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Antimicrobial activity of a multispecies probiotic (Ecologic 641) against pathogens isolated from infected pancreatic

B U Ridwan1, C J M Koning, M G H Besselink

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. b.ridwan@westfriesgasthuis.nl

Letters in Applied Microbiology
|October 20, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A multispecies probiotic, Ecologic 641, effectively inhibits pathogens causing pancreatic necrosis. Its antimicrobial properties, mainly from organic acids, are crucial for treating severe acute pancreatitis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Probiotic Research

Background:

  • Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) can lead to complications like bacterial overgrowth and infected pancreatic necrosis.
  • Probiotic prophylaxis is explored for preventing these SAP complications, but their antimicrobial activity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of a specific multispecies probiotic product (Ecologic 641).
  • To determine the efficacy of Ecologic 641 against pathogens commonly found in infected pancreatic necrosis.

Main Methods:

  • The well-diffusion method was employed to assess antimicrobial activity.
  • Ecologic 641 and its individual strains were tested against pathogenic bacteria isolated from infected pancreatic necrosis.
  • Probiotic-free supernatants were used as controls.

Main Results:

  • Individual probiotic strains showed partial inhibition of pathogen growth.
  • The multispecies preparation, Ecologic 641, demonstrated inhibition against all tested pathogenic isolates.
  • Probiotic-free supernatants did not inhibit pathogen growth, indicating the probiotic's direct effect.

Conclusions:

  • Ecologic 641 exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against diverse pathogens implicated in infected pancreatic necrosis.
  • The production of organic acids is a key mechanism behind Ecologic 641's antimicrobial effects.
  • Ecologic 641 is under investigation in a large-scale clinical trial for patients with predicted severe acute pancreatitis.

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