Yeast infection probiotics
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Probiotic Yeasts for Treating Candida Infections
Introduction to Candida Infections and Probiotic Yeasts
Candida infections, particularly those caused by species like Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata, pose significant health challenges, especially in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The rise of antifungal resistance exacerbates these challenges, necessitating alternative therapeutic approaches. Probiotic yeasts have emerged as a promising solution, offering potential benefits in combating these infections1 2 3.
Mechanisms of Action of Probiotic Yeasts
Inhibition of Virulence Traits
Probiotic yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia occidentalis, have demonstrated the ability to inhibit key virulence traits of Candida species. These traits include adhesion, morphological transition, and biofilm formation, which are critical for the pathogenicity of Candida2 3. By preventing these processes, probiotic yeasts can reduce the overall virulence and pathogenic potential of Candida infections.
Physical Barrier and Pathogen Aggregation
Probiotic yeasts can act as a physical barrier, preventing Candida species from adhering to host tissues. Additionally, they can aggregate pathogens, rendering them avirulent. This dual action helps in reducing the colonization and infection rates of Candida species1.
Secretion of Metabolites
Probiotic yeasts secrete various metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, which inhibit the adhesion and morphological transition of Candida species. These metabolites create an unfavorable environment for Candida, further reducing their ability to cause infections1.
Clinical and Preclinical Evidence
In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of probiotic yeasts in both in vitro and in vivo models. For instance, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia occidentalis have shown higher tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and have effectively reduced the virulence traits of Candida species in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, Caco-2 cell lines, and Caenorhabditis elegans models2 3.
Comparison with Commercial Probiotic Yeasts
Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, a commercially available probiotic yeast, has been widely studied and used for its probiotic properties. However, novel strains like Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain KTP) and Issatchenkia occidentalis (strain ApC) have shown superior or comparable efficacy in inhibiting Candida virulence traits and protecting against infections in animal models2 3.
Potential and Future Directions
Therapeutic Applications
The therapeutic potential of probiotic yeasts extends beyond Candida infections. Yeasts derived from fermented foods, for example, have shown promise in treating dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and preventing health complications arising from opportunistic fungal colonization4. These findings suggest that probiotic yeasts could be integrated into broader therapeutic strategies for managing fungal infections and maintaining gut health.
Need for Further Research
While the current evidence is promising, additional studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms, efficacy, and optimal delivery methods of probiotic yeasts. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate the therapeutic potential of these yeasts in human populations and explore the development of new probiotic products with enhanced properties1 2 3 4.
Conclusion
Probiotic yeasts offer a promising alternative or complementary therapy for Candida infections, particularly in the face of rising antifungal resistance. By inhibiting key virulence traits, acting as physical barriers, and secreting inhibitory metabolites, these yeasts can effectively reduce the pathogenicity of Candida species. Continued research and clinical validation are essential to fully harness the therapeutic potential of probiotic yeasts in combating Candida and other opportunistic fungal infections.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Application of Probiotic Yeasts on Candida Species Associated Infection
Probiotic yeasts show potential as an effective alternative or combination therapy for treating Candida infections, using various protective mechanisms and secreted metabolites.
Literature ReviewProbiotic Effects of Yeasts on Virulence of Candida Species
Probiotic yeasts S. cerevisiae and I. occidentalis show potential biotherapeutic potential against Candida infections by decreasing virulence traits and protecting the host during infection.
Probiotic Yeasts Inhibit Virulence of Non-albicans Candida Species
Probiotic yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Issatchenkia occidentalis, show potential as an effective alternative to antifungal therapy for non-albicans Candida infections.
In Vitro StudyYeasts originating from fermented foods, their potential as probiotics and therapeutic implication for human health and disease
Probiotic yeasts from fermented foods show potential in treating gut dysbiosis and preventing health complications from drug-resistant superbugs.
Antioxidants and immune responses, resistance to Aspergilus flavus infection, and growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fed diets supplemented with yeast, Saccharomyces serevisiae
Dietary yeast supplementation in Nile tilapia diets enhances growth performance, hematological, and immune biomarkers, and increases resistance to Aspergilus flavus infection.
RCTReview article: yeast as probiotics –Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces boulardii yeast is an effective probiotic that confers health benefits on the host in double-blind clinical studies.
Highly CitedProbiotic and Potentially Probiotic Yeasts—Characteristics and Food Application
Probiotic yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, can enhance the nutritional and sensory properties of fermented foods, offering potential for new probiotic products with novel properties.
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Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast, can alleviate symptoms from gastrointestinal tract infections and has potential therapeutic potential in humans.
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Yeasts show potential as probiotics due to their survival in the gastrointestinal tract, salt tolerance, and ability to adhere to epithelial cells, which are crucial for their inclusion in functional foods with health benefits.
Literature ReviewSalmonella infection - prevention and treatment by antibiotics and probiotic yeasts: a review.
Probiotic yeasts show potential in preventing and treating Salmonella infections, but further studies are needed to determine their mechanisms, efficacy, and delivery methods.
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