Treatment Of Intestinal Infections Research Articles

Prevention of Inflammation Initiation on Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats by Malva nicaeensis All.

Aerial parts of Malva nicaeensis All. are preferred in the prevention and treatment of intestinal infections and hemorrhoids in Turkish traditional medicine. This study is planned to evaluate the pharmacological activity of M. nicaeensis extracts on rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. The plant material was subsequently extracted with n-hexane, ethanol, and water, respectively. All of these extracts were tested for efficacy in the acetic acid-induced rat colitis model. The aqueous and polysaccharide extracts regulated cytokine levels and antioxidant parameters. Furthermore, the aqueous extract in particular regulated myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 levels in this rat model. In addition, the polysaccharide-rich fraction was separated from the aqueous extract. The polysaccharide-rich fraction and aqueous extract regulated cytokine levels and antioxidant parameters. The aqueous extract also positively affected myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 levels. The phytochemical studies revealed that the aqueous extract had the highest phenolic content. In addition, the polysaccharide fraction was found to contain total sugars, sulfated groups, uronic acids, and total proteins in 78.4%, 0.9%, 1.5%, and 14.7%, respectively, and was rich in monosaccharide-type compounds, especially galactose (36.4%). M. nicaeensis was discovered to be a drug lead in the future treatment of irritable bowel diseases or as a complementary therapeutic agent that aided conventional treatments.

The study of the effectiveness of the antibacterial action of the combination of a bacteriophage with a probiotic

Intestinal infections occupy one of the leading places in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in humans and animals. Strains of Staphylococcus spp are one of the causative agents of an intestinal infection. When treating an intestinal infection caused by staphylococcus, antibiotics are most often used, but in recent years there has been the formation of resistance in staphylococcus strains to antibiotics that have been used for many years. One of the promising ways to solve the problem of antimicrobial resistance is the use of drugs based on bacteriophages, which have a specific effect on the disease pathogens, however, they are free of toxic and allergenic side effects on the human body and do not cause resistance. Aim. To study the antibacterial effect of the combination of a staphylococcal bacteriophage and a probiotic based on L. acidophilus lactobacilli to different staphylococcal strains. Materials and methods. The following bacterial strains were used in the study: St. aureus ATCC 25923 and St. epidermidis ATCC 12228. The “Polyphag Staf” staphylococcal bacteriophage (manufactured by NVK MVK, Ukraine) and the “Lactofor” probiotic (manufactured by Ananta Medicare Limited, India) based on L. acidophilus lactobacilli were selected as objects. In the study, the antibiotic “Erythromycin” in tablets of 100 mg (the manufacturer – Borschagovsky HFZ, Ukraine) was used as a reference drug. To detect the antibacterial activity to the experimental strains of St. aureus and St. epidermidis, the methods of Appelman and agar diffusion were used. Results and discussion. It was found that when using the combination of a staphylococcal bacteriophage and a probiotic with L. acidophilus lactobacilli the level of the antibacterial activity to the experimental strains of St. aureus and St. epidermidis was higher than when using only the bacteriophage. This is probably due to the synergism of the interaction of the components of the combination of active substances proposed. It was also found that the antibacterial activity of the combination of drugs and the antibiotic erythromycin proposed was at the same level. Thus, the combination of a bacteriophage that destroys staphylococcal bacteria, has no side effects, and does not cause resistance and a probiotics that improves the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract has a number of advantages over antibioticsin the treatment of intestinal infections caused by staphylococcal strains. Conclusions. The studies conducted indicate the prospects of using the combination of a staphylococcal bacteriophage and a probiotic based on L. acidophilus lactobacilli for the treatment of intestinal infections caused by different staphylococcal strains.

