The Probiotic Efficacy of lactobacillus of Lactobacillus casei from Human Breast milk against Shigellosis in Albino rats

Abstract

Problem statement: The aim of the study was to investigate the probiotic efficacy of Lactobacillus casei isolated from human breast milk in the prevention of shigellosis in albino rats infected with clinical strains of Shigella dysenteriae. Shigellosis continues to be a major health problem worldwide, causing an estimated 1 million death and 165 million cases annually. Beside these, it was reported that shigella causes approximately 580,000 cases of bacillary dysentery annually among travelers and military personnel from industrialized countries. Method: Two different concentrations (1.0x107 CFU/ml and 2.0x107 CFU/ml) of Lactobacillus casei isolated from human breast milk and biochemically characterized were administered to two different sets of shigella free albino rats followed by 1.0x105CFU/ml dose of a clinical strain of Shigella dysentariae. The cage weights, rectal temperature and clinical signs and symptoms of shigellosis were recorded on daily basis. Liver function test on the serum of the sacrificed rats was also carried out. Results: The experimental rats infected with S. dysenteriae but not treated suffered from shigellosis while the test groups infected and treated with the Lactobacillus casei showed no sign of the disease as well as no clinical effect on the liver. This can have clinical implication for individuals and communities prone to shigellosis. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Lactobacillus casei isolated from human breast milk could be used as a prophylactic against gastrointestinal infections by Shigella dysentariae.