An Isolate of Streptococcus mitis Displayed In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Deleterious Effect in a Preclinical

Elliot Mathieu1,2, Quentin Marquant3,4, Florian Chain1,2

  • 1Micalis Institute, Institut National de Recherche pour L'Agriculture, L'Alimentation et L'Environnement (INRAE), AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR1319, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Nutrients
|January 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A novel probiotic strain, Streptococcus mitis EM-371, showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against respiratory pathogens. However, this strain failed to protect against NTHi lung infection in a preclinical model, even worsening the condition.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Probiotics Research
  • Respiratory Pathogen Studies

Background:

  • Microbiota research has expanded, identifying new beneficial microorganisms.
  • Next-generation probiotics require efficient in vitro screening methods.
  • Streptococcus strains show potential against upper and lower respiratory tract pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Streptococcus mitis EM-371 against key respiratory pathogens.
  • To assess the efficacy of S. mitis EM-371 in a preclinical model of NTHi lung infection.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and in vitro testing of Streptococcus mitis EM-371 against NTHi, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus.
  • Preclinical mouse model to evaluate the protective effect of S. mitis EM-371 against NTHi lung infection over two weeks.

Main Results:

  • S. mitis EM-371 demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against NTHi, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus.
  • In vivo treatment with S. mitis EM-371 did not protect against NTHi lung infection.
  • The probiotic treatment exacerbated the NTHi lung infection in the preclinical model.

Conclusions:

  • In vitro antimicrobial activity alone is insufficient to predict in vivo efficacy for probiotic candidates.
  • S. mitis EM-371 is not suitable for preventing or treating NTHi lung infections.
  • Further research is needed to develop reliable in vitro methods for next-generation probiotic selection.