In vitro inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Enterococcus faecium GM-1

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Probiotics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major cause of gastrointestinal diseases.
• Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Probiotics offer a promising avenue for managing H. pylori infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify a novel bacterial strain with antibacterial activity against H. pylori.
• To investigate the in vitro inhibitory effects of the identified strain on H. pylori.
• To explore the mechanism underlying the anti-H. pylori activity.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacteria from newborn infant feces.
• Identification of the bacterial isolate using biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing.
• In vitro assays to assess the inhibitory effects of Enterococcus faecium GM-1 culture supernatant on H. pylori viability and urease activity.
• Electron microscopy to visualize the effect of E. faecium GM-1 on H. pylori cell structure.
• Assays to evaluate the impact of E. faecium GM-1 on H. pylori adhesion to human colonic cells.

Main Results:

• A strain identified as Enterococcus faecium GM-1 demonstrated significant inhibition of H. pylori growth.
• The culture supernatant of E. faecium GM-1 reduced H. pylori viability and urease activity.
• Proteolytic enzyme treatment diminished the anti-H. pylori activity, suggesting a proteinaceous inhibitory substance.
• Electron microscopy revealed that E. faecium GM-1 damages the cell structure of H. pylori.
• E. faecium GM-1 reduced the adhesion of H. pylori to human colonic cells.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium GM-1 possesses potent antibacterial properties against Helicobacter pylori.
• The inhibitory mechanism involves direct damage to H. pylori cells and interference with adhesion.
• This strain represents a potential candidate for probiotic development to combat H. pylori infections.