Probiotics for Human and Poultry Use in the Control of Gastrointestinal Disease: A Review of Real-World Experiences

Abstract

Over a century ago Eli Metchnikoff proposed the revolutionary idea to consume viable bacteria to promote health by modulating the intestinal microflora. The idea is more applicable now than ever, since bacterial antimicrobial resistance has become a serious worldwide problem both in medical and agricultural fields. The interest in digestive physiology and the microbiome has generated data whereby well being of all living organisms with a digestive tract can be enhanced and the risk of disease reduced. Given the recent international legislation and domestic consumer pressures to withdraw growth-promoting antibiotics and limit antibiotics available for treatment of bacterial infections, probiotics can offer alternative options. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Current indications are that mechanism of action involves a number of possibilities like rapid activation of innate host immune responses, assisting in the digestion of food materials etc. In this review, we focused on applying probiotic concept to alleviate chronic constipation and idiopathic diarrhea in humans or for specific pathogen reduction and improvement of GIT diseases in poultry. Based on this review, it is clear that the probiotic concept can be further explored to impact various areas of health and well being in both humans and animals