Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Inhibits Clostridium perfringens Growth and Modulates Inflammation Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the effects of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) on the growth, toxin production, biofilm formation, and cytokine responses of Clostridium perfringens type A strain CP4, a significant pathogen involved in food poisoning, necrotic enteritis, and gas gangrene. The researchers performed in vitro co-culture experiments to evaluate the inhibitory effects of EcN on the pathogenic activity of C. perfringens. They focused on various factors such as growth inhibition, gas production, toxin (α-toxin and NetB) production, and biofilm formation. In addition, the study examined how EcN influenced cytokine release in murine macrophage cells (RAW264.7) when exposed to C. perfringens.
Who was studied?
The study used C. perfringens type A strain CP4, a clinical isolate from a necrotic enteritis case, and E. coli Nissle 1917, a non-pathogenic probiotic strain. The study also included human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells to investigate the interaction between EcN and C. perfringens at the host cell level. The primary focus was on understanding how EcN could potentially compete with and inhibit the growth of C. perfringens, modulate toxin production, and influence the inflammatory cytokine profile in the host cells.
Most important findings
EcN significantly inhibited the growth and toxin production (α-toxin and NetB) of C. perfringens in a dose-dependent manner during co-culture experiments. The growth inhibition appeared to result from competition for nutrients, rather than the secretion of inhibitory substances by EcN. Additionally, EcN pre-incubation did not affect the attachment of C. perfringens to host cells (Caco-2 cells), but it reduced the total number of C. perfringens and decreased the level of toxins produced. EcN also decreased the cytotoxicity of C. perfringens, as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, EcN inhibited the formation of C. perfringens biofilms, a crucial factor in pathogen persistence and antibiotic resistance. Lastly, EcN significantly modulated the inflammatory cytokine response in RAW264.7 cells exposed to C. perfringens, reducing the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF, and G-CSF.
Key implications
These findings suggest that EcN can effectively inhibit the growth and virulence of C. perfringens by competing for nutrients and disrupting biofilm formation. This provides compelling evidence for EcN’s potential as a therapeutic agent in managing infections caused by C. perfringens, including those related to food poisoning and necrotic enteritis. The ability of EcN to modulate inflammatory cytokine production also highlights its role in mitigating inflammatory responses during infections. These results further support the use of EcN as a probiotic with therapeutic potential in preventing and treating intestinal infections, possibly offering an alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments.
E. coli Nissle 1917
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a rare, non-pathogenic strain of E. coli discovered during World War I from a soldier who did not get dysentery while others did. Unlike harmful E. coli, EcN acts as a probiotic: it settles in the gut, competes with bad bacteria for food and space, produces natural antimicrobials, and even helps strengthen the gut barrier.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.