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Effects of Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 on Cryptosporidium parvum infection in mice
Valeria F Del Coco1,2, Mónica D Sparo3, Alicia Sidoti4
1Centro de Estudios Microbiológicos y Parasitológicos (CUDEMyP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 120, La Plata, 1900, Argentina. valeriadelcoco@med.unlp.edu.ar.
Abstract:
Cryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan parasite of humans and animals worldwide and causes diarrheal disease that is typically self-limiting in immunocompetent hosts but often life threatening to immunocompromised individuals. However, there is a lack of completely efficient therapy available. Probiotics have attracted the attention as potential antiparasite compounds against protozoa involved in intestinal infections. This study investigated the effects of administration of probiotic Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 on Cryptosporidium parvum infection in immunosuppressed mice. Effects on C. parvum infection at the intestinal mucosa were studied and scored at each portion of the gut. It was demonstrated that Ef CECT 7121 interfered with C. parvum infection when both probiotic and parasite were present in the same intestinal location suggesting that Ef CECT 7121 supplementation can alleviate the negative effects of C. parvum infection.
Insights
Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 may alleviate Cryptosporidium parvum infection effects in immunosuppressed mice. This probiotic interfered with the parasite in the gut, suggesting a potential therapeutic role against cryptosporidiosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan parasite causing diarrheal disease, particularly severe in immunocompromised individuals.
- Current therapies for cryptosporidiosis are limited, creating a need for alternative treatments.
- Probiotics are emerging as potential antiparasitic agents for intestinal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of the probiotic Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 against Cryptosporidium parvum infection.
- To evaluate the impact of E. faecalis CECT 7121 on intestinal mucosa during C. parvum infection in an immunosuppressed mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Immunosuppressed mice were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum.
- Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 was administered to the infected mice.
- The effects on the intestinal mucosa were assessed across different sections of the gut.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 demonstrated interference with Cryptosporidium parvum infection.
- This interference was observed when the probiotic and parasite co-existed in the same intestinal location.
- Supplementation with E. faecalis CECT 7121 appeared to alleviate negative effects of C. parvum infection.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcus faecalis CECT 7121 shows potential as an adjunct therapy for cryptosporidiosis.
- The probiotic's mechanism may involve direct interaction with the parasite in the gut.
- Further research is warranted to explore the full therapeutic capacity of E. faecalis CECT 7121 in treating parasitic infections.