CLINICAL TRIALS OF VETASEPTOL FOR THE TREATMENT OF CALVES WITH SIGNS OF ACUTE INTESTINAL INFECTION

The aim of the present study was to investigate of the therapeutic efficacy of the two- components antimicrobial drug. The drug contains two antimicrobial components that act synergistically. Acute intestinal infection of calves was treated. The drug was given with food. The dose and method of administration were determined by the manufacturer. Before use, the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to the active components of the drug was determined. During the experiment, constant monitoring of the clinical condition and physiological parameters of the organism of experimental animals was performed.
 Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters of the body was performed according to recognized methods. Therapeutic efficacy was compared with data obtained using the reference drug. The obtained data were processed statistically. Based on the obtained data, conclusions were made about the effectiveness of treatment and the effect of the drug on the body of young cattle.
 According to the assessment of the clinical condition of the animals and the results of laboratory studies, it was found that the tolerability of the study drug for the treatment of intestinal infections in young animals was good. During the experimental period and two weeks after the use of drugs, no side effects were detected and no changes in the behavior of calves were observed. The therapeutic efficacy of the study drug was 100 %, and the recovery period was 5 days. Comparative analysis of hematological parameters of calves showed a significant decrease in the percentage of rod-shaped neutrophils in the leukogram of sick animals after antibiotic therapy. Normalization of the leukogram indicated the cessation of inflammatory processes and improvement of the physiological condition of animals. Analysis of the influence of drugs on biochemical indices in experimental calves showed no changes during the observation period. Negative impact on liver indicators under administration weren't found. Laboratory studies have not revealed nephrototoxic effects of antimicrobial drugs. Confirmed the safety and therapeutic efficacy of the two antimicrobial components drug.

English

Folklore medicine in Sudan used medicinal materials to treat inestinal infections caused by bacterial infections or contamination of food. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of different parts of Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile gum, Haplophyllum tuberculatum Juss.aerial parts, Hydnora abyssinica A. Br.fruits, Nigella sativa L seeds, Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. roots,and Usnea molliuscula lichen were tested for antibacterial properties at a concentration of 100 mg/mL against 20 intestinal isolates including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella para typhi B,Staphylococcus aureus, and standard bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 8236), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 35657), Salmonella typhi (ATCC 1319106) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), using the Agar Diffusion Method. Standard antibiotics were used as standards drug for antibacterial effect. The highest enhancing properties were observed in methanol extracts and the lowest in aqueuos extract. U. molliuscula methanolic extract was the most active among all tested plant extracts, while, the aqueous extract of H. tuberculatum had a promising level of efficacy among the aqueous extracts tested. Most responsive Gram-negative clinical isolates bacteria were S. para typhi B and P. aeruginosa. Most susceptible standard bacteria were B. subtilis (NCTC 8236). Obtained results from investigated plants confirm their antibacterial potential and usefulness in the treatment of intestinal infections.   Key words: Phytomedicine, traditional uses, antibactrial activity.

Препарат Арговит для лечения молодняка овец при кишечных болезнях

Препарат Арговит для лечения молодняка овец при кишечных болезнях

Clinical and laboratory efficacy of hypoosmolar solution for oral rehydration in children with intestinal infections

There is a high incidence of acute intestinal infections in the Russian Federation. Children rapidly develop clinical manifestations of acute intestinal infections. The severity and outcome of the disease are largely determined by the dehydration syndrome. The article presents the results of the effectiveness of oral rehydration in 2 groups of children with acute intestinal infection from 3 months to 7 years old, treated with hypoosmolar glucose-saline solution “Gastrolit with chamomile extract” (n=215) or “Rehydron” (n=188) in the complex treatment of intestinal infections with the dehydration syndrome of I or II degree. The groups were comparable by sex, age, clinical manifestations of the disease. It was found that “Gastrolit with chamomile extract” eliminates water-electrolyte disorders, relieves metabolic acidosis and has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antispasmodic effect on the intestine and relieves symptoms of dehydration faster than “Rehydron” in children with acute intestinal infection.

