Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 antagonizes Giardia intestinalis in vivo

HUMEN, M. A; DE ANTONI, G. L; BENYACOUB, J.; COSTAS, M. E.; CARDOZO, M I; KOZUBSKY, L.; SAUDAN, K-Y; BOENZLI-BRUAND, A; BLUM, S; SCHIFFRIN, E. J.; PÉREZ, P. F.

INFECTION AND IMMUNITY

American Society for Microbiology

Año: 2005 vol. 73 p. 1265 - 1269

0019-9567

This study shows the ability of Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (NCC533) to antagonize Giardia intestinalis in vivo by using a gerbil model (Meriones unguiculatus). Administration of lactobacilli in drinking water starting at day –7 prior infection with giardia trophozoites efficiently prevents Giardia intestinalis strain WB clone C6 from infecting gerbils. A diminution of the ratio of animals showing active trophozoites in their small intestine was observed. Also, shedding of fecal giardia antigens (GSA65 protein) was also diminished in the La1-treated group and no signs of infection were evident in gerbils at 21 days post-infection. Probiotic administration was associated with protection of the mucosal damage induced by the parasite as assessed by histological analysis and enzymatic markers of microvillus membrane integrity. In addition, a stimulation of the response against giardia antigens was found in spleen cells of the La1-treated gerbils. Results show for the first time, the anti-giardial effect of a probiotic lactobacilli in vivo and add further insight on the antagonistic properties of lactic acid bacteria against protozoa involved in intestinal infections.