Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a beneficial health benefit on the host. It has been proven that consumption of probiotics on regular basis reduces the risk of serious illnesses. However, commonly consumed medical drugs may interact with probiotic bacteria and influence their viability and functionality. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of commonly administered medical drugs on the survival and functionality properties of Bifidobacterium strains. Overnight grown strains of Bifidobacterium (B.breve, B.longum, B.infantis, B.adolescentis, and B.bifidium) were individually diluted to obtain 6-7 log CFU/mL dilutions. One tablet of medical drug (Aleve, Aspirin and Tylenol) was completely dissolved in batches of 9 mL sterilized MRS broth then samples were inoculated with 1 mL of previous dilutions. Samples were incubated at 37�C for 24 h and the effect of medications on autoaggregation, �-galactosidases, protein expression, and survival rate were determined. Our result for bifidobacteria population showed a decrease by an average of 3.0 � 0.25 log CFU/mL in the presence of tested drugs. �-Galactosidases were totally inhibited by Aspirin and Tylenol. The presence of drugs also causes variability in autoaggregation and change in the protein expression pattern. These findings suggested that intake of medications has a significant effect on the death rate of bifidobacteria, adhesion to mucosal layer, enzymatic activities, and protein expression therefore affecting the viability and functionality of probiotics.

Impact of medical drugs on the survival and functionality of bifidobacteria

247th National Meeting (2014)

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