2023-09-22 08:46:38
All the bacteria have a goal, which can be virulence but also a useful function for our body. Before embarking on an action, they must be certain that there are sufficient numbers. How do they count themselves? They communicate via signals allowing the coordinated expression of certain genes, what is called “qorum detection” (or quorum sensing). As soon as the number of bacteria is sufficient, the concentration of messenger molecules, called autoinducers, reaches a critical threshold and they bind to the bacteria’s receptors, which triggers synchronized collective behavior. This is how bacteria build biofilms.
The biofilm: a marker of bacteria that prefer to live in groups
A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that adhere to each other and to a surface, by weaving a matrix of polysaccharides which protect them and allow them to develop protected from various disturbances. These communities are generally made up of several species, sometimes very different but which find a common interest. Biofilms are omnipresent on our planet because most bacteria prefer to evolve in groups than living alone in a planktonic state. When it comes to pathogenic bacteria, a biofilm makes them resistant to antibiotics and difficult to kill.
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Biofilms: a new frontier in antibacterial control
Bacteria also fight among themselves for space, notably by jamming their adversaries’ signals. This tactic, being studied to design drugs, does not pose a risk of antibiotic resistance. Several natural substances are already known to prevent quorum sensing : the curcumin (main molecule of turmeric), sulforaphane of broccoli, garlic, peppermint and reishi mushroom. Plants already known to cleanse the digestive tract and the microbiota.
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Preventive hygiene against biofilms
Elite probiotics against Covid-19
Certain probiotic bacteria are involved in the regulation of the immune response, in particular thanks to their surface molecules which communicate with the cells of the mucous membranes. They also directly participate in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, a common route of entry for Sars-CoV-2.
A clinical study showed that ultra-high concentration probiotics, combined with hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin treatment, significantly shortened the time to improvement and the risk of progression to respiratory distress compared to treatment alone.
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FDA validates fecal microbiota transplantation as a new treatment
Covid-19 and Lyme disease: bacteria hidden in the biofilm
The study of the behavior of bacteria in Covid-19 showed that they could create niches within the lung and vascular tissues themselves, exacerbate inflammatory phenomena and cause cardio-respiratory distress. How did anaerobic bacteria, which cannot tolerate oxygen, manage to proliferate in our lungs? By forming a biofilm, which also does not allow oxygen to enter.
The Covid long, with phases of remission then reappearance of symptoms, is characteristic of the presence of multi-microbial communities. Another known example: Lyme borreliosis, transmitted by tick bite. The main bacteria involved is Borrelia burgdorferi, which becomes invisible within a biofilm constructed with other pathogenic microorganisms. To the point that diagnostic tests, poorly suited to this type of configuration, often fail. People suffering from the chronic form of the disease, poorly recognized in France, are told that it is in their heads! The symptoms are very present.
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Crohn’s disease: diet and essential oils in treatment
Within biofilms, bacteria place themselves beyond the reach of conventional antibiotics and develop resistance by gene exchange. On the other hand, antibiotics will cause damage to beneficial bacteria, including in the microbiota of other mucous membranes, reducing our immune capital. There are natural substances that create gaps in biofilms and allow treatments to break through: the proteolytic enzymes serrapeptase and bromelain, as well as lactoferrin, a breast milk protein.
Oregano, cinnamon, cloves: essential oils against biofilms
Autoinducers, or messenger molecules, are the strength but also the weakness of bacteria. Without auto-inducers, it is impossible for them to count themselves and therefore no biofilm! Essential oils (especiallyoregano, cinnamon, cloves and thyme) are capable of jamming autoinducers by blocking either their synthesis or the receptors.
The combination of essential oil and antibiotics has demonstrated its effectiveness against resistant bacteria. As well as combining essential oils with antifungals against candidiasis, another common biofilm infection.
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Lack of motivation for sport? What if it came from the intestinal microbiota?
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A healthy microbiota… and here we go again!
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