In vitro growth inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by lactobacilli belonging to the Lactobacillus plantarum group

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to test and locate the in vitro anti-Helicobacter activity of seven Lactobacillus strains belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum group. Methods and Results: Growth inhibition of H. pylori was tested using a well-plate assay. Of the strains displaying the strongest growth inhibition, a L. plantarum isolated from sauerkraut (MLBPL1) was chosen for further studies. The detected anti-Helicobacter activity of MLBPL1 was mainly associated with cell wall, and to a minor extent with the culture supernatant. The active component, which was determined to be between 3 and 10 kDa in size, retained its activity after 10 min treatment at 100°C. The activity was present when MLBPL1 was cultivated in rich laboratory cultivation medium MRS and in different food matrices. Conclusions: The strains belonging to L. plantarum group showed anti-Helicobacter activity in vitro. The main activity seemed to be associated with cell wall rather than culture supernatant or intracellular fraction. Significance and Impact of the Study: In view of the rapid spread of resistant H. pylori strains caused by antibiotic therapy, addition of a fermented food containing L. plantarum to the conventional antibiotic treatment of Helicobacter infection could establish a potential complementary means to suppress the infection. © 2006 The Authors.