Antagonistic activity against Helicobacter pylori infection in vitro by a strain of Enterococcus faecium TM39

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Probiotics

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant global health concern.
• Development of novel anti-H. pylori strategies, including probiotics, is crucial.
• Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are known for their health benefits and potential antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen infant fecal LAB for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a selected LAB strain (Enterococcus faecium TM39) against H. pylori in vitro.
• To assess the safety of the selected LAB strain for potential probiotic application.

Main Methods:

• Screening LAB strains for adherence to intestinal epithelial cells (Int-407, Caco-2, HeLa, TSGH 9201).
• Assessing acid and bile salt tolerance of selected LAB strains.
• Evaluating inhibition of H. pylori growth, urease activity, and cell adhesion by LAB spent culture supernatant (SCS) and cells.
• Conducting in vitro invasion assays and a 28-day rat feeding study to determine safety.

Main Results:

• Selected LAB strains demonstrated adherence to intestinal cells and tolerance to acid and bile salts.
• Spent culture supernatant (SCS) of Enterococcus faecium TM39 significantly inhibited H. pylori viability and urease activity in vitro.
• TM39-SCS and TM39 cells reduced H. pylori binding to TSGH 9201 cells.
• Enterococcus faecium TM39 was confirmed as safe through invasion and feeding studies, and it is not vancomycin-resistant.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium TM39 exhibits significant anti-Helicobacter pylori properties, including inhibition of growth and adhesion.
• The safety profile of Enterococcus faecium TM39 supports its potential as a probiotic agent for managing H. pylori infections.
• Further research into the specific anti-H. pylori factors present in TM39-SCS is warranted.