The use of probiotics in head and neck infections

Abstract

Recurrent episodes of infections in the upper respiratory tract are very common. The pathogenesis behind these recurrences is still not well understood, but much attention has been paid to the adherence of the microorganisms to epithelial structures and to the protective function of the normal bacterial flora (bacterial interference). Thus, in vitro as well as in vivo studies have shown that both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria of the normal flora in the upper respiratory tract can hinder the growth of pathogens and the establishment of a renewed infection. Studies have shown that lack of interfering bacteria facilitates recurrence of these diseases. Recolonization with interfering alpha-streptococci has been performed successfully in acute streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, as well as in acute otitis media. The number of recurrences has significantly been lowered in these diseases after recolonization with alpha-streptococci, which is the dominating normal bacteria in the upper respiratory tract. Several mechanisms have been proposed to be responsible for this interaction, such as competition of the adhering sites at the epithelial cells, production of hydrogen peroxide, competition for nutritients, and production of specific growth inhibiting factors such as bacteriocins. Other human components like lactoferrin are also important in the defense against microorganisms, and are important parts of the unspecific and specific immune system.

Probiotics in addition to antibiotics for the treatment of acute tonsillitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study

“…The two main realms of activity of S. salivarius are resistance to pathogenic bacteria and immunity enhancement. Colonization and also recolonization with S. salivarius have been shown to interfere with and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria [25]. Several mechanisms have been proposed for this interaction, including competition for adhering sites on epithelial cells and inhibition of S. pyogenes adhesion and growth [16,26].…”

“…Several mechanisms have been proposed for this interaction, including competition for adhering sites on epithelial cells and inhibition of S. pyogenes adhesion and growth [16,26]. Other mechanisms include the production of hydrogen peroxide, competition for nutrients, and the production of bacteriocins [25]. Several salivaricins, which are bacteriocins specifically released from S. salivarius, have demonstrated inhibitory activity against S. pyogenes [19,27].…”

Probiotics: From Functional Foods to Pharmaceutical Products

“…The freeze-dried streptococci, when reconstituted in saline and sprayed into the mouth offered relief from such infection [49]. Also the strains of Streptococci sanguis, S. mitis and S. oralis in equal proportion were found to be effective.…”

Are Bacteriocins Underexploited? NOVEL Applications for OLD Antimicrobials

“…Now that the efficacy of antibiotics is waning and a dramatic resurgence of infectious disease is noted, probiotics constitute an alternative to the existing antibiotic therapies [32,33]. Notably, antimicrobial activity is thought to be significant for probiotics to competitively exclude or inhibit invading bacteria [34,35]. As living organisms, probiotics also have inherent survival traits such as immune-system modulation [36,37] or the production of non-specific antimicrobial substances (such as short-chain fatty acids [34] or hydrogen peroxide [38]) or bacteriocins.…”