Probiotic Strains for NEC Prevention in Preterm Infants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants are inadequate, as they either fail to prevent the condition effectively or disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to high mortality and complications.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel strains of lactic acid bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PM-A0087, Bifidobacterium longum PM-A0101, and Bifidobacterium bifidum PM-A0218, which are effective in maintaining intestinal health and preventing NEC when administered orally in a biologically pure culture composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If antibiotics are used to treat NEC, then pathogenic bacteria growth is inhibited, but beneficial bacteria are destroyed and bacterial equilibrium is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum PM-A0087, Bifidobacterium longum PM-A0101, and Bifidobacterium bifidum PM-A0218) to convert the harmful effect of bacterial imbalance into a beneficial outcome. These probiotics compete with pathogenic bacteria for resources and attachment sites, producing beneficial metabolites like lactic acid and bacteriocins that inhibit pathogens while maintaining gut ecosystem balance, thus treating NEC without disrupting beneficial bacteria
Solution Approach 2:
The probiotic bacteria serve as an intermediary between the harmful pathogenic bacteria and the gut environment. They mediate the ecological balance by producing antimicrobial substances that target pathogens while being beneficial to the host, thus resolving the contradiction between eliminating pathogens and preserving beneficial bacteria
2Reliability
If surgery is performed on preterm newborns, then NEC can be treated, but the risks of surgery are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs probiotic administration as a preventive measure before NEC develops or progresses to severe stages requiring surgery. By maintaining intestinal health and preventing pathogenic overgrowth through early probiotic intervention, the need for high-risk surgical intervention is avoided, thus achieving reliable NEC prevention without exposing preterm infants to surgical risks
3Object-affected harmful factors
If stopping feedings is implemented, then NEC symptoms can be managed, but intestinal health maintenance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probiotic bacteria act as an intermediary that allows feeding to continue while protecting the intestinal tract from NEC. The probiotics enhance intestinal barrier function and compete with pathogens, enabling nutrient delivery through feedings without the need to stop nutrition, thus maintaining both symptom management and intestinal health
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel strains of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum PM-A0087 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50523, Bifidobacterium longum PM-A0101 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50525, and Bifidobacterium bifidum PM-A0218 deposited as NRRL accession number B-50524.