Studies of the effect of Clostridium butyricum on Helicobacter pylori in several test models including gnotobiotic mice.

The interaction between Clostridium butyricum and Helicobacter pylori was examined in vitro and in vivo. The culture supernate of C. butyricum MIYAIRI 588 inhibited the growth of H. pylori even when its pH was adjusted to 7.4. The bactericidal effect of butyric acid on H. pylori was stronger than that of lactic, acetic or hydrochloric acids. Flow cytometric analysis showed that pre-incubation of gastric epithelial (MKN45) cells with H. pylori and C. butyricum inhibited the adhesion of H. pylori to the cells. Persistent infection with H. pylori in the gastric mucosa of germ-free mice was observed for 5 weeks. Cure of persistent infection with H. pylori in the gnotobiotic mice was demonstrated following infection with C. butyricum. The probiotic agent, C. butyricum MIYAIRI 588 may have some beneficial effects on H. pylori infection.