was executed by the Nazis in 1941 as an underground partisan.
After the arrest of her husband, Anna Alexandrovna Kazei, who studied in absentia at the Moscow pedagogical institute named after Krupskaya, was expelled from the university. They kicked me out of the Dzerzhinsky apartment. And they also fired me from work. From many works, to be exact.
For this reason, the children (there was still an older sister Elena in the family, as well as the younger Kim and Nellochka, who later died of illnesses) were scattered among their grandparents. Ariadne got grandmother Zosya - her grandfather's paternal sister.

Count Czapsky drove grandmother Marat to the doctor

Oh, she was a wonderful grandmother, never raising her voice and raising her granddaughter only by good persuasion! Old and young loved to climb on the stove and enjoy the "old" stories.
- In her youth, grandmother Zosia served as a maid for Countess Czapskaya. And then, having grown old, she washed her and her two daughters. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the countess’s name, although Baba Zosya called him. Grandmother was the daughter of her era - she only kindly remembered the count's family. She told me: when she fell and broke her leg, the count took her to doctors in Minsk for six years, sparing no effort and money for treatment. But since Zosya injured her kneecap, she remained lame for the rest of her life.
Having returned from Ariadna Ivanovna, I asked Alexander Nekhaychik, who is the heir to the legendary Chapsky, to help identify the “count-dabradzey”. According to the dates, it turned out that poor Zosya Emerik Czapsky and his wife Elizaveta were taken to the Minsk Aesculapius. But his son Karol and his wife Maria, nee Puslovskaya, could well have shown compassion. Those same "cruel exploiters", as the journalist V. Morozov dubbed them, whose "names people do not want to remember." And even writing in 1968 - 1971 from the words of Ariadne herself good book"The Thread of Ariadne" Boris Kostyukovsky could not resist throwing an ideological cobblestone into the count's park-garden on behalf of the late Zosya Kazei. However, Ariadna Ivanovna took the writer under protection: he tried to preserve all the “repressive” moments in his novel. And in general, my interlocutor added, Kostyukovsky is a good kind-tribe man. His ancestors took part in the Kalinovsky uprising, for which they were exiled to Siberia.

Mother released from prison on the eve of the war

Ariadna Ivanovna insisted on the veracity of the details, so the book was not immediately published. For this, the heroine-teacher sketched drafts of memories at night and sent them to the writer "still hot".

Official version feat sounds like this: in 1944, young Marat Kazei, surrounded by the Nazis, blew himself up with a grenade. And since 1942, the guy was a scout for a partisan detachment near Minsk.
Their first meeting with Kostyukovsky, by the way, took place back in 1943. Seventeen-year-old Ada, after another operation on her legs frostbitten in a partisan detachment, lay in an Irkutsk hospital and thought about the meaning of her future life. And then one day the hospital door opened - and a swarthy handsome man in a white coat entered: the political officer of the hospital. Well, the spitting image of uncle Vikenty Vasyuchenya, cousin mother, who served as a ship's doctor, with whom little Adochka was childishly in love before the war! The girl with amputated legs - the legend of the entire hospital - had a tongue numb more than from anesthesia: did a miracle happen?
A quarter of a century later, Boris Kostyukovsky came to Ariadna Ivanovna, who by that time had become a Hero of Socialist Labor, in Minsk. Belarusian filmmakers were preparing to shoot a film about her. Well, Boris Aleksandrovich decided to take up a book: he met with the partisans of the detachment where Ada fought with his brother, visited the grave of Marat.
Ariadna Ivanovna told the writer about the arrests of her mother. Anna Kazei was released from the dungeons just before the war. As if making amends for involuntary guilt, Anna Alexandrovna tried to help the partisans. And even sheltered a Soviet commander on the orders of the underground under the guise of her husband returning from exile. But the scammer betrayed her - and in the fall of 1941, Anna Alexandrovna Kazei was executed by the Nazis.

The funeral of Marat Kazei in the village of Khorometsky.

