Antimicrobial activity of SYNBIO® probiotic formulation on pathogens isolated from chronic ulcerative lesions: in vitro studies

AIMS: Probiotics have the ability to enhance the immune system, produce anti-inflammatory action and promote wound healing process. The first aim of the study was to isolate pathogenic microorganisms from sites of chronic ulcerative lesion. A second aim consisted of an evaluation of probiotic efficacy of SYNBIO® (1:1 combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus IMC 501® and Lactobacillus paracasei IMC 502®) in counteracting wound infections. METHODS AND RESULTS: Several bacterial pathogens were isolated from chronic ulcerative lesions and identified by morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques. SYNBIO® probiotic formulation was investigated for its antimicrobial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, co-aggregation and adherence capacity against the isolated pathogens. Moreover, SYNBIO® was also tested in combination with some medical devices, using an in vitro model, in order to simulate a real ulcerative wound infection. Probiotic formulation demonstrated an inhibitory action against all the tested pathogens and their mixture (MIX), with an increased ability of co-aggregation during time. In addition, the adhesion percentage of probiotic microorganisms to human keratinocyte (HaCaT cells) and human fibroblasts (NHF), calculated by an in vitro model, was 19% and 17% respectively, highlighting the possibility to create a protective environment preventing pathogens' biofilm formation in order to contrast infections. CONCLUSIONS: SYNBIO® probiotics showed a very good antimicrobial capacity and adhesion percentage to HaCaT cells and fibroblasts, giving the opportunity to be successfully used as complement to conventional therapies in the treatment of chronic ulcerative lesions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A new therapeutic approach with probiotics (supplemented in topical applications, excluding side effects) able to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and improve healing of chronic ulcerative lesions.