Towards a compatible probiotic-antibiotic combination therapy: assessment of antimicrobial resistance in the Japanese probiotics

Abstract

Aim: To determine the antimicrobial resistance of the Japanese probiotics available in the market without a pharmacist’s supervision. Methods and Results: A total of 43 isolates were obtained from 40 samples of probiotics (30 dairy products and 10 products in tablet form). Isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and tested for their susceptibility to 14 antimicrobials. They were screened using PCR for some antibiotic resistance genes. Inactivation of cefepime, clarithromycin and vancomycin by different inocula of 11 strains was evaluated using the antibiotic inactivation bioassay. None of the dairy probiotics showed a level of constitutive resistance or carried inducible resistance genes, making them suitable to be administrated with macrolides. Among the probiotics in tablet form only Enterococcus faecium strains carrying the msrC gene showed an MIC90 of 4 μg ml−1. Extended‐spectrum β‐lactams, tetracyclines and ampicillin exhibited powerful germicidal activity against the vast majority of the probiotic strains. Conclusions: There is a limited choice of the Japanese probiotics that can be administered with clinically used antibiotics. Significance and Impact of the Study: Japanese probiotics are widely distributed all over the world. Through the findings of our study, we have attempted to provide guidance for clinicians interested in using the Japanese probiotics in combination with antibiotics.

Characterization and anti-salmonella activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from cattle faeces

“…However, both strategies have shortfalls while vaccination is suboptimal. The prolong use of antibiotics have a resultant effect of selecting for resistant Salmonella serovars and may also alter the intestinal microflora [9]. There is therefore a need for an alternative intervention against Salmonella infection in livestock management.…”

Progress in the field of probiotics: year 2011

“…No effect of Lcr35 was observed in the RCT. Data on their antimicrobial resistance are necessary for optimal use of probiotics [34].…”

Addressing the Antibiotic Resistance Problem with Probiotics: Reducing the Risk of Its Double-Edged Sword Effect

“…In addressing the problem on antibiotic resistance, the use of probiotics in lieu of antibiotics for treating certain diseases of host organisms has been investigated (Rosander et al, 2008; Muñoz-Atienza et al, 2013). Numerous studies have shown that instead of killing pathogenic microbes through antibiotics, the establishment of commensal and sometimes mutualistic microbes may hinder the growth of disease-causing microbes found in the same host microbial environment (Saarela et al, 2007; Hammad and Shimamoto, 2010; Klein, 2011; Nueno-Palop and Narbad, 2011; Wei et al, 2012; Varankovich et al, 2015). In addition, it has also been demonstrated that maintaining what is considered “normal” microbiota for certain host microbial environments may prevent diseased conditions that are not necessarily of infectious etiology and may improve general health outcome (Franz et al, 2011; Nueno-Palop and Narbad, 2011; Wei et al, 2012; Téllez et al, 2015; Varankovich et al, 2015).…”

“…If improperly cooked, livestock treated with probiotics that are consumed by humans as food may also pose as a possible source of antibiotic resistance genes for the human gut microbiota (Devirgiliis et al, 2011; Schjørring and Krogfelt, 2011; Forslund et al, 2013; Verraes et al, 2013; Allen and Stanton, 2014; Hu et al, 2014; Woolhouse et al, 2015). To complicate the aforementioned risks, some probiotic microbes are even screened specifically for antibiotic resistance to be used concomitantly with antibiotics in treating certain medical conditions (Galopin et al, 2009; Hammad and Shimamoto, 2010). As such, there is a need to review existing studies to clarify the safety of increasing probiotic use in relation to the existence of antibiotic resistance genes.…”