Ariadne kept the lock of Marat all her life
All post-war years, Ariadna Ivanovna taught at the 28th Minsk school, received the title of Honored Teacher of the BSSR. I created my brother's museum at my school. I saw a modest exposition: I especially remember the sailor suit of the pioneer hero.
- Maratik is very a handsome boy was: blue-eyed, fair-haired. I hung his portrait in the school museum. That's where he looks the most like himself. Then many artists painted him, but each in his own way and not always the way he was in life. When I was just creating the museum, the artist Yuri Vasilievich Nezhura, already deceased, painted a large picture “The Last Battle of Marat”. And a whole series of watercolors with views of Stankov under the general name "Marat's Motherland". Nice, cute watercolors...
Hearing how the interlocutor's voice trembled, to be honest, I absolutely did not want to ask the question of what she could object to skeptics who doubt the authenticity of her brother's feat. But I overcame myself and asked a question. For the sake of my conscience and those who have had it on their tongues for a long time to be clear.
Do you know what even then, 10 years ago, I heard from the lips of a fragile woman without legs, speaking the amazingly beautiful Belarusian language?
- During the reburial of Marat in 1946, I asked to open the coffin - I really wanted to make sure that my brother was in it. And she saw the dead Maratik, whose hands were torn off and part of the skull was missing. I then cut off part of the blond curls from his head, which I still keep.
She barely held back her tears, a small, proud woman with prosthetic legs.
What do you think I said to her in response? I said that Marat could have taken such a desperate step on purpose to prove to everyone that he was the son of a normal father, and not an enemy of the people ...

This photo of the hero, known throughout the Union, was taken by the enemy.

The best photograph of Marat was taken by a German

When in 1965 a photograph was required for the posthumous awarding of the title of Hero of the Soviet Union to Marat Kazei, approximately corresponding to the age of the deceased teenager, Ariadna Ivanovna sent the highest quality photograph that she found in her family album to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. It was made soundly and honestly for a couple of eggs by a German who wandered into the hut of the Kazei in the first days of the war.
It was this photo that was included in all Soviet encyclopedias and textbooks and became a textbook.

How does buyer fraud occur everywhere?

The information that is innumerable on the packaging or advertising slogans of various companies, designed to attract customers, is often either a half-lie or a half-truth. Buyer deception became almost the primary goal of promoting the product on the market.

The buyer receives redundant facts, does not agree on the shortcomings, the simple qualities of the goods are presented in a beautiful wrapper. The goal is always the same - the buyer must believe that only this product with unique properties will instantly solve all human problems.

The phrases “with cashmere proteins”, “without cholesterol” and “containing L.Casei Imutitass bacteria” are a kind of doping for everyday consumer goods with a short cycle of use. This artificial doping allows the product to quickly scatter from store shelves, creating a myth of uniqueness.

The most interesting thing is that such tricks are legal and it is impossible to find fault with them. so open and bold cheating the buyer happens within the law

The Russian Dental Association approves chewing gum, dermatologist associations recommend creams, and every children's brand is familiar with the Russian Union of Pediatricians. “Clinics of the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences” and “National Associations of Dietitians and Nutritionists” test and recommend Samsung refrigerators.

But for any R&D that subscribes to these brands, such referrals are a common way to make money. Depending on the credibility of the company and the method of its participation (printing on a certificate or partnership agreement), the remuneration can range from 10 to 100 thousand dollars.

Buyer Fraud #2: Where Nano and Where Not Nano

The state-imposed and fashionable word "nano" will soon overtake the words "world", "elite", "peace" in popularity: nanotechnology-based shoe cream, nanocapsules for weight loss, Samsung silver nano washing machine, as well as car washes offering a nanoseed service. "nano-coatings" on the car body after washing, etc.

All these products have nothing to do with the Rosnanotech corporation, as well as with nanotechnologies themselves. It is impossible to attract the owners of such brands for the prefix "nano", since there is no exact scientific definition of "nano".

Deception #3: Innovative

Innovation is a buzzword found in everything from hair color innovation to meat product innovation. In this case, we are not talking about some kind of discovery or innovation. Innovative hair dye by Schwarzkopf, L'Oreal, and other brands is an ammonia-free dye that appeared a few years ago.

An example of absurdity is a cream that combines nanoparticles, innovations, and anglicisms, as well as a special LEOREX formula that provides special physical effects on the top layer of the skin. Wrinkle zones are straightened using a self-organizing network structure of a hydrophilic matrix of glycosaminoglycans and silica nanoparticles.

Buyer Fraud #4: Non-GMO/Eco/Bio

Every day, the number of people who want to purchase organic products is calculated, in connection with this, there is a tendency in advertisements to use additives on all products: "non-GMO", "eco" and "bio".

Unlike Europe and America, in Russia there are no uniform standards for the production of products labeled "bio", so you can find the stamp "non-GMO" even on soda.

