Original Research: A Patented Strain of Bacillus coagulans Increased Immune Response to Viral Challenge

Abstract

Background: Viral respiratory tract infection is the most common illness among humans. Probiotics have been known to enhance the immune system and, therefore, may represent a significant therapeutic advancement for treating viral respiratory tract infections. Objective: A controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the patented GanedenBC³⁰ probiotic (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, marketed as Sustenex® [Ganeden Biotech, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH]) on the immune system when exposed to adenovirus and influenza in otherwise healthy adults. Methods: Ten healthy men and women (average age, 44 years) were instructed to consume 1 capsule of GanedenBC³⁰ with water once a day for 30 days. At baseline and after completion of the 30-day treatment, blood levels of cytokines were measured in vitro after T-cell exposure to adenovirus and influenza A. Each participant served as his/her own control with baseline blood draw. Results: The use of GanedenBC³⁰ significantly increased T-cell production of TNF-α in response to adenovirus exposure (P = 0.027) and influenza A (H3N2 Texas strain) exposure (P = 0.004), but it did not have a significant effect on the response to other strains of influenza. No serious adverse events were reported throughout the study. Conclusions: The patented GanedenBC³⁰ probiotic may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for enhancing T-cell response to certain viral respiratory tract infections.

Keywords:

• probiotics
• immune response
• respiratory tract infection
• Bacillus coagulans
• GanedenBC³⁰
• lactic acid-producing bacteria