Abstract
The use of pharmaceutical preparations containing spores of Bacillus subtilis or other bacterial species in the treatment and prophylaxis of intestinal disorders associated with antibiotic therapy or diarrhoea of various origin is widespread and has been supported by encouraging results. However, the mechanism by which such an action is manifested in vivo is still not well defined. We carried out a study using B. subtilis spores present in a commercial preparation and treated in vitro, to mimic physiological conditions following oral consumption. Tests were carried out to evaluate the capacity of microorganisms to colonise the surface of eukaryotic (Caco-2 and HEp-2) cells. The bacteria were assayed both in the spored phase, and following stimulation of germination by exposure to low pH values (as in the case of gastric juice) or again with exposure to high temperatures. B. subtilis adhered to the surface of the eukaryotic cells, the degree of adhesion varying in relation to the different physiological phases of the bacterial cell.
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