Antimicrobial Effects of Probiotics and Novel Probiotic-Based Approaches for Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms, which confer health benefits on host when administered in adequate amounts. Probiotics exert their beneficial effects by maintenance flora healthy, enhancement of mucosal barrier integrity and modulation of immune responses. Antimicrobial substances including bacteriocins, hydrogen peroxide, organic acids, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by probiotics allow them to inhibit mucosal and epithelial adherence of pathogens and compete for limiting resources, thus suppress the growth of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Probiotics effect the colonization of fungal pathogen Candida to host surfaces, suppress Candida growth and biofilm development in vitro. Clinical results have shown that some probiotics can reduce oral, vaginal, and enteric colonization of Candida, alleviate clinical signs and symptoms, and potentially reduce the incidence of invasive fungal infection. Therefore, probiotics may be potential antifungals for prevention and treatment of candidiasis.

Postbiotics against Pathogens Commonly Involved in Pediatric Infectious Diseases

“…Other antimicrobial molecules released by probiotic bacteria are hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and extracellular high molecular weight sugar polymers known as exopolysaccharides (EPS). Hydrogen peroxide produced by lactobacilli may oxidize different compounds (proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids) of pathogenic microorganisms, thus leading to significant impairments in structure and possibly to the loss of cell viability [ 52 , 53 ]. On the other hand, although the mechanism of action is not yet clear, it has been shown that EPS from lactobacilli and bifidobacteria plays an important role in protecting pathogenic bacteria such as enterotoxigenic E. coli and Citrobacter rodentium [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Comparative analysis of the structural and compositional change of spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) gut microflora following Aeromonas veronii infection and the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on these changes

“…36 Moreover, bacteriocins produced by L. plantarum effectively inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and other bacteria. 37 These findings demonstrate the potential of L. plantarum as a probiotic in aquaculture, offering a viable alternative to antibiotics for disease prevention and control.…”

Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Spontaneously Fermented Kunun-Zaki

“…"They also act as a barrier to prevent the adherence of pathogenic bacteria, by interfering with colonization and proliferation of pathogens, thereby preventing the manifestation of infections" [21]. "Lactobacilli species also produces antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins), organic acids (acetic acid and lactic acid), and other metabolites (hydrogen peroxide), which are reported to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria" [22]. "Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum also participate in the absorption of water and sodium in the colon and decrease diarrhoea symptoms.…”