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Probiotics and their postbiotics for the control of opportunistic fungal pathogens: A review

S Divyashree1, B Shruthi1, P R Vanitha1

  • 1Applied Mycology Lab, Department of Studies in Microbiology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, 570006, India.

Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|May 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Opportunistic fungal infections are rising, but probiotics offer a safe, natural alternative to antibiotics. These beneficial microbes and their byproducts show potent antifungal activity against common pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Opportunistic fungal infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida species are increasing, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Current antifungal treatments face challenges including severe side effects and emerging drug resistance in fungal pathogens.
  • Conventional control methods have limitations, driving interest in safer, eco-friendly biological approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of probiotics and their byproducts (postbiotics) as natural agents against opportunistic fungal infections.
  • To highlight the antifungal mechanisms of probiotic bacteria and yeasts.
  • To explore the clinical relevance of probiotics in managing fungal diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on probiotic cultures and their antifungal properties.
  • Analysis of metabolic byproducts (postbiotics) produced by probiotics.
  • Discussion of the efficacy of probiotics like Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Saccharomyces species.

Main Results:

  • Probiotic cultures and their postbiotics, including organic acids, bacteriocins, and hydrogen peroxide, demonstrate significant antifungal activity.
  • Specific probiotic strains show targeted inhibition against key opportunistic fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida.
  • Metabolic byproducts of probiotics contribute substantially to their pathogen-inhibiting capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics represent a promising, safe, and effective biological strategy for preventing and treating opportunistic fungal infections.
  • The use of probiotics and postbiotics offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional antifungal therapies.
  • Further clinical research is warranted to fully establish the role of probiotics in managing fungal diseases in vulnerable populations.
Keywords:
Antifungal agentsAspergillus. CandidaMucorOpportunistic fungal infectionsPostbioticsProbiotics

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