Where to find genes in salt and soda, can you tell me?

Buyer scam #5: Fun arithmetic

Arithmetic in verbal garb is very mysterious.

A similar trick was used in advertising Duracell batteries - “working UP TO 10 times longer” and if you think about it, this phrase does not mean at all that the battery of this brand works 10 times more than usual and such a simple substitution of the pretext creates a feeling of durability of these batteries.

It happens that such a trick is also used - in large letters on the advertising banner they write “70% discounts *”, and at the bottom of the banner a clarification is made in small print: “70% discount on goods”.

Buyer Fraud #6: Cholesterol-Free Sunflower Oil

The label "no cholesterol" on oil bottles is intended to encourage buyers who are concerned about this issue to buy only such oil. Not everyone knows that vegetable oil, regardless of the brand, does not and cannot have cholesterol. Cholesterol is a natural fatty alcohol found only in animal organisms. And the inscription "without cholesterol" on the bottle will be equivalent to the inscription "without bread" if it cannot be there.

Vitamin E, on the contrary, which is an integral part of sunflower oil, also acts as a competitive advantage.

Buyer Fraud No. 7: Effective treatment of dysbacteriosis

To long-existing problems among Russians such as dandruff, sweaty armpits and bacteria on the rims of the toilet bowl, another one has been added - dysbacteriosis. Bacteriosis harms everyone without exception, but there is a magical remedy for restoring the intestinal microflora. In addition to yogurt, dysbacteriosis is treated with numerous drugs.

And here are the facts:

Disease - "dysbacteriosis" -myth. Such a diagnosis is not included in the International Classification of Diseases and is not included in the normative documents of the Ministry of Health “Standards for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system”. Symptoms, with the term "dysbacteriosis", are found in various diseases and symptoms. And, as you know, it is not the symptoms that are treated, but their causes.

In modern medicine, where evidence-based methodology is adopted, such drugs are called “drugs with unproven efficacy” because they did not pass the established study regulations, or even do not try to pass them.

Bacteriophages and probiotics in most cases either do not reach the intestines, but are digested in the stomach, or are rejected by the body as foreign.

Buyer Fraud #8: Restore Immunity

Manufacturers of medicines and fermented milk products also treat the problems of reduced immunity, which has suddenly worsened in recent years. Some argue that immunity is located in the gastrointestinal tract, while others "pump" the extract of Echinacea purpurea, which has no evidence of effectiveness, but contains bacterial lysates flavored with vitamins.

Buyer Fraud #9: Actimel

The advertisement for Actimel talks about lactobacilli - L. Casei Imunitass. These are the same lactobacilli, but with a proprietary marketing name to set them apart from competitors. The word containing in the title is similar in sound to the word "immunity", thereby instilling in the audience a false sense of concern for immunity. Danone says on its website that after 10 years of scientific research, this bacterium was chosen.

Buyer Fraud #10: Imunele

The advertisement contains the words “A special complex of lactobacilli, strengthens the immune system and helps health to be in great shape.” The abbreviated L. in the names of "special" bacteria is read as Lactobacillus, which are common lactobacilli. Casei and Rhamnosus are just a variety of lactobacilli and a subspecies of the variety, respectively. These miracle cultures are contained in human body and most dairy products. The latter, Rhamnosus, is commonly used as a preservative in yoghurts to prevent unwanted changes in chemical composition and not for your immunity.

Buyer Fraud #11: Arbidol

A man in a white coat in an advertisement for the immunomodulator "Arbidol" confidently convinces viewers of the need to take the drug at the first sign of the disease and at the same time utters the magic phrase "Arbidol can help speed up recovery." As you can see, the drug may not help, but it promises not to cure, but only to speed up the healing process. Again, this is not to say that the drug has no proven efficacy in a clinical setting.

Buyer Fraud #12: Activia

There is a magic bacterium, supposedly ActiRegularis, which is able to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and therefore benefit the human intestine. In fact, it is a common bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis - a living bifidobacterium that is found in the bodies of all mammals, including humans. ActiRegularis is a proprietary beautiful name for one of the stamps of this bacterium. The ability to survive in the stomach and not be rejected by the intestines of Bifidobacterium animalis is confirmed by research by Danon itself, as well as by companies that produce products with this bacterium.

