Probiotics as antifungal agents: Experimental confirmation and future prospects
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Prospecting Microbial Strains for Bioremediation and Probiotics Development for Metaorganism Research and Preservation
Published on: October 31, 2019
Janet Cheruiyot Kosgey1, Lina Jia2, Yong Fang2
1Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; WU Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; School of biological and life sciences, Technical University of Kenya, 52428-00200, Kenya.
Abstract:
Fungal burden throughout the world is very high and it keeps escalating due to increasing numbers of immunocompromised individuals. In contrast, the drugs used in management of fungal infections are so few some with high toxicity. Furthermore, highly resistant fungal pathogens are emerging for example Candida auris, Candida glabrata, Candida gullemondii and Aspergillus species among others. Thus now, more than ever, there is a need for combined efforts and an all round search for possible solutions to curb these problems. Therefore, the role of probiotics in management of fungal infections is indispensable. In fact, the antimicrobial activity of probiotics has been screened with promising results against microbial pathogens. Although, recent reports indicated that probiotics may also contribute to protect against fungal infections, the research done in checking antifungal activity of probiotics has used varied technology. This calls for harmonization of the methods used to screen and confirm the antimicrobial activity of probiotics and other candidate microorganisms. We therefore sought to address issues of disparity in probiotic research and their outcomes. Thus this paper is in order as it comprehensively reviews' publications, provides a summary of the methods and future prospects of probiotics as antifungal agents.
Insights
Probiotics show promise in combating rising fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. This review harmonizes methods for screening probiotics
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Global fungal infections are increasing, exacerbated by immunocompromised populations.
- Limited antifungal drugs and emerging resistant strains (e.g., Candida auris, Aspergillus) necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Existing antifungal treatments often exhibit high toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on probiotics as antifungal agents.
- To address the disparity in research methodologies for evaluating probiotic antifungal activity.
- To summarize screening methods and discuss future prospects for probiotics in managing fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing scientific publications.
- Analysis and summarization of diverse technological approaches used to screen probiotic antifungal activity.
- Identification of trends and gaps in current research.
Main Results:
- Probiotics demonstrate promising antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
- Evidence suggests probiotics can offer protection against fungal infections.
- Significant variation exists in the technologies employed to assess probiotic antifungal efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Probiotics are indispensable in the search for solutions to escalating fungal infections.
- Harmonization of screening and confirmation methods is crucial for reliable probiotic research.
- Further research into probiotics as antifungal agents holds significant future potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Confirmation Biases
01:29Subviral Agents
01:27Air-entraining Agents
01:19Masking and Demasking Agents
There are many masking agents, such as cyanide, fluoride, triethanolamine, thiourea, and 2,3-bis(sulfanyl)propan-1-ol (formerly 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol), with the masking agent chosen based on...
01:06Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
01:29Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also...