The treatment of mice with Lactobacillus casei induces protection against Babesia microti infection

Efficacy of Lactobacillus taiwanensis S29 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S27 against tapeworm infection in Swiss Albino rats

Hymenolepis diminuta a zoonotic tapeworm infection in human remains an important cestode model for anthelmintic study as it display common clinical symptoms like other adult human tapeworms during heavy infestation. The use of Lactobacillus as a probiotic is an alternative to drugs which have increased in research and usage considerably during the last decade. The present study aims to determine the anthelmintic efficacy of two probiotics, L. taiwanensis strain S29 and L. plantarum strain S27 against H. diminuta in infected rat. Four groups of animals, each with six numbers were randomly chosen as the negative control (Group I), positive control (infected) (Group II) and the infected treated with two probiotics Group III and Group IV respectively. Another four groups (Group V-VIII) were selected and further subdivided into four sub-groups to investigate the development of larvae to adult during probiotics treatment. Worm burden, egg per gram were determined after treatment with these two probiotics. Furthermore, hematological assays and levels of biochemical markers were estimated, tissue damage was assayed through histological study and intestinal mitochondria detection was done. Worm sustainability reduced about 70-90% and EPG count decreased by 81-94% in probiotics treated groups. A significant level of unsuccessful establishment of larvae was observed in the developmental phase. Improvement in hematological parameter along with some biochemical parameters in the host were significantly observed after treatment with probiotics. The architecture damaged caused in the intestine and mitochondria density due to parasite infection improved significantly as that of control after probiotics treatment.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus Affects Rat Peritoneal Cavity Cell Response to Stimulation with Gut Microbiota: Focus on the Host Innate Immunity

Gut microbiota contribute to shaping the immune repertoire of the host, whereas probiotics may exert beneficial effects by modulating immune responses. Having in mind the differences in both the composition of gut microbiota and the immune response between rats of Albino Oxford (AO) and Dark Agouti (DA) rat strains, we investigated if intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of live Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LB) may influence peritoneal cavity cell response to in vitro treatments with selected microbiota in the rat strain-dependent manner. Peritoneal cavity cells from AO and DA rats were lavaged two (d2) and seven days (d7) following i.p. injection with LB and tested for NO, urea, and H₂O₂ release basally, or upon in vitro stimulation with autologous E.coli and Enterococcus spp. Whereas the single i.p. injection of LB nearly depleted resident macrophages and increased the proportion of small inflammatory macrophages and monocytes on d2 in both rat strains, greater proportion of MHCII^hiCD163^- and CCR7⁺ cells and increased NO/diminished H₂O₂ release in DA compared with AO rats suggest a more intense inflammatory priming by LB in this rat strain. Even though E.coli- and/or Enterococcus spp.-induced rise in H₂O₂ release in vitro was abrogated by LB in cells from both rat strains, LB prevented microbiota-induced increase in NO/urea ratio only in cells from AO and augmented it in cells from DA rats. Thus, the immunomodulatory properties may not be constant for particular probiotic bacteria, but shaped by innate immunity of the host.

Hematobiochemical and Immunological Responses of Rats Treated with Multi-strain Probiotics and Infected with Trypanosoma brucei

The effects of treatment with probiotics on the immunological and hematobiochemical changes in Trypanosoma brucei infection were investigated. Probiotic strains used are Bifidobacterium BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lactobacillus delbrueckii LBY-27, Lactobacillus paracasei LC-01, and Streptococcus thermophilus STY-31. Thirty rats randomly assigned to five groups were used in the experiment. Groups A to C received 1 × 10⁹ CFU, 5 × 10⁹ CFU, and 10 × 10⁹ CFU of the multi-strain probiotics daily and respectively from day 0 post-supplementation (PS) to termination. Group D and E were the infected and uninfected controls respectively. On day seven PS, groups A to D were challenged intraperitoneally with approximately 1 × 10⁶ trypanosomes. Parasitemia, nitric oxide level, hematobiochemical parameters, and antibody titer to heterologous antigen stimulation were monitored post-infection. By days 7 and 16 PS, probiotics-treated groups had significantly lower (p < 0.05) mean creatinine concentration than the controls; however, on day 7 PS, there were no significant variations in the leukocyte counts (LC), total erythrocyte counts (TEC), and the packed cell volume (PCV) in all experimental groups. Following infection, by day 16 PS, the pre-patent period, parasitemia levels, and antibody titer were similar in all infected groups. Furthermore, the probiotics-treated groups and the infected control had significantly lower PCV, TEC, and LC values when compared to the uninfected control, and probiotics treated groups (A and C) had only marginally lower nitric oxide levels than the infected control. Treatment with the probiotic strains gave a creatinine-lowering effect, was innocuous to the hematopoietic system, but was not sufficiently immunostimulatory in trypanosomosis.

