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Category: Clinical Microbiology
Saccharomyces spp., Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815462/9781555814038_Chap05-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555815462/9781555814038_Chap05-2.gifAbstract:
This chapter focuses mostly on studies carried out using the commercial strain of Saccharomyces boulardii as effector organism for probiotic and replacement therapy. It first discusses history and taxonomy of Saccharomyces species. S. boulardii utilizes multiple mechanisms to exert its beneficial effects. The mechanisms of action of Saccharomyces spp. as probiotic agents discussed are interference with bacterial adhesion, inactivation of bacterial virulence factors, enhancement of the mucosal immune response, modulating host signaling pathways, strengthening of enterocyte tight junctions, and capacity to affect immune cell redistribution. A number of animal disease models have been used to study the mechanisms of action of S. boulardii organisms as well as their potential clinical applications. S. boulardii has been used for the treatment or prevention of a variety of diarrheal diseases, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), acute infectious diarrhea in adults and children, traveler’s diarrhea, diarrhea in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, C. difficile-associated disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases including both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Next, the chapter presents a description of some clinical trials that have shown the efficacy of S. boulardii in different diseases. Finally, it talks about adverse effects of Saccharomyces probiotic use.
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