IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF LACTOBACILLUS SPOROGENES

V BABAR , R THOMAS , M. BHASKAR

ABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to explore the immunomodulatory activity of probiotic strain Lactobacillus sporogenes on total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, neutrophil adhesion test, humoral response to BCG vaccine, delayed-type hypersensitivity and phagocytic activity.
Pre-treatment with probiotic evoked a significant increase in total leukocyte count and per-cent neutrophil and lymphocyte increase in differential leukocyte count.  The probiotic strain produced a significant increase in neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibres. The augmentation of humoral immune response to BCG vaccine by Lactobacillus sporogenes (1 gm powder contains not less than 150 million spores)   is evidenced by significant increase in antibody titres in rats. Oral administration of probiotic spores in rat,  for a period of 28 days, significantly potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by BCG vaccine. The strain was also evaluated for in vivo phagocytic activity by carbon clearance assay in mice wherein, significant increase in the phagocytic index was observed.
Thus the study stated  that  the probiotic strain Lactobacillus sporogenes shows  a  significant  stimulation  of  the  cell  mediated  immunity  and  humoral immunity.
Key words: neutrophil, delayed type hypersensitivity, Lactobacillus sporogenes, immunity,  probiotic.

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