Elaboration of Pharmacopoeial Quality Standards for Bacteriophage Products

Bacteriophages are novel safe and efficacious medicinal products that are used for treatment of intestinal infections and purulent inflammations. The fact that virulent phages can be adapted to fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains makes this group of medicines a promising means of treatment of infections associated with medical interventions. The elaboration of quality standards for bacteriophage products will enable alignment of the quality requirements and test methods. There are no monographs on bacteriophage products in pharmacopoeias of other countries, therefore, the development of general chapters on groups of test methods used in bacteriophage quality control and monographs on bacteriophages for the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (Ph. Rus.) was a very relevant and timely initiative. The aim of the study was to elaborate pharmacopoeial quality standards for bacteriophages approved in the Russian Federation for therapeutic and prophylactic indications. The authors of the study analysed product specification files and master production records for bacteriophages produced in the Russian Federation. They determined common GMP-compliant production steps, the selection criteria for bacteriophage strains and bacteria production strains, and cultivation and storage conditions. The authors standardised bacteriophage quality parameters and brought the test methods in line with the test procedures described in the Ph. Rus., 14th ed. The study summarised test methods used for identification of bacteriophages and determination of their specific activity. The main results of the study were included into the general monograph «Bacteriophages» and individual monographs on bacteriophage products that were included into the current edition of the Ph. Rus. Further studies and elaboration of new quality standards for mono- and multicomponent bacteriophage products, and the use of such products in clinical practice will improve prophylaxis and treatment of various infectious diseases.

Evaluation of prolyl oligopeptidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition by Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. from Brazil

Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. (Phyllanthaceae) is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of intestinal infections and diabetes. Despite its use in traditional medicine, it was reported that P. tenellus extract may cause several effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, such as agitation and signs of depression. The aim of this study was to determine the main constituents of P. tenellus methanol extract and to investigate whether the extract is able to inhibit the enzymes prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). Corilagin (1) was isolated as the main constituent of the P. tenellus extract, along with rutin (2) and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside (3). The extract presented the ability to inhibit mainly POP. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest inhibitory potency against POP (IC50 values of 1.7 ± 0.4 and 11.7 ± 2 µg/mL, respectively). All fractions were inactive against AChE. Corilagin displayed selective POP inhibition in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50= 19.7 ± 2.6 µg/mL. Corilagin exhibited moderate capacity to pass through the phospholipid membrane by passive diffusion, presenting effective permeability (Pe) of 1.26 × 10–7 cm/s.

Some pharmacognostic studies of the cogon grass Imperata cylindrica from Mizoram, India

Cogon grass Imperata cylindrica is a perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae, and the rhizome-root portion of which is used for the treatment of bacterial infections, ringworms and other skin infections. Among the Mizo people they are directly consumed or juiced for the treatment of intestinal infection. Its chemical and biological properties are poorly documented. In this study, a methanol extract of the rhizome-root was prepared by hot extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus. Standard chemical tests were conducted. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates including reducing sugars, phytosterols, tannins, saponins and proteins were confirmed as the major bio-compounds. Free radical-scavenging activities were also determined. The plant extract indicated concentration-dependent scavenging activity on DPPH with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.14 µg/ml. H2O2 was similarly scavenged, in which the IC50 was 2.221 µg/ml. Our results suggest that I. cylindrica has important medicinal values.

Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii Extract on SAP2 Gene Expression and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans

Background: Saccharomyces boulardii, a non-pathogenic yeast, is effective on prevention and treatment of intestinal infections caused by bacterial pathogens and also affects the virulence factors of Candida albicans. SAP2, an important potential virulence factor of C. albicans is a suitable target for a new research. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the effect of S. boulardii extract on the expression of SAP2 gene and antifungal susceptibility of C. albicans isolates. Methods: The current study investigated SAP2 relative expression and antifungal susceptibility patterns of C. albicans species isolated from oral lesions of HIV+ patients and the standard strain ATCC 10231 after exposure to S. boulardii extract. Susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to antifungal drugs was assessed according to those proposed in the clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI) M44-A2 reference method. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to evaluate SAP2 gene expression. Results: Saccharomyces boulardii extract 0.48 mg/mL changed the antifungal susceptibility pattern of C. albicans isolates to ketoconazole and itraconazole. Before exposure, 53.3% of the isolates were sensitive to ketoconazole, while it increased to 73.3% after exposure to S. boulardii extract. The sensitivity to itraconazole increased from 6.7% to 26.7% after exposure to S. boulardii extract. Although susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to other antibiotics (fluconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, and amphotericin-B) did not change after exposure to S. boulardii extract, there was a significant difference in the average inhibitory zones of the isolates after exposure to S. boulardii extract. Conclusions: The level of SAP2 expression significantly reduced in the isolates treated with 0.48 mg/mL S. boulardii extract. Comparison of SAP2 gene expression between ketoconazole-resistant and -intermediate isolates, and the ketoconazole-sensitive ones demonstrated the relative higher gene expression in resistant and intermediate isolates. Saccharomyces boulardii extract can be considered as a suitable probiotic candidate to prevent and treat C. albicans infections.

