Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 for Candida albicans Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recurrent fungal infections, particularly Candida albicans, in immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV, are challenging to treat due to drug resistance and the need for recurrent therapy, with existing antifungal treatments like fluconazole leading to resistance issues.

Innovation Solution

A method using purified Lactobacillus paracasei bacterium, specifically strain 28.4, is applied topically to oral cavity tissues to inhibit Candida albicans infections by modulating the immune response, recruiting hemocytes, and producing antifungal peptides, thereby providing prophylactic protection without systemic dissemination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antifungal chemotherapy is provided to patients with Candida albicans infections, then the infection is treated, but the fungus can develop resistance leading to treatment failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddrug resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) that naturally colonize the gastrointestinal tract to combat Candida albicans infections. Instead of using antifungal drugs that select for resistant strains, the invention utilizes beneficial bacteria that produce antifungal substances and compete with Candida for resources, thereby converting the natural microbiota into a therapeutic agent that prevents resistance development

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The probiotic bacteria serve as an intermediary between the host immune system and the pathogenic Candida fungus. These bacteria modulate the immune response, enhance host defenses, and directly inhibit Candida growth through competitive exclusion and production of antifungal metabolites, providing a indirect but effective means of treating infections without direct antifungal drug pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If recurrent antifungal therapy is administered to immunocompromised patients, then infections are treated, but persistent infections lead to drug resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection controlVSAvoiddrug susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent focuses on prophylactic prevention of Candida infections in immunocompromised patients by establishing a protective probiotic microbiota before infections occur. By pre-colonizing the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, the system prevents Candida overgrowth and infections before they start, eliminating the need for recurrent antifungal therapy and preserving drug susceptibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The probiotic bacteria establish self-sustaining colonies in the gastrointestinal tract that continuously provide antifungal protection. These bacteria self-replicate, produce antifungal substances, and maintain competitive exclusion of Candida without requiring external intervention or repeated treatments, creating a long-lasting protective effect that reduces reliance on recurrent antifungal therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If probiotic bacteria are administered to prevent fungal infection, then drug resistance is avoided, but the mechanism of action is less understood compared to conventional antifungals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance preventionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and utilizes multiple distinct mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria prevent Candida infections, including competitive exclusion for nutrients and attachment sites, production of antifungal metabolites (bacteriocins, organic acids), modulation of host immune responses, and alteration of gut microbiota composition. By segmenting and understanding these individual mechanisms, the complex overall effect becomes more comprehensible and targetable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The use of Lactobacillus paracasei strain 28.4 significantly prolongs survival in infected models, increases hemocyte density, and upregulates antifungal peptide expression, effectively reducing fungal loads and preventing infection recurrence.

Implementation Method 1

Probiotic bacteria-directed prevention or treatment of fungal infection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProbiotic bacteria-directed prevention:

Implementation Method 2

producing antifungal peptides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntifungal peptide production:

Data Source

PatentUS11478516B2Probiotic bacteria-directed prevention or treatment of fungal infection

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 UNIV ESTADUAL PAULISTA UNESP

AI summary

The invention provides a method and bacterial compositions for reducing or preventing an infection of a bodily tissue by a fungal microorganism by contacting the tissue with a composition comprising a purified Lactobacillus paracasei bacterium.