The effects of treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii on bacterial translocation in rats with obstructive jaundice

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the treatment with Saccharomyces boluardii which is widely used as a probiotic on bacterial translocation (BT) in biliary obstruction. Material and Methods: For this purpose, thirty male albino rats were, divided in 3 groups: Group 1. Sham-operated (n = 10), Group 2. Common bile duct (CBD)-ligated (n = 10), Group 3. Common bile duct-ligated and treated with Saccharomyces boluardii (n=10). In group 3, rats were treated with Saccharomyces holuardii (1mg/g body weight/clay) that was given by orogastric feeding tube for five days after CBD ligation. In Group 1 and Group 2, rats were given same amounts of sterile saline as placebo. After 6 days of surgery, all rats were sacrificed. Cultures of the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, spleen, blood and cccal contents were obtained. Results: The incidence of bacterial translocation was found as 10 % in Group 1,70 % in Group 2 and, 30 % in Group 3. Increase in the incidence of bacterial translocation was statistically significant in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (p<0.05). Although the incidence of bacterial traslocation in Group 3 was not statistically significant compared with Group 2 (p>0.05), a significant increase was not found compared with Group 1. On the other hand, total bacterial count of cecal flora was found as significantly increased in Group 2 when compared with Group 1 (p<0.01), while there was no statistically significant increase in the total bacterial count of cecal content in group 3 when compared with Group 1 (p>0.05). Conclusion: These data suggested that biliary obstruction promotes and enhances the BT. Saccharomyces boulardii relatively protected the intestinal ecological equilibrium. The administration of S. boulardii may decrease the incidence of BT in obstructive jaundice.