Probiotics induce resistance to enteropathogens in a re-nourished mouse model

Nutritional deficiency is commonly associated with impaired immune response and the relation between infection and malnutrition is synergic. Probiotics, especially lactic acid bacteria are immunomodulatory. The aim was to determine whether optimal doses of Lactobacillus casei and yogurt, used as adjuvants in a re-nutrition diet in a non-severe malnutrition experimental model, protect against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Groups of malnourished mice were used, which were re-nourished with milk for 7 or 14 d. After that, both groups of mice received the optimal doses of Lb. casei and yogurt supplements. We measured IgA+ and IgG+-B cells and phenotypic markers of T lymphocytes; CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. We also determined alphabeta and gammabeta T cell receptor (TCR). The ability to protect against Sal. typhimurium and Esch. coli infections and specific S-IgA were assessed. Probiotics complemented the effects of the re-nutrition diet, by stimulating recuperation of the activity of immune cells that improved protection against infections.