Análise dos efeitos do uso do probiótico Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 em ratos imunossuprimidos expostos a Candida albicans

Abstract

Introduction: Candidosis is the common fungal infection of the oral cavity in immunosuppressed patients. The use of probiotics has been presenting positive effects in the control of infections due to immunomodulation capacity. The recognition that mast cells play a beneficial role in host responses to microbial infection and induction of adaptive immunity has been the subject of many recent studies. Objective: The aim of study was analyses the effect of administration of probiotics Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 in rats submitted to chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil-5-FU) and exposed to Candida albicans. Method: Eighty male rats were distributed in 8 groups (n = 10) and the study factors (exposure to C. albicans, administration of the chemotherapeutic agent and probiotic administration) were analyzed in isolation and in associations. Administration of the probiotic was initiated 30 days prior to exposure of the animals to Candida albicans. Immunosuppressed groups were given intraperitoneal administration of 5-FU on the day of exposure to the fungus, an inoculum of C. albicans spread on the back of the tongue, and 48 hours after the procedure. The animals were euthanized and the tongues were dissected and processed for histopathological analysis and quantification of mast cells. Results: Groups with isolated study factors had the lowest mast cell counts, did not present statistical difference between themselves and in relation to the control group. Groups that received probiotic supplementation with concurrent combinations had the highest mast cell counts and were statistically different. Conclusion: The probiotic B. lactis HN019 demonstrated a preventive effect and also the capacity to modulate the immune system of the host against exposure to the fungus Candida albicans.