The urogenital microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus that, together with Bifidobacterium, creates a physiological barrier counteracting pathogen infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050) to inhibit adhesion and growth of urogenital pathogens. The antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties of the probiotic strains and their mixture were evaluated on human vaginal epithelium infected with Candida glabrata, Neisseria gonorrheae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Escherichia coli-infected human bladder epithelium. The epithelial tissue permeability and integrity were assessed by transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Co-aggregation between probiotics and vaginal pathogens was also investigated to elucidate a possible mechanism of action. The multi-strain formulation showed a full inhibition of T. vaginalis, and a reduction in C. glabrata and N. gonorrheae growth. A relevant antimicrobial activity was observed for each single strain against E. coli. TEER results demonstrated that none of the strains have negatively impaired the integrity of the 3D tissues. All the probiotics and their mixture were able to form aggregates with the tested pathogens. The study demonstrated that the three strains and their mixture are effective to prevent urogenital infections.

Background: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an atopic disease affecting the upper airways of predisposed subjects exposed to aeroallergens. This study evaluates the effects of a mix of specific probiotics (L. acidophilus PBS066, L. rhamnosus LRH020, B. breve BB077, and B. longum subsp. longum BLG240) on symptoms and fecal microbiota modulation in subjects with AR. Methods: Probiotic effects were evaluated at the beginning (T0), at four and eight weeks of treatment (T1 and T2, respectively), and after four weeks of follow-up from the end of treatment (T3) (n = 19) compared to the placebo group (n = 22). AR symptoms and quality of life were evaluated by the mini rhinitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ) at each time point. Allergic immune response and fecal microbiota compositions were assessed at T0, T2, and T3. The study was registered on Clinical-Trial.gov (NCT05344352). Results: The probiotic group showed significant improvement in the MiniRQLQ score at T1, T2, and T3 vs. T0 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). At T2, the probiotic group showed an increase in Dorea, which can be negatively associated with allergic diseases, and Fusicatenibacter, an intestinal bacterial genus with anti-inflammatory properties (p-value FDR-corrected = 0.0074 and 0.013, respectively). Conversely, at T3 the placebo group showed an increase in Bacteroides and Ruminococcaceae unassigned, (p-value FDR-corrected = 0.033 and 0.023, respectively) which can be associated with allergies, while the probiotic group showed a significative increase in the Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio (p-value FDR-corrected = 0.023). Conclusions: This probiotic formulation improves symptoms and quality of life in subjects with AR, promoting a shift towards anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic bacterial species in the intestinal microbiota.

Background: The post-delivery period could be characterized by psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, and irritability), leading to postpartum depression (PPD). Objective: The present clinical study assesses the effect of probiotic supplementation containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4 × 10⁹ CFU/day) on the mother’s mood and breastfeeding quality during the first trimester after delivery. Methods: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled (RDBPC) trial was carried out on 200 healthy new mothers divided into an active group taking a supplement containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4 × 10⁹ CFU/day) plus multivitamins and a control group (multivitamin complex only) for 90 days. Symptoms related to maternal depression and breastfeeding quality were evaluated at days 45 and 90 using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF). Results: At days 45 and 90, the probiotic treatment significantly ameliorated the mothers’ mood compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). Likewise, the breastfeeding quality and the baby’s cries significantly improved in the probiotic group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Microbiota alterations could influence a post-delivery woman’s mental state. According to our results, L. reuteri PBS072 and B. breve BB077 are potential candidates that are able to improve stress resilience in the postpartum period.

The microbiota in the oral cavity has a strict connection to its host. Its imbalance may determine oral diseases and can also have an impact on the systemic health. Probiotic strains may help in the restoration of a balanced condition. For this purpose, we screened the antibacterial and antiadhesive activities of many viable probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066, Lactobacillus crispatus LCR030, Lactobacillus gasseri LG050, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC 1101, L. paracasei LPC 1082, and L. paracasei LPC 1114) against two main oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, involved in dental caries and periodontal disease development and progression. Considering both the agar overlay preventive and treatment models, seven probiotics determined greater inhibition zones against the tested pathogens. This behavior was further analyzed by the plate count method and scanning electron microscope imaging. L. plantarum PBS067, L. rhamnosus LRH020, L. paracasei LPC 1101, L. paracasei LPC 1082, and L. paracasei LPC 1114 prevent the growth and adhesion of oral pathogens in a strain-specific manner (p < 0.0001). These probiotics might be considered as an alternative effective adjuvant to improve oral and systemic well-being for future personalized treatments.

The menopausal transition marks a significant physiological shift in women. Menopause-related symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life and probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue. This study aims to investigate the benefits of probiotics in improving vaginal well-being and microbiota composition in post-menopausal women. A prospective observational clinical trial was carried out enrolling 50 post-menopausal healthy women, aged between 45 and 65 years old, taking a supplement containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 (3B CFU/day) for 28 days. Vaginal swabs were collected to evaluate microbiota fluctuation and the inflammatory pattern was recorded. A Vaginal Health Index was provided to evaluate vaginal well-being throughout the trial. Clinical outcomes revealed a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Significant improvements were observed across various parameters: a 50% enhancement in the VHI score (p < 0.0001), alongside substantial reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels. An 87.8% decrease in IL-6, 57.6% in IL-1β, and 40.8% in TNF-α was observed (p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic intervention facilitated the restoration of vaginal microbiota, evidenced by an increase in lactobacilli abundance. In conclusion, the combination of these specific probiotic strains, previously clinically tested in childbearing-age women, showed to be effective also for post-menopausal women.

Background: Post-delivery period could be characterized by psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, sadness, and irritability), leading to post-partum depression (PPD). Objective: The present clinical study assess the effect of probiotic supplementation containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4x10⁹ CFU/day) on mother’s mood and breastfeeding quality during the first trimester after delivery. Methods: A Randomized Double Blind Controlled (RDBPC) trial has been carried out in 200 healthy new mothers divided into an active group taking a supplement containing Limosilactobacillus reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium breve BB077 (4x10⁹ CFU/day) plus multivitamins, and a control group (multivitamin complex only) for 90 days. Symptoms related to maternal depression and breastfeeding quality were evaluated at days 45 and 90 by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form (BSES-SF). Results: At days 45 and 90, probiotic treatment significantly ameliorated the mothers’ mood compared to the control treatment (p<0.001). Likewise, breastfeeding quality and baby’s cries significantly improved in the probiotic group (p<0.001). Conclusions: Microbiota alterations could influence post-delivery woman’s mental state. According to our results, L. reuteri PBS072 and B. breve BB077 are potential candidates able to improve stress resilience in the post-partum period.