The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastrointestinal diseases in humans. This bacterium is one of the main factors of the stomach inflammation, gastric ulcers or even stomach cancer.
Currently, the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with antibiotics is practically ineffective due to their antibiotic resistance. For this reason, alternative ways to eliminate Helicobacter pylori from the gastrointestinal tract are sought.
A group of scientists from the Medical University of Iran conducted a study on a mouse model, the aim of which was to investigate the influence of selected probiotic bacteria i.e. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Mice were infected with Helicobacter pylori and then treated with drugs and the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus in various combinations. The results confirmed the reduction of inflammation after administration of Lactobacillus, while the highest antimicrobial effects on Helicobacter pylori were observed in the group to which Lactobacillus rhamnosus was applied as one species, and also in combination with the other two.
In conclusion, selected Lactobacillus bacteria may be useful in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections.