Development of microbial trigger based oral formulation of Tinidazole and its Gamma Scintigraphy Evaluation: A promising tool against anaerobic microbes associated GI problems

Tinidazole is a versatile anti-amoebic and anti-anaerobic drug used in treatment of intestinal infection. The aim of present study was to develop and evaluate a guar gum based novel target release Tinidazole matrix tablet in animal models and healthy human volunteer using Gamma Scintigraphy technique. Anti-anaerobic and anti-protozoal activity of the developed formulation was studied in vitro against Bacteroides fragilis and Dentamoeba fragilis. Tinidazole was successful radiolabelled with 99mTc-pertechnetate using stannous chloride as a reducing agent and stable up to 24h in normal saline and serum. Radiolabeled formulation was evaluated in 6 Newzealand white rabbits by gamma Scintigraphy in static manner up to 24h for its retention in gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Similar set of study was conducted in 12 healthy human volunteers for similar objective Scintigraphy images of healthy human volunteer showed retention of optimized formulations in stomach up to 60min, from where it moved to duodenum further and reached ileum in around 5h. However, initiation of drug release was observed from intestine at 7h. Complete dissociation and release of drug was observed at 24h in colon due to anaerobic microbial rich environment. Results drawn from Scintigraphy images indicate that radiolabeled 99mTc-Tinidazole tablet transit through upper part of GI without disintegration. Hence the developed matrix tablet may have a role in treatment of intestinal infection caused by anaerobic bacteria.

Studying aerococci impact on colonization of intestinal mucous membrane with vibrions and ability to destroy staphilococus toxin.

One of the promising methods of prevention and treatment of intestinal infections is the use of probiotics. A series of experiments was carried out to study the protective effect of A. viridans vibrio in experimental vibroinfection and the introduction of staphylococcus toxin. In the intestine of animals receiving aerococcus competitive colonization takes place. Results of experiments on colonization in experimental animals which survived without signs of NAG infection showed that vibrios in the intestinal wall were almost absent, but a large number of aerococcus was found (2,5±0,2) *105. In cases of infectious process development, but in a mild form, aerococci prevailed over vibrios: (2,7±0,6) *104, and (2,0±0.2) *103 respectively. Aerococci injected subcutaneously can maintain livelihoods for several hours, destroying totally or partially introduced staphylococcus exotoxin, reducing the strength of its lethal activity.

Depletion of metronidazole in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Metronidazole (MNZ), which is effective in the treatment of intestinal infections in fish, is also a suspected carcinogen and has been banned in numerous jurisdictions for use in any food-producing animal, including fish. Few reports have been published on the depletion of MNZ in fish. A depletion study was therefore undertaken using MNZ in feed provided to trout under controlled conditions. The water was maintained at 17.5 ± 0.9°C throughout the medication and depletion periods in the study. Following a 20-day acclimatisation period in the holding tanks, the trout (approximately 150–200 g bodyweight at the start of the study) were subjected to two separate medication and withdrawal periods: (A) 5 day medication/5 day withdrawal and (B) 5 day medication/16 day withdrawal. This simulated a potential multiple dosing in an aquaculture setting. In both medication periods, the trout were dosed with medicated feed containing 3 g MNZ kg–1 fish. Fish were sacrificed in accordance with accepted animal care protocols and tissue samples were analysed by UPLC-MS/MS. Analyte concentrations in trout muscle ranged from a high of 27 000 ± 10 000 ng g–1 for MNZ and 830 ± 570 ng g–1 for MNZ-OH on day 1 of withdrawal period A to a low of 1.8 ± 2.3 ng g–1 for MNZ and < 0.4 ng g–1 for MNZ-OH on day 16 of withdrawal period B. The results demonstrate that when using the UPLC-MS/MS method, residues of MNZ may be detected in fish treated with MNZ after 16 days of withdrawal.

