Thailand Doctors and Scientists Investigate Probiotic Potential Against Drug Resistant Salmonella

Thailand Doctors and researchers are making significant strides in the fight against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella, a dangerous bacterium responsible for severe gastrointestinal infections. The study, conducted by scientists from Chiang Mai University, Kasetsart University, and Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities in China, explores the potential of probiotics in combating these harmful pathogens. The findings could offer a new, natural alternative to antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance.


Thailand Doctors and Scientists Investigate Probiotic Potential Against Drug Resistant Salmonella

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide. It can lead to mild symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, but in some cases, it may cause life-threatening infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This Medical News report highlights a groundbreaking study on how probiotic bacteria could serve as a solution to this growing problem. The study focuses on a specific strain of bacteria, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KUNN19-2, which was originally isolated from Thai-style fermented pork known as "Nham."
 
How Probiotics Work Against Harmful Bacteria
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can help balance the gut microbiome and support overall health. They work by preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut, producing antimicrobial substances, and stimulating the immune system. However, while probiotics offer many health benefits, using live bacteria in medical treatments raises concerns, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
 
To address these concerns, Thailand Doctors and researchers also studied paraprobiotics, which are non-living versions of probiotics. These are created by killing the bacteria with heat while maintaining their beneficial properties. By comparing the effects of live probiotics and heat-killed paraprobiotics, scientists aimed to determine which form would be safer and more effective in treating MDR Salmonella infections.
 
Key Findings of the Study
The researchers conducted a series of experiments to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KUNN19-2 on different strains of MDR Salmonella. The study revealed several important findings:
 
-Direct Inhibition of Salmonella Growth: The live probiotic form of KUNN19-2 was highly effective in preventing the growth of Salmonella. When cultured together, viable KUNN19-2 significantly reduced the number of Salmonella cells within 12 to 14 hours.
 
-Postbiotic Activity of Probiotics: Even without live bacteria, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of KUNN19-2 was able to inhibit Salmonella growt h. This suggests that beneficial metabolites produced by the probiotic play a crucial role in fighting harmful bacteria.
 
-Paraprobiotic Potential: The heat-killed version of KUNN19-2 did not directly inhibit Salmonella growth, but it still provided immune system benefits. Researchers found that even non-living probiotics could help the body defend itself against infections.
 
-Gut Adhesion Ability: Both the live and heat-killed versions of KUNN19-2 adhered to human colonic epithelial cells, though live probiotics showed stronger adhesion. This ability to stick to gut cells is essential for probiotics to exert their beneficial effects.
 
-Immune System Activation: Pre-treatment with either live or heat-killed KUNN19-2 enhanced the activity of macrophages (immune cells that destroy harmful bacteria). The probiotic stimulated the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes, strengthening the body's natural defenses against infections.
 
What These Findings Mean for Future Treatments
The results of this study suggest that probiotic and paraprobiotic forms of KUNN19-2 have the potential to be used as alternatives to antibiotics in the treatment of MDR Salmonella infections. While live probiotics directly inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, heat-killed paraprobiotics can still enhance immune responses, making them a safer option for individuals with compromised immune systems.
 
This research is particularly significant because antibiotic resistance is becoming a major global health crisis. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture have led to the emergence of superbugs - bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs. Finding alternative treatments is crucial to reducing the reliance on antibiotics and slowing the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections.
 
Next Steps in Research and Development
Although the study shows promising results, further research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of KUNN19-2 in real-world applications. The next step will involve clinical trials to determine whether this probiotic can be used in humans to prevent or treat MDR Salmonella infections. Additionally, researchers will explore ways to develop probiotic-based treatments that can be easily incorporated into diets or used in medical settings.
 
In the future, probiotic and paraprobiotic therapies may play a crucial role in treating bacterial infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria, scientists hope to develop new strategies to protect public health and combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
 
Conclusion
The study on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KUNN19-2 provides valuable insights into the potential of probiotics and paraprobiotics in fighting MDR Salmonella.
 
While live probiotics demonstrated strong antibacterial effects, heat-killed paraprobiotics still showed immune-boosting properties, making them a viable alternative for individuals who may not tolerate live bacteria. The research highlights the importance of exploring probiotic-based solutions in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Further studies and clinical trials will be essential in determining how these beneficial bacteria can be used in real-world applications to improve human health.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/5/1821
 
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