Eradication of <it>Salmonella </it>Typhimurium infection in a murine model of typhoid fever with the combination of probiotic <it>Lactobacillus fermentum </it>ME-3 and ofloxacin

• Main Authors: Karki Tõnis, Naaber Paul, Mikelsaar Raik-Hiio, Truusalu Kai, Kullisaar Tiiu, Zilmer Mihkel, Mikelsaar Marika
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2008-08-01
• Series: BMC Microbiology
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/8/132

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of the study was to detect whether in experimental <it>Salmonella enterica </it>Typhimurium infection the probiotic <it>Lactobacillus fermentum </it>ME-3 in combination with fluoroquinolone therapy would eradicate <it>S. </it>Typhimurium, prevent the development of liver and spleen granulomas and improve the indices of oxidative stress in the ileum mucosa.</p> <p>The selected bacteriological, histological and biochemical methods were applied.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Combined treatment with <it>L. fermentum </it>ME-3 and ofloxacin eradicated <it>Salmonella </it>Typhimurium from blood, ileum and liver, decreased the number of animals with liver and spleen granulomas and reduced the value of lipid peroxides in the ileum mucosa. Higher total counts of intestinal lactobacilli in all experimental groups were associated with the absence of liver granulomas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The antimicrobial and antioxidative probiotic <it>L. fermentum </it>ME-3 combined with ofloxacin enhances the eradication of experimental <it>S</it>. Typhimurium infection. These observations on probiotic and antimicrobial co-action may serve as basis to develop new strategies for treatment of invasive bacterial infections of the gut.</p>