Parasite-bacteria interrelationship

Parasites and bacteria have co-evolved with humankind, and they interact all the time in a myriad of ways. For example, some bacterial infections result from parasite-dwelling bacteria as in the case of Salmonella infection during schistosomiasis. Other bacteria synergize with parasites in the evolution of human disease as in the case of the interplay between Wolbachia endosymbiont bacteria and filarial nematodes as well as the interaction between Gram-negative bacteria and Schistosoma haematobium in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder cancer. Moreover, secondary bacterial infections may complicate several parasitic diseases such as visceral leishmaniasis and malaria, due to immunosuppression of the host during parasitic infections. Also, bacteria may colonize the parasitic lesions; for example, hydatid cysts and skin lesions of ectoparasites. Remarkably, some parasitic helminths and arthropods exhibit antibacterial activity usually by the release of specific antimicrobial products. Lastly, some parasite-bacteria interactions are induced as when using probiotic bacteria to modulate the outcome of a variety of parasitic infections. In sum, parasite-bacteria interactions involve intricate processes that never cease to intrigue the researchers. However, understanding and exploiting these interactions could have prophylactic and curative potential for infections by both types of pathogens.

Immunobiotic and Paraprobiotic Potential Effect of Lactobacillus casei in a Systemic Toxoplasmosis Murine Model

One of the main characteristics of probiotics is their ability to stimulate and modulate the immune response regardless of their viability. Lactobacillus casei (Lc) can stimulate local and systemic immunity, in addition to the activation of macrophages at sites distant from the intestine. Activated macrophages limit the replication of intracellular protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii, through the production of nitric oxide. The present study aimed to evaluate the protection generated by treatment with viable and non-viable Lc in the murine systemic toxoplasmosis model. CD1 male mice were treated with viable Lc (immunobiotic) and non-viable Lc (paraprobiotic), infected with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. The reduction of the parasitic load, activation of peritoneal macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, and cell populations was evaluated at 7 days post-infection, in addition to the survival. The immunobiotic and paraprobiotic reduced the parasitic load, but only the immunobiotic increased the activation of peritoneal macrophages, and the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) while the paraprobiotic increased the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and T CD4⁺CD44⁺ lymphocytes. Viable and non-viable Lc increases survival but does not prevent the death of animals. The results provide evidence about the remote immunological stimulation of viable and non-viable Lc in an in vivo parasitic model.

The Anti-parasitic Effect of Probiotic Bacteria via Limiting the Fecundity of Trichinella Spiralis Female Adults

A potential protective effect of probiotic strains against zoonotic Trichinella spiralis infection was investigated in the framework of a new therapeutic strategy aimed at using probiotics to control parasitic zoonoses. The study was focused on the impact of six selected probiotic (bacteriocinogenic) strains on the intensity of T. spiralis infection and female fecundity ex vivo and in vitro. Bacterial strains of different origin (Enterococcus faecium EF55, Enterococcus faecium 2019 = CCM7420, Enterococcus faecium AL41 = CCM8558, Enterococcus durans ED26E/7, Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 = CCM7421, Lactobacillus plantarum 17L/1) were administered daily in a dose of 109 CFU/ml in 100 μl, and mice were infected with 400 T. spiralis larvae on day 7 of treatment. Female adults of T. spiralis were isolated on day 5 post infection (p.i.) and subsequently were used in fecundity test ex vivo. E. faecium CCM8558, E. faecium CCM7420 and E. durans ED26E/7 strains significantly reduced the number of adults in the intestine. The application of L. fermentum CCM7421, L. plantarum 17L/1, E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 caused a significant decrease in the number of muscle larvae. The treatment with E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 showed the highest inhibitory effect on female fecundity (94 %). The number of newborn larvae (NBL) was also significantly decreased after administration of L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17L/1 (80 %). A direct impact of probiotic strains on female reproductive capacity was examined in vitro in females isolated from untreated infected mice on day 5 p.i. A correlation was found between the inhibitory effect and the concentration of probiotic strains. The reduction effects of the strains manifested as follows: L. fermentum CCM7421 (93 %), E. faecium CCM8558, L. plantarum 17L/1, E. faecium EF55 (about 80 %), E. faecium CCM7420 and E. durans ED26E/7 (about 60 %).

Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces parasite load on Toxocara canis experimental infection in mice, but has no effect on the parasite in vitro

Human toxocariasis is a neglected global parasitic zoonosis. The efficacy of drug treatment for this disease has been hindered by the biological complexity of the main etiological agent, the nematode Toxocara canis. Experimental studies have shown the potential of probiotics to promote a reduction in the parasite load of T. canis larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 on the parasite load of BALB/c mice with acute toxocariasis and evaluate the direct effect of this probiotic on T. canis larvae in vitro. In vivo administration of probiotics reduced the parasite load of T. canis larvae by 53.3% (p = 0.0018) during the early stage of infection in mice. However, when analyzed in vitro, it was observed that the probiotic did not present a deleterious effect on the larvae, as approximately 90% of these remained viable. These results demonstrate the potential of the probiotic L. rhamnosus in the reduction of T. canis larvae in BALB/c mice and suggest it could be used as an alternative means for the controlling of visceral toxocariasis. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action promoted by this probiotic.

Co-immunization of cattle with a vaccine against babesiosis and Lactobacillus casei increases specific IgG1 levels to Babesia bovis and B. bigemina

The effect of Lactobacillus casei administered along with a live attenuated vaccine vs. bovine babesiosis (VAC) on induction of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina was assessed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in bovines of an endemic babesiosis area before (day 0) and after vaccination (days 15 and 30). We previously reported that L. casei increases the efficiency of VAC under controlled conditions and under extreme conditions in the field; however, the levels of IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to B. bovis and B. bigemina are not known in vaccinated animals. Twenty-one dairy cows were allocated into three groups (seven animals per group): unvaccinated, vaccinated with VAC and vaccinated simultaneously with VAC and L. casei (VAC-LC). All animals were kept in a babesiosis endemic area at Tlalixcoyan, Veracruz. At days 15 and 30 after vaccination, the average levels of IgG1 to B. bovis and to B. bigemina were significantly higher in VAC-LC group than levels observed in VAC and control groups (P<0.01). Levels of IgG2 were similar in VAC and VAC-LC groups but higher than in the control group (P<0.01). When tested in in vitro cultures of B. bovis, sera from VAC-LC group significantly inhibited parasite growth as compared with the sera of the other two groups. It is suggested that the efficiency improvement of VAC, in part, is due to the L. casei boost of IgG1 over IgG2 antibodies to B. bovis and B. bigemina when the bacteria is co-inoculated with this vaccine.

Probiotics for the control of parasites: an overview

Probiotics are defined as live organisms, which confer benefits to the host. Their efficiency was demonstrated for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and allergic symptoms, but their use is mostly limited to bacterial and viral diseases. During the last decade, probiotics as means for the control of parasite infections were reported covering mainly intestinal diseases but also some nongut infections, that are all of human and veterinary importance. In most cases, evidence for a beneficial effect was obtained by studies using animal models. In a few cases, cellular interactions between probiotics and pathogens or relevant host cells were also investigated using in vitro culture systems. However, molecular mechanisms mediating the beneficial effects are as yet poorly understood. These studies indicate that probiotics might indeed provide a strain-specific protection against parasites, probably through multiple mechanisms. But more unravelling studies are needed to justify probiotic utilisation in therapeutics.