Buyer Fraud #13: Plant

Products of the trade mark "Rastishka" are promoted to the people under the slogan "Grow in health". The growth of the child is ensured by the increased content of vitamin D and calcium in the products. As part of Rastishka, it is said that 180 mg of calcium falls on 100 g of the product, and this is no more than 30% of the physiological need for a child. There is also sucrose (10.4 g) in a fraction of more than two teaspoons per half glass. This composition can be compared with ordinary milk, in which there is no sugar at all, and calcium contains 120 mg per 100 g of product.

Buyer Fraud #14: Magic Yogurts

Leaving aside fermented milk products that promise reinforced concrete immunity, miracle cures are also found among yogurts, although their composition is approximately the same.

Yoghurt is a fermented milk product that contains high concentrations of skimmed milk solids. It is produced on a mixture of starter microorganisms - Bulgarian lactic acid bacillus and thermophilic lactic streptococci (Lactobacterium bulgaricum Str. thermophylus), as well as with the addition of fruits, berries and their substitutes, we are informed about this by the "Technical Regulations for Milk and Dairy Products" (Law of 12 June 2008 N 88-FZ).

Buyer Fraud #15: Danacore

Advertising text on the Danone website reads: “Clinical studies have shown that drinking 1 bottle of Danacor per day for 3 weeks reduces blood cholesterol levels by 10%. In the future, daily consumption of 1 bottle of Danacor per day will help maintain cholesterol levels at a reduced level. It contains "phytonaturalis" (phytosterol) - a plant component that partially blocks the absorption of "bad" cholesterol.

Phytonaturalis is a name invented for promotional purposes. The name emphasizes the naturalness of its origin and the undoubted help for health. Objectively speaking, let's say that phytosterol (more correctly, phytosterol) can help to slightly lower cholesterol levels, since it is not absorbed by the body, however, it reacts with cholesterol and flushes it out of the body. This substance is industrially extracted from soybeans and is found in much higher volumes in nuts and seeds than in Danakor.

Buyer Fraud #16: Beauty Requires Marketing Sacrifices

Competition between manufacturers encourages the invention of more and more sophisticated names and components aimed at creating and maintaining female beauty. In the Garnier Color Naturals ad, marketers didn't invent much, but simply rearranged the words "olive oil" and turned into "olive oil". And it sounds much prettier, and no thoughts of lettuce on your head.

Everyone has heard that there is such an extract of cashmere, which, as is known from advertising, is added almost completely to shampoos. At the same time, cashmere extract is ordinary lanolin, that is, wax, which is obtained by washing sheep's wool. But lanolin is yesterday, not fashionable, not expensive and does not sound. Marketers going to this name from the side found the name "extract" for it - so smarter, and the wool itself was called cashmere - more expensive and more beautiful. And the fact that cashmere can only be called the down of the Himalayan mountain goats is a second matter. What matters is how it sounds.

Other amazing additives can be found on the cosmetics market: extracts of amber, pearls, rock crystal, and even microparticles of diamonds.

Theoretically, it can be assumed that with the help of acid and some kind of chemistry it is possible to extract organic matter which are pearls and amber. But imagining a product made from silicon dioxide is difficult. And what happens if you wash your hair with shampoo with a pinch of diamond dust for the whole bottle?

Remember the expression - “Regular shampoos are 80 percent water. Shampoo "Clean Line" for 80 percent consists of a decoction of herbs. Needless to say, a decoction of herbs is 99% water.

The situation about NIVEA Silver Protect “With silver molecules” looks even funnier. Marketers came up with just such a formulation (with molecules), but then it turned out that silver consists of atoms or ions and the ad was edited and replaced with "Silver ions", but the meaning did not change.

Lactobacillus casei(lat. Lactobacillus casei) is a type of gram-positive rod-shaped anaerobic non-spore-forming bacteria. Lactobacillus casei is a normal resident of the human oral cavity, intestines, vulva, and vagina.

Lactobacillus casei in the human gastrointestinal tract

Lactobacillus casei are normally present in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract, ranging from the oral mucosa to the rectum. In the acidic environment of the stomach, lactobacilli are practically absent; in the small intestine, lactobacilli are located mainly in the parietal layer. The largest number of lactobacilli, including Lactobacillus casei found in the large intestine (except Lactobacillus casei The normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract includes the following types of lactobacilli: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus other). By direct contact with enterocytes, lactobacilli (as well as bifidobacteria) stimulate the human body's defense mechanisms, including an increase in the rate of regeneration of the mucous membrane, affect the synthesis of antibodies to related, but pathogenic microorganisms, activate phagocytosis, as well as the synthesis of lysozyme, interferons and cytokines . Lactobacilli produce a number of hydrolytic enzymes, in particular lactase, which breaks down lactose (milk sugar) and prevents the development of lactase deficiency. Lactobacilli maintain the acidity of the colon at a pH of 5.5-5.6.

