The Role of Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Restoration of Infected Wounds and IL-17 Level in Rabbits

Abstract

       Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) isolated from honeybee’s nectar stomach represent an important source of antimicrobial substances that has been focused on nowadays. In this study, these FLABs were tested for their antibacterial activity in vivo as well as the detection of Interleukine -17 in the serum of rabbits ingested with FLAB isolates. Fructobacillus fructosus FH1, Fructobacillus fructosus FH8 and Lactobacillus kunkeei SHGH-7 FLAB isolates were used against wound infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in rabbit skin . Enzyme linked sorbent immunoassay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of Interleukine-17 in the sera of rabbits ingested with these three FLAB isolates. The results showed that the time of wound healing process was shorter in the FLAB treated wounds when compared to control untreated wounds with a significant difference at p≤0.01. Histopathological examination of wounds treated with FLAB isolates showed normal thickness in skin layers with no pathological effect, as well as tissue repair and presence of new blood vessels when compared to pathogen groups that were infected with pathogenic bacteria without any treatment, which showed hyperplasia with necrosis in tissue. Results of the FLAB-ingested groups showed an increase in the level of IL-17 when compared to the control with no statistical significance (P≤0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on using FLAB microorganisms in the treatment of infected wounds.