Abstract
Probiotics are living microorganisms which when taken in adequate amount provides benefit to the host. While this beneficial effect was originally thought to stem from improvements in the intestinal microbial balance, there is now substantial evidence that probiotics can also provide benefits by modulating immune functions. Extrapolation of immunomodulatory effects found in the laboratory and in animal studies with outcomes in human trials presents a difficult challenge. Not all probiotics are created equal and the benefits are strain and dose specific. With newer strain-specific clinical trials and meta-analysis of the clinical trials, the beneficial role of probiotics in certain diseases has been evolving. Some uncertainity still exists with probiotics in other diseases with regard to the therapeutic role, strain-specificity, dosage and duration. Identification of clinical characteristics of effective probiotic strains, their mechanisms of action and testing of probiotic-based treatment may provide the true beneficial effect of probiotics in various disorders.
Highlights
Recent research has revealed a potential therapeutic role for the manipulation of the microbiota in the maintenance of human health and treatment of various mucosal disorders
In infant rabbits pretreated with L. casei, morbidity of subsequent EHEC (Entero-Hemorrhagic E. coli) infection was reduced due to increased mucosal levels of anti-EHEC and anti-Shiga toxin IgA antibodies compared with controls [22]
Probiotics have been studied in prevention, and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) and recurrent CDI
Summary
Recent research has revealed a potential therapeutic role for the manipulation of the microbiota in the maintenance of human health and treatment of various mucosal disorders. Probiotic microorganisms can shape the immune system both at the local and systemic level which will allow future probiotics as treatments for many diseases. The benefits include either a shortened duration of infections or decreased susceptibility to pathogens [1]. And Stillwell [3] defined probiotics as substances produced by microorganisms which promoted the growth of other microorganisms. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO [4], probiotics are: “Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. Prebiotics are indigestible food ingredients that selectively promote the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria, thereby benefiting the host [5]. Synbiotics are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics designed to improve the survival of ingested microorganisms and their colonization of the intestinal tract [5]. The only probiotic yeast used is the nonpathogenic Saccharomyces boulardii
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