Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 Antagonizes Giardia intestinalis In Vivo
- 2005-02
- Infection and Immunity 73(2)
- M. Humen
- G. D. De Antoni
- J. Benyacoub
- M. E. Costas
- M. I. Cardozo
- L. Kozubsky
- K. Saudan
- Angele Boenzli-Bruand
- S. Blum
- E. Schiffrin
- P. Pérez
- PubMed: 15664978
- DOI: 10.1128/IAI.73.2.1265-1269.2005
Abstract
This study describes the in vivo activity of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (NCC533) in Giardia intestinalis-infected gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Daily administration of lactobacilli in the drinking water from 7 days before inoculation with Giardia trophozoites efficiently prevented G. intestinalis strain WB clone C6 from infecting gerbils. More specifically, shedding of fecal Giardia antigens (GSA65 protein) was diminished in the La1-treated group, and resolution of infection was observed by 21 days postinoculation. Histology and analysis of enzymatic markers of microvillus membrane integrity revealed that probiotic administration also protected against parasite-induced mucosal damage. In addition, a cellular response to Giardia antigens was stimulated in spleen cells from La1-treated gerbils. Results show for the first time the antigiardial effect of probiotic lactobacilli in vivo and provide further insight into the antagonistic properties of lactic acid bacteria against protozoa involved in intestinal infections.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ09 | Increased Cellular Response to Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ09 | Reduced Fecal Shedding of Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ09 | Reduced Giardia intestinalis Infection | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ09 | Reduced Mucosal Damage | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii LJ09 | Resolution of Giardia Infection | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii VPro 33 | Increased Cellular Response to Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii VPro 33 | Reduced Fecal Shedding of Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii VPro 33 | Reduced Giardia intestinalis Infection | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus johnsonii VPro 33 | Reduced Parasite-Induced Mucosal Damage | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus lactis LLa61 | Increased Cellular Response to Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus lactis LLa61 | Reduced Fecal Shedding of Giardia Antigens | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus lactis LLa61 | Reduced Giardia intestinalis Infection | Beneficial | Large |
| Lactobacillus lactis LLa61 | Reduced Parasite-Induced Mucosal Damage | Beneficial | Large |