Comparative effect of Lactobacillus casei and a commercial mangosteen dietary supplement on body weight gain and antibody response to Newcastle disease virus vaccine in fighting roosters

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Lactobacillus casei and a commercial mixed combination of fruit juice that included Garcinia mangostana fruit extract on body weight gain from 7 to 90 days of age, on the antibody response 23 days after vaccination against Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and on the mortality in fighting roosters. Fifty-four 7-day-old birds were randomly distributed into three groups (treated with L. casei, G. mangostana, and saline solution [LC, GM, and SS groups, respectively]) of 18 animals each; all birds were orally treated daily. At 60 and 90 days, the LC group showed the highest body weight gain compared with the other two groups (P<.01). The mean levels of antibody to NDV were significantly higher in the GM group compared with the LC and SS groups (P<.05). Throughout the study the percentages of mortality were 5.55%, 0%, and 22.22% for the LC, GM, and SS groups, respectively. The results indicate that L. casei and the commercial mangosteen dietary supplement intake, compared with the control group, induce beneficial effects in fighting roosters--L. casei on weight gain and the commercial mixed combination of fruit juice with G. mangostana fruit extract on humoral immune response--and both showed none or very low mortality.

In vitro and in vivo effects of Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 on Toxocara canis

The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the larvicidal effect of Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121 (Ef7121) on the Toxocara canis cycle both in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro experiments, T. canis larvae were incubated with the supernatants of Ef7121 (EI) and mutant Ef7121 (EIm), in a pre-culture of Ef7121 (EII) and in a fresh culture with Ef7121 (EIII) and the Ef7121 mutant strain (EIIIm). The viability of the larvae was calculated after a 48 h incubation. A significant reduction of the viability of T. canis larvae was observed in EI, EII and EIII. A decrease of this inhibitory effect was observed in EIm and EIIIm (p = 0.008). In the in vivo experiments, mice were orally inoculated with three doses of Ef7121. To study the probiotic persistence in the intestine, the animals were sacrificed every four days and their intestines were dissected. The initial average bacterial levels were 9.7 x 10(4) for Ef7121 (colony forming units/g). At the end of the assay the levels were 1.46 x 10(4). No bacterial translocation was detected in mesenteric lymphatic nodules and spleen. Ef7121 interference with the biological cycle was evaluated in mice challenged with T. canis. The interference was significant when the mice were challenged with probiotic and T. canis simultaneously (p = 0.001), but it was not significant when the challenge was performed 15 days after administration of the bacterial inoculum (p = 0.06). In conclusion, Ef7121 possessed in vitro and in vivo larvicidal activity.

Effect of high- and low-molecular-weight components of Lactobacillus casei on resistance against Babesia microti in NIH mice

Three assays were carried out in order to assess the effect of low- and high-molecular-weight components (LMWc and HMWc, respectively) of Lactobacillus casei on the resistance of mice to Babesia microti infection. In the first study, 23 components were identified in a total extract of L. casei by SDS-PAGE. In the second experiment, 15 components (ranging from 19 to 148 kDa) from L. casei (viable) and 12 other components (from 21 to 148 kDa) from L. casei (dead) were recognized by the sera of immunized mice in the extracts of sonicated L. casei. On the basis of these results, samples of sonicated L. casei were separated by preparative gel electrophoresis, and then those gel fragments containing the HMWc (range 63 to 111 kDa) and LMWc (range 19 to 59 kDa) were cut and eluted to constitute the LMWc and HMWc of L. casei. In the third study, five groups of 6 mice each received the following treatments: PBS in the control (C) group, L. casei LMWc in the LcL group, L. casei HMWc in the LcH group, total sonicated L. casei (LMWc + HMWc) in the LcT group, and viable L. casei in the LcV group. At day 0 each mouse in all groups was challenged with 2 x 10(4)B. microti parasitized erythrocytes. At day 8 after challenge, the average percentage of parasitized erythrocytes +/- SEM was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the C group (11.8 +/- 0.9) as compared with LcL (7.7 +/- 1.5), LcH (10.3 +/- 6.9), LcT (3.6 +/- 0.7), and LcV (6.9 +/- 1.9) groups. The results suggest that L. casei LMWc can induce an early protective immune response, similar to that generated by LcV in mice, against B. microti infection.