Key Takeaways:

• A specific probiotic supplement shows potential in eliminating a strain of bacteria linked with significant antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically, Staphylococcus aureus. The strain is a major cause of antibiotic-resistant infections and could potentially be reduced using probiotics.
• The gut acts as a significant “reservoir” for Staphylococcus aureus, naturally replenishing any depleted supply. A probiotic known as Bacillus subtilis might help in targeting Staphylococcus aureus in the gut, in the absence of a safe method aiding this process.
• Through a recent discovery, it has been found that people with Bacillus in their stools never had Staphylococcus aureus; hence researchers believe the presence of Bacillus could play a protective role against the bacteria.
• Initial tests of Bacillus subtilis as a probiotic were promising, and it significantly reduced the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in both the gut and nasal regions. However, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of extended use.
• It’s worth noting that Bacillus is prevalent in soil, suggesting people could ingest bacteria unknowingly from inadequately washed plant foods. This ingestion might explain why some people have a robust supply of it.

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In a groundbreaking discovery, a specific probiotic supplement exhibits potency in eliminating a strain of bacteria linked with significant antibiotic-resistant infections, according to recent findings.

The Role of the Probiotic Against Staphylococcus aureus

Further inquiry into this area is necessary. However, experts believe this work could form the basis of bacteria prevention measures. This particular strain of bacteria, known as Staphylococcus aureus, typically results in skin infections. Nevertheless, it can trigger severe, potentially fatal illnesses if it enters the bloodstream.

_S. aureus_, especially the methicillin-resistant _(MRSA)_ strains referred to as “superbugs”, are a concern because they resist common antibiotics used to manage staph infections. As a result, researchers have a vested interest in discovering how to prevent these types of infections in advance.

The Human Body and Staph Infection

Interestingly, S. aureus are naturally present in the human body, with the nose and skin being primary areas. Previous attempts to prevent staph infections involved using topical antibiotics to eradicate staph in high-risk situations such as hospitalization or kidney dialysis.

But these efforts haven’t proven entirely successful. According to a specialist in infectious diseases, the gut acts as a significant “reservoir” for S. aureus, regularly replenishing any depleted supply.

Probiotic Solution for Targeting S. aureus

The main challenge in combating this issue stems from the absence of a safe method to specifically target S. aureus in the gut. One cannot use oral antibiotics as it would indiscriminately eliminate the “good” bacteria crucial for vital body functions.

In an attempt to bypass this problem, a team of researchers enlisted a probiotic known as Bacillus subtilis. Their selection was based on a fascinating discovery in a 2018 study which established individuals with Bacillus in their stool never had S. aureus in their bodies.

Understanding the Link Between Bacillus and S. aureus

People don’t always harbor a permanent colony of S. aureus. Research suggests about one-third of the population does for varying reasons. Notwithstanding, the presence of Bacillus could act as a protective factor. The same team of researchers also concluded that many types of Bacillus, especially specific _B. subtilis_ strains, excrete substances that convince S. aureus not to establish a foothold in the body.

These data have given birth to the presumption that Bacillus could selectively deplete S. aureus while leaving other gut bacteria intact.

The Probiotic Test and Its Outcomes

In the recent study, 115 healthy adults from Thailand who’ve been long-term hosts of S. aureus, were selected to either take the B. subtilis supplement or a placebo for 30 days. The findings were encouraging. The probiotic significantly decreased S. aureus in the gut and nasal regions, while importantly maintaining the natural balance of other gut bacteria.

Looking Ahead

Though the findings are promising, further research is crucial to decipher if the probiotic is suitable for extended use and actually does prevent staph infections in the long term. As of now, no one should rush to buy Bacillus primarily because the potency of supplements is not guaranteed.

The potential application of preventing S. aureus infections primarily lies in high-risk situations or conditions. These include those who’ve experienced recurrent infections or individuals on kidney dialysis. The probiotic does not kill S. aureus, but impairs its ability to set up a colony.

The reason behind some people carrying a robust supply of Bacillus isn’t entirely clear. Yet, it’s worth noting that Bacillus is prevalent in soil, suggesting people could ingest bacteria unknowingly from inadequately washed plant foods.

More Information

For more details on staph infections, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

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Sources: Michael Otto, PhD, senior investigator, Laboratory of Bacteriology, U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md.; Aaron Glatt, MD, chief, Infectious diseases and hospital epidemiologist, Mount Sinai South Nassau, Oceanside, N.Y., and professor, Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City; Lancet Microbe