Изучение генотоксичности и цитотоксичности нанокомпозита высокодисперсного кремнезема с наночастицами серебра

Provision of high efficiency and quality of drugs developed on the basis of nanotechnology is possible only under the requirements for the development, research, production and introduction of new pharmacological agents. Determination of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity is the first stage of toxicological studies of newly synthetized substances, the aim of which is to determine the ability to induce primary DNA and cell cultures damages. Such studies provide information about primary toxic effects of substances and constitute a basis for confirming the safety of new drugs.&#x0D; Considering a constant need for the introduction of new antimicrobial agents for treatment of intestinal infections, it is expedient to develop combinative drugs which will have better efficacy and safety. Significant scientific and practical interest has study of drugs based on nanosilver, which is active against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. By the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology of Bogomoletz National Medical University and Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry NAS of Ukraine was specifically designed and synthesized nanocomposite highly dispersed silica with silver nanoparticles, which is considered as a promising drug with a complex of antibacterial and sorption-detoxication properties.&#x0D; The purpose of this work is to study the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nanocomposite highly dispersed silica with silver nanoparticles. The degree of DNA damage by nanocomposite was studied by alkaline gel electrophoresis of isolated cell test culture CHO-Kl. Investigation of cytotoxicity was carried out on passaged eukaryotic cell culture of human epidermoid carcinoma larynx (Hep-2). It is shown that nanocomposite highly dispersed silica with silver nanoparticles does not have genotoxic properties, and its cytotoxicity disappears at concentrations below 0,007%.

Basis of Prokaryotic Selectivity in the Antibiotic Paromomycin

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are a major target of antibiotics. While translation is a universally conserved cellular process, the ability of drugs to target prokaryotic ribosomes depends on subtle variations from eukaryotic ribosomes. The ribosome is composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and protein. The small ribosomal subunit, called 30s in prokaryotes, contains 21 proteins and one rRNA (16S) and the large subunit, called 50S, contains 31 proteins and two rRNAs (23S and 5S). Recent crystal structures reveal that the rRNAs adopt a 3D fold generating (I) decoding center for codon‐anticodon recognition, (II) a peptidyl‐transfer center (PTC) for a peptide bond formation and (III) an exit tunnel through which the nascent protein emerges. Paromomycin, used in the treatment of intestinal infections, inhibits prokaryotic ribosomes at the decoding site. Paromomycin physically restructures helix H44 of the 16S rRNA, preventing proper rotation of A1492 and A1493 during anticodon:codon recognition, decreasing tRNA selection accuracy in prokaryotic ribosomes. However, paromomycin fails to affect eukaryotes due to an A to G transition at position 1408. The Brookfield Academy SMART Team (Students Modeling A Research Topic) modeled a prokaryotic ribosome, highlighting nucleotides responsible for the prokaryotic specificity of paromomycin. (Supported by a grant from the NIH‐CTSA UL1RR031973)

Evaluation of antiviral activity of aqueous extracts from Achyrocline satureioides against Western equine encephalitis virus

Achyrocline satureioides (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Argentina for the treatment of intestinal infections and various digestive disorders. Its infusion is widely utilised for respiratory problems and viral infections. The objective of this study was to investigate cytotoxicity, virucidal and antiviral properties of the cold aqueous extract (CAE) and hot aqueous extract (HAE) of this plant against Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV). Cytotoxicity in Vero cells was evaluated by maximum non-cytotoxic concentration (MNCC), neutral red (NR) uptake and MTT reduction methods. To study the antiviral activity of aqueous extracts, plaque reduction assay was performed after pre-treatment of host cells, adsorption, penetration and post-penetration of the virus. Extracellular virus inactivation was also analysed by the same method. Extracts showed strong inhibitory activity after virus penetration with selective index values of 32 (NR) and 63.3 (MTT) for the CAE, and 16.2 (NR) and 24.3 (MTT) for the HAE. Both extracts exhibited virucidal action with lower efficacy than their antiviral properties. The present results demonstrate that aqueous extracts of A. satureioides are active against WEEV. Further studies are needed in order to identify which compounds could be responsible for this effect, and how they exert antiviral action.

