The pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus has the ability to inhabit the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body, particularly in the vagina and gastrointestinal tract. Certain virulent strains of this bacterium produce proteins that can trigger a severe condition known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is characterized by a rapid onset of fever, a distinctive rash, and, if left untreated, can lead to organ failure. In the case of vaginal colonization, TSS can provoke a life-threatening immune response.

To potentially prevent this disease from initiating the harmful cytokine cascade, probiotics may offer a solution. A study featured in the journal Microbiology Spectrum by the American Society for Microbiology indicates that two specific bacteria strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, demonstrated the ability to inhibit the production of the superantigens responsible for causing TSS in laboratory experiments. Moreover, L. acidophilus showed an additional capability to impede the growth of S. aureus strains that produce these problematic proteins.

The combination of these two probiotics could serve a dual purpose by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and suppressing the immune response associated with TSS. As microbiologist Patrick Schlievert, Ph.D., from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City explains, this creates a "double whammy" against S. aureus, where even if toxins are produced, the probiotics can still prevent inflammation.

During his research, he highlighted that incorporating these probiotics into tampons or other menstrual products could significantly reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) associated with menstruation, potentially benefiting millions of vulnerable individuals. Schlievert emphasized that around 20% of people over the age of 12 are incapable of producing antibodies against TSS, making this preventive approach even more crucial.

Schlievert's dedication to studying TSS and its prevention spans decades. In the early 1980s, he was the first to identify the toxin responsible for triggering an exaggerated immune response and to demonstrate how high-absorbency tampons facilitated the production of this toxin in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus.

The inspiration for his current work came from observations during a previous study. A few years ago, Schlievert and his team conducted research with 205 women to test the efficacy of a novel molecular mixture added to tampons, aimed at inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. While this molecule proved effective against E. coli and other pathogens, they also noticed an unexpected consequence.

According to Schlievert, some women in the treatment group experienced significant growth of Lactobacilli during the study.

Further investigation revealed that nine of these women were solely colonized with L. crispatus and no other bacteria. In microbiological research, such single-bacterium colonization is often considered unhealthy. However, in this specific case, it proved to be an effective defense against pathogenic S. aureus.

Schlievert emphasized that Lactobacillus bacteria have already been proven safe, and the recent findings suggest that treatment with L. crispatus alone or in combination with L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus could considerably decrease the risk of TSS in vulnerable populations. Additionally, certain strains of S. aureus can trigger enterocolitis, a life-threatening immune response in the gut, and probiotics might help reduce the production of harmful proteins associated with that condition, added Schlievert.

Schlievert and his team are currently engaged in ongoing and future research to explore the potential of using probiotics to prevent skin staph infections. Individuals with atopic dermatitis or type 2 diabetes often have their skin colonized by S. aureus strains that produce superantigens, and these strains tend to be resistant to conventional antibiotics. For patients with type 2 diabetes, these superantigens can lead to foot ulcers that, if not effectively treated, may necessitate amputation.

Probiotics offer a promising avenue to prevent such complications, and Schlievert envisions that implementing this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. He views the possibility of improving their lives through probiotics as truly wonderful. (NGN/NW)