Probiotic for Itchy Noses
There are indications that probiotics can be used for allergic rhinitis. To confirm findings found previously for Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461, researchers compared this strain to a combination of L. acidophilus ATCC SD5221 and Bifidobacterium lactis ATCC SD5219 in patients allergic to grass pollen. In a double blind, randomized, cross-over study, they found that L. paracasei NCC2461 did not help congestion, but could significantly reduce itching as compared to the probiotic blend.
Mother Rabbits Supplement Intestinal Bacteria
Several weeks after baby rabbits are born, the mother excretes a special fecal pellet that is eaten by the young. French researchers suspected that these pellets could help colonize the ceca of the rabbits. In a large experiment, they modulated the access of fecal pellets to the young. They found that limiting ingestion of the fecal pellets delayed the proper colonization of the young rabbit’s ceca.
Vaginal Microbiota and Vaginal Health
Vaginal infections increase susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To determine how this occurs, German scientists investigated the effects of different bacteria on the immune response in vaginal epithelial cells using a special 3-D cell culture. They found that good bacteria, like Lactobacilli, were well tolerated. However Atopobium vaginae, a well known propagator of bacterial vaginosis, caused a strong immune response that ultimately damaged the barrier function of the cells. This response is a possible reason why STDs are associated with bacterial vaginosis.
References
- Perrin Y, Nutten S, Audran R, Berger B, Bibiloni R, Wassenberg J et al. Comparison of two oral probiotic preparations in a randomized crossover trial highlights a potentially beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC2461 in patients with allergic rhinitis. Clin Transl Allergy 2014; 4(1): 1.
- Doerflinger SY, Throop AL, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Vaginal microbiota alter the innate immune and barrier properties of the human vaginal epithelia in a species-specific manner. J Infect Dis 2014.
- Combes S, Gidenne T, Cauquil L, Bouchez O, Fortun-Lamothe L. Coprophagous behavior of rabbit pups affects dynamic implantation of cecal microbiota and health status. J Anim Sci 2014.