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Exploring the dark side of probiotics to pursue light: Intrinsic and extrinsic risks to be opportunistic pathogens
Ruiyan Xu1,2, Yifeng Yu1, Tingtao Chen1,2,3,4
1Ophthalmologic Centre, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Abstract:
Probiotics, live microorganisms with multiple health benefits, have gained popularity for their roles in maintaining daily health and treating a variety of diseases. However, they have the potential to be opportunistic pathogens in some conditions. This review delves into the intrinsic and extrinsic risks associated with probiotics. Intrinsic risks involve the production of harmful substances, such as toxins and invasive factors, biofilm formation, bacteria emboli, antibiotic resistance with relevant genetic materials, genetic plasticity, and metabolic issues, while extrinsic risks include problems in regulatory oversight and public awareness, host health status and appropriately administration. It emphasizes the need for a balanced view of their therapeutic benefits and potential hazards, advocating for further research to understand the complex interactions between probiotics and the human microbiome, to optimize the safety and efficacy of probiotics.
Insights
Probiotics offer health benefits but can pose risks. This review examines intrinsic and extrinsic dangers, highlighting the need for balanced safety and efficacy research.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Probiotics are live microorganisms known for health benefits.
- Their increasing use necessitates understanding potential risks.
- Probiotics can act as opportunistic pathogens in certain contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intrinsic and extrinsic risks associated with probiotic use.
- To provide a balanced perspective on probiotic safety and efficacy.
- To advocate for further research into probiotic-host interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of intrinsic and extrinsic probiotic risks.
- Analysis of factors contributing to probiotic-associated pathogenicity.
- Examination of regulatory and host-related influences on probiotic safety.
Main Results:
- Intrinsic risks include toxin production, biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance transfer, and metabolic issues.
- Extrinsic risks involve regulatory gaps, public awareness deficits, host health status, and improper administration.
- Probiotics present a complex risk-benefit profile.
Conclusions:
- A balanced view of probiotic benefits and hazards is crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand probiotic-microbiome interactions.
- Optimizing probiotic safety and efficacy requires addressing identified risks.
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