Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Probiotic Bacteria can Modulate Murine Macrophage's Superoxide Production in Trichinella Spiralis Infection
M Vargová1,2, Z Hurníková1, V Revajová2
1Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
The effect of probiotic strains (Enterococcus faecium EF55, E. faecium CCM7420, E. faecium CCM8558, E. durans ED26E/7, Lactobacillus fermentum CCM7421, L. plantarum 17L/1) on the production of superoxide anion (O2 -) in peritoneal macrophages of Trichinella spiralis infected mice was examined. E. faecium EF55 and E. faecium CCM8558 strains increased the O2 -production prior to parasitic infection,at the day7of application.A significant inhibition of the O2 - production caused by T. spiralis infection on day 5 post infection (p.i.) was prevented by all examined strains. Lactobacilli stimulated metabolic activity of macrophages during intestinal and early muscular phase (from day 5 to 25 p.i.) of trichinellosis. Enterococci increased the O2 - production in early intestinal phase (day 5 p.i.) and during the muscular phase of trichinellosis (days 25 and 32 p.i.). Respected increase in macrophage's metabolic activity induced by probiotic treatment in the intestinal phase of trichinellosis augmented the host antiparasite defence (damage and killing of newborn larvae with reactive oxygen species from macrophages).
Insights
Probiotic strains like Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus enhanced macrophage activity against Trichinella spiralis infection. These probiotics boosted superoxide production, aiding in the killing of parasitic larvae during key infection phases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trichinella spiralis infection poses a significant health challenge.
- Macrophages play a crucial role in the host's immune response to parasitic infections.
- Probiotics are known to modulate immune responses, but their specific effects on macrophage activity during trichinellosis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of specific probiotic strains on superoxide anion (O2-) production in macrophages of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.
- To determine how probiotics influence macrophage metabolic activity during different stages of trichinellosis.
- To evaluate the potential of probiotics in augmenting host defense mechanisms against T. spiralis.
Main Methods:
- Administration of selected Enterococcus and Lactobacillus strains to mice.
- Infection of mice with Trichinella spiralis.
- Measurement of superoxide anion (O2-) production in peritoneal macrophages at various time points post-infection.
- Assessment of macrophage metabolic activity during intestinal and muscular phases of trichinellosis.
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecium EF55 and CCM8558 increased O2- production before infection.
- All tested probiotic strains prevented the inhibition of O2- production caused by T. spiralis infection.
- Lactobacilli stimulated macrophage activity during the intestinal and early muscular phases (days 5-25 p.i.).
- Enterococci boosted O2- production during the early intestinal (day 5 p.i.) and muscular phases (days 25 and 32 p.i.).
Conclusions:
- Probiotic treatment, particularly with Enterococcus and Lactobacillus strains, enhances macrophage's antiparasitic defense against Trichinella spiralis.
- The increased metabolic activity of macrophages induced by probiotics contributes to the killing of newborn larvae via reactive oxygen species.
- Probiotics show promise as a supportive strategy in managing trichinellosis by bolstering the host's innate immune response.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Probiotics
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics