Lactobacilli are widely used in clinical practice as probiotics, biologically active additives and probiotic products for functional nutrition. Some probiotics can be considered as bacterial vaccines due to induction of immune response, accompanied by production of specific antibodies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the state of cellular and humoral immunity in women by using probiotic strains of lactobacilli. The study included 31 healthy women aged 25-45 years. As a source of probiotic lactobacterial complex, we used the “Provag” preparation (RU 77.99.11.003.E.003746.02.11 of 11.02.2011, 1 capsule contains 109 Lactobacillus gasseri 57C, Lactobacillus fermentum 57A и Lactobacillus plantarum 57B). The drug was used for 30 days, at a rate of one capsule per day. The immune system was examined twice: before administering the drug and after 30 days of treatment. The study of blood lymphocyte populations and subpopulations was performed by flow cytometry using direct immunofluorescence technique. The concentration of IgA, IgM, IgG in blood serum was determined using enzyme immunoassay. To determine specific antibodies, we used passive hemagglutination reaction with erythrocyte diagnosticum. The complex of probiotic lactobacilli Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus plantarum corresponding to the “Provag” preparation was used as a source of antigen. It has been revealed that the number of T and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood increased after 30 days of treatment with the probiotic preparation “Provag” in healthy women. Elevated contents of T cells was due to the T helper cell fraction. Increased levels of T helpers and B lymphocytes were associated with stimulation of humoral immunity, as evidenced by increasing concentration of IgA and IgG in blood serum. By means of passive hemagglutination reaction, we have found that 90% of healthy women showed increased concentrations of specific IgA in blood after 30 days of treatment with “Provag” preparation.
Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to a combination of Lactobacillus fermentum 57A, Lactobacillus plantarum 57B and Lactobacillus gasseri 57C and defence against vaginal pathogens (ID 934, further assessment) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