As a natural resident of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, Lactobacillus casei is able to change the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora of the intestine by increasing the number of bifidobacteria and reducing the activity of beta-glucuronidase in the intestine. Moreover, Lactobacillus casei helps to increase the amount of moisture in the stool and thus improves the regularity of bowel movements.

The fragrance of a woman makes her desirable for a partner, but only if it is the fragrance of health. Some tribes in Africa even have certain taboos on sexual relations with women who do not exude the aroma of health. For this peculiar smell, women should be grateful not only to pheromones, but also to lactobacilli - Dederlein sticks (Lactobacillus spp), which live in the vagina.

Lactobacilli: microbiology

These are gram-positive bacteria that belong to anaerobes (carry out all vital processes in an oxygen-free environment), do not form spores and divide by simple mitosis.

They have the form of regular sticks, which are arranged in groups in the form of chains. In the course of their life, they decompose carbohydrates to lactic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Many types and strains are used as part of probiotics for the treatment of dysbacteriosis of all parts of the gastrointestinal tract and urogenital system.

Lactobacilli are one of the main components of dietary supplements (BAA).

friendly bacteria

Lactobacilli are symbiont microbes that make up a large part of the microflora of our gastrointestinal tract and genital organs.

They got their name due to the ability to convert carbohydrates into lactic acid. It creates an acidic environment in which pathogenic bacteria and fungi feel uncomfortable.

There are many bacteria in the Lactobacillaceae family. Lactobacilli L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, L. live in the human small and large intestines. plantarum, L. salivarius, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus and others. More recently (in 2005), strains of these bacteria were found even in the stomach, where the environment is sharply acidic.

In the gastrointestinal tract, these cohabitants of ours stimulate immune defense reactions, activate the regeneration of the mucous membrane, synthesize hydrolytic enzymes (lactase), interferons (protective proteins) and cytokines (growth factors). They also synthesize vitamins of groups B and K, which play important role in the adjustment of microcenoses of the friendly bacterial flora of the intestine.

Dederlein Magic Wands

To clarify right away, Dederlein's lactobacilli (Lactobacillus spp.) is a collective group of microorganisms that includes about 135 species of bacteria from the Lactobacillaceae family that can live in the vagina of women. Each type of lactobacillus usually performs several important functions, but, in general, they are divided into three groups:

• Lactobacilli that produce hydrogen peroxide (acidophilus, crispatus, gasseri, johnsonii, vaginalis) and act as a natural antiseptic.
• Lactobacilli that produce lactic acid (salivarius, johnsonii, acidophilus, jensenii). They form an acidic environment in the urogenital organs.
• Lactobacilli that only attach to other bacteria or mucous membranes of the vagina (agilis, jensenii, Johnsonii, ruminus) and block their receptors, preventing pathological microorganisms from gaining a foothold.

This group of vaginal bacteria got its name in honor of the German obstetrician-gynecologist Albert Dederlein (1860-1941), who described them in 1887. He correctly established their role in the woman's vagina. In addition, it was Dederlein who developed the method of extraperitoneal caesarean section.

Lactobacillus spp: normal

In the vagina of a woman, all bacteria exist in microbiocenosis. 1 milliliter of vaginal secretion contains up to 110 microorganisms. About 95% of them in the normoflora are Lactobacillus spp.

In addition to lactobacilli, the vaginal microflora consists of:

• Gram-positive bifidobacteria, mobilunkus, peptostreptococci, clostridia.
• Gram-negative fusobacteria, prevotella, veyonella.
• Optional aerobic microorganisms - gardnerella, mycoplasmas, enterobacteria, streptococci and staphylococci, corynebacteria and some types of fungi (yeast and candida).

In the vagina of a healthy woman, up to 40 types of microorganisms are found, which make up 107-109 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter. Normally, Lactobacillus spp (up to 95%) prevail in women, a decrease in the number of which leads to an increase in opportunistic agents and the development of pathological conditions - vaginosis (dysbiosis), vaginitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes), fungal infections.

