Research has shown that probiotics may replace antibiotics in the treatment of some infections.
A research team led by Professor Michael Otto, senior researcher at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), found that probiotics may be effective instead of antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus infections, which mainly cause skin infections. The results of the study were announced, HealthDay News reported on the 24th.
In a previous study, the research team found that Bacillus subtilis, a gram-negative bacterium often used in biological experiments along with E.
In addition, the research team found that bacillus secretes substances that block most of Staphylococcus aureus, including Bacillus subtilis, from attaching their feet to the body.
To confirm this, the research team conducted a clinical trial on 115 adults who were found to be permanent carriers of Staphylococcus aureus in stool sample tests.
The research team divided them into two groups, one group took Bacillus subtilis supplement capsules daily, and the control group took a fake supplement capsule daily for 30 days.
As a result, the Bacillus subtilis capsule group was almost completely free of Staphylococcus aureus in the intestine.
Staphylococcus aureus was eliminated by 97% in stool samples.
There was no evidence that Bacillus subtilis supplementation had a detrimental effect on the normal composition of the bacterial population in the gut, the researchers stressed.
The probiotics don’t actually “kill” Staphylococcus aureus, the researchers explained, but rather inhibit the Staphylococcus aureus’ ability to form colonies.
People at high risk of staph infection, such as those with a history of repeated previous staph infections or those who have undergone kidney dialysis, may want to try Bacillus subtilis supplementation, he suggests.
The research team expected that the results of this study could lead to the development of a method to block methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection with a probiotic.
Staphylococcus aureus mainly causes skin infections, but can cause fatal illness if it gets into the blood.
In particular, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is resistant to antibiotics.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Aaron Glatt, spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said further research is needed to determine whether Bacillus subtilis supplements are safe and effective for long-term use and prevent staph infections. commented as necessary.
The findings were published in the latest issue of the British science journal ‘Lancet Microbe’.
/yunhap news