Anthelmintic screening of Sub-Saharan African plants used in traditional medicine

Aim of study This study screened for anthelmintic activity of plant species traditionally used in the treatment of intestinal parasites and their symptoms in Sub-Saharan Africa in an effort to confirm their local use and aid in the search for new compounds since resistance is a growing concern. Materials and methods Aqueous and organic extracts of 33 plant parts from 17 plant species traditionally used in the treatment of intestinal infections in Sub-Saharan Africa were evaluated for their anthelmintic activity. This activity was assessed using a standard motility assay against a levamisole resistant strain of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Results and conclusions Anthelmintic activity was confirmed in 12 plant species. Of these, eight showed strong evidence of activity ( p < 0.0001), one exhibited moderate evidence of activity ( p < 0.001), three demonstrated weak evidence of activity ( p < 0.05), and five plants showed no evidence of activity. The eight species with the strongest evidence of activity were Acacia polyacantha, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Bridelia micrantha, Cassia sieberiana, Combretum nigricans, Grewia bicolor, Strychnos spinosa and Ziziphus mucronata. In only two cases, Anogeissus leiocarpus and Cassia sieberiana, anthelmintic activity has been previously confirmed. The activity demonstrated against the levamisole resistant strain of Caenorhabditis elegans and the presence of molecules in these plants known or suspected of having a broad spectrum of activity provide support for further study of these plants and their compounds as possible treatments for parasitic worm infections.

The antagonistic effect ofSaccharomyces boulardiionCandida albicansfilamentation, adhesion and biofilm formation

The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans is a member of the normal flora residing in the intestinal tract of humans. In spite of this, under certain conditions it can induce both superficial and serious systemic diseases, as well as be the cause of gastrointestinal infections. Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast strain that has been shown to have applications in the prevention and treatment of intestinal infections caused by bacterial pathogens. The purpose of this study was to determine whether S. boulardii affects the virulence factors of C. albicans. We demonstrate the inhibitory effect of live S. boulardii cells on the filamentation (hyphae and pseudohyphae formation) of C. albicans SC5314 strain proportional to the amount of S. boulardii added. An extract from S. boulardii culture has a similar effect. Live S. boulardii and the extract from S. boulardii culture filtrate diminish C. albicans adhesion to and subsequent biofilm formation on polystyrene surfaces under both aerobic and microaerophilic conditions. This effect is very strong and requires lower doses of S. boulardii cells or concentrations of the extract than serum-induced filamentation tests. Saccharomyces boulardii has a strong negative effect on very important virulence factors of C. albicans, i.e. the ability to form filaments and to adhere and form biofilms on plastic surfaces.

Saccharomyces boulardiieffects on gastrointestinal diseases

Health benefits attributed to probiotics have been described for decades. They include the treatment and the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, vaginal and urinary infections and allergies. Saccharomyces boulardii, a species of yeast widely distributed, has been described as a biotherapeutic agent since several clinical trials displayed its beneficial effects in the prevention and the treatment of intestinal infections and in the maintenance of inflammatory bowel disease. All these diseases are characterized by acute diarrhoea. Administration of the yeast in combination or not with an antibiotherapy has shown to decrease significantly the duration and the frequency of diarrhoea. Experimental studies elucidated partially the molecular mechanisms triggered to improve the host health. The discovery of its anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory activities in correlation with the advances in the understanding of mucosal immunology opens a new field of perspectives in S. boulardii therapeutic applications.

Probiotics: a role in the treatment of intestinal infection and inflammation?

Probiotic therapy is based on the concept of normal healthy microflora. The development of novel means of characterising the gut microflora, in particular those based on the different levels of conservation in the ribosomal RNA sequences of different genera, have opened up new angles on the role of the gut microflora in health and disease. Components of the human intestinal microflora or organisms entering the intestine may have harmful or beneficial effects on human health. Abundant evidence implies that specific strains selected from the healthy gut microflora exhibit powerful antipathogenic and anti-inflammatory capabilities, and are consequently involved with enhanced colonisation resistance in the intestine. Realisation of this has led to the introduction of novel modes of therapeutic and prophylactic intervention based on the consumption of mono and mixed cultures of beneficial live microorganisms as probiotics.