The role of hormones

A newborn girl has a sterile vaginal environment. During the first days of her life, the so-called colonization of this environment by gram-positive anaerobes - staphylococci, streptococci and others. The environment in the vagina maintains a neutral pH.

During puberty, under the influence of estrogen, there is an increase in the thickness of the vaginal epithelium and the accumulation of glycogen (reserve carbohydrate) in its cells. After the first menstruation, when the epithelial cells are destroyed by the action of progesterone, and glycogen is released, the vaginal microflora changes. It begins to dominate Lactobacillus spp. This happens because glycogen is an ideal nutrient medium for lactobacilli.

As noted above, lactobacilli decompose carbohydrates to lactic acid. It increases the acidity of the environment, which is detrimental to other bacteria. What does Lactobacillus spp mean at 95%? These figures show that these bacteria have become the dominant group in the vaginal microflora.

In the future, throughout a woman's life, the activity and amount of Lactobacillus spp in the vagina will be controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

invisible guardian angels

It is in this role that Dederlein sticks play for women. Their functions:

• Lactic acid produced by lactobacilli creates acidity in the vagina in the range of 3.8-4.5 pH. This is what becomes a barrier to the colonization and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
• An acidic environment promotes evolutionary selection - weak spermatozoa die in it. This means that Dederlein's sticks strengthen the human gene pool.
• Lactobacilli that produce hydrogen peroxide are a universal natural antiseptic.
• Dederlein sticks produce biologically active endobiotics - natural antibiotics. For example, lysozymes are agents with "sticky" properties. They stick to pathogens and destroy the bacterial cell wall and the fungal cell wall.
• Lactobacilli stimulate the immune cells of macrophages that absorb pathogenic organisms.
• This group of bacteria is also involved in ensuring the overall immune status of the body - they interact with the main cells of the immune response - leukocytes.

Enemies of utility sticks

A decrease in the amount of Lactobacillus spp in a smear in women (as well as their increase) leads to a violation of the vaginal microcenosis and changes in the acidity of the environment. In the first case, the gates are opened for the settlement and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Exceeding the norm of Lactobacillus spp in a smear contributes to the reproduction of vaginal fungi, which leads to candidiasis (thrush).

The following factors can upset the delicate balance of this biocenosis:

• Unbalanced diet and lack of dairy products in the diet.
• Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (other people's towels, a rare change of pads or tampons, wearing tight underwear, and much more).
• General hypothermia leads to a decrease in immunity, which can lead to dysbacteriosis in the vagina.
• Hormonal failures and disorders observed during menstruation, as well as hormonal and intrauterine contraception.
• Infections. Dangerous are not only those diseases that are sexually transmitted, but also all inflammatory processes in the pelvic area.
• Taking antibiotics kills the normal microflora in the gut and vagina, allowing pathogens to enter and multiply.

Diagnosis and treatment

For diagnostic purposes, to analyze the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora, smears of secretion from the vagina or scrapings of the epithelium of the vagina in women, and the urethra in men are taken.

Qualitative DNA analysis of Lactobacillus spp is carried out by serological methods. The most commonly performed PCR - polymerase chain reaction. Modern laboratories have PRC test systems that not only detect Lactobacillus spp, but also carry out their species identification.

The method of sowing on nutrient media is also used.

It should be noted that in women, violations of the biotope in the vagina are much more common than in men in the urethra. Normally, the smear should not contain pathogenic microorganisms, and Dederlein sticks should be in the range of 107-109 CFU / ml.

The result may be false if the test is taken during menstruation or antibiotics. Data can also be distorted during hygiene procedures, as well as the use of suppositories, ointments or sprays less than a day before the delivery of biological material.

If an imbalance is found in the analyzes for Lactobacillus spp, then treatment should be started immediately. After interpreting the result of the analysis, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics in the presence of a pathogenic agent, and then a course of eubiotics to restore the normal number of lactobacilli. Vitamins and immunostimulating drugs may be prescribed.

Summing up

Now you know that Lactobacillus spp in women is the normal microflora of the vagina. A healthy woman is a successful conception and a successful pregnancy.

With all the variety of medicinal preparations and their wide advertising, one should not forget that self-medication can do more harm than good. Trust doctors, undergo medical examinations at least once every six months, take antibiotics with caution, take care of yourself and your loved ones.