Probiotic can Prevent Sepsis in Rats Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Escherichia coli

Abstract

Escherichia coli bacterial infection (E. coli) is the cause of sepsis in critically ill patients. Consumption of probiotic is one attempt to increase endurance against bacterial infections. This study aimed to determine the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. on pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 (IL-1)), sepsis markers (procalcitonin (PCT) and white blood cell (WBC) count in rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) E. coli. Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups: (1) group of healthy control rats, (2) group of rats induced by LPS E. coli, and (3) group of rats treated by Lactobacillus spp. and induced by LPS E. coli. The group of rats treated by Lactobacillus spp. and induced by LPS E. coli was treated with additional Lactobacillus spp. probiotic on day 1-14, then induced with LPS E. coli on day 15. All blood samples were taken on the 16th day. IL-1 and PCT levels were analyzed with the ELISA method, the WBC count was measured with improved Neubauer hemocytometer. The group of rats induced by LPS E. coli had the highest IL-1, PCT, and WBC count. The statistical analysis of IL-1 did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05), but PCT and WBC count showed significant difference when compared with group of rats treated by Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.05). Probiotic Lactobacillus spp. can prevent sepsis in rats induced by LPS E. coli.