Jagriti Sharma and D. S. Chauhan
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most important agent causing nosocomial infections. It is due to its resistance to common antibiotics and antiseptics that it establishes itself widely in hospitals. Probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii, Streptococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus) have been found to enhance the antagonistic activity of antibiotics (Azetreonam, Amikacin, Meropenam and Ciprofoxacin) by above mentioned Probiotic strains against P. aeruginosa (MTCC1688 and clinical isolates of human). In this study, probiotic strains were obtained from the commercial probiotic products and their inhibitory activity was seen by using Kirby bauer disc diffusion method. It was observed that in 71.875 % cases, the zone of inhibition of antibiotics was enhanced by probiotic strains. No enhancement was seen in 25 % of cases while reduction of zone was observed in 3.125 % cases. All the Probiotic strains showed maximum enhancement of zone in combination with Azetreonam (7 to 25 mm) followed by Amikacin (0 mm to 8 mm), Meropenam (-5 to 5 mm) and ciprofloxacin (0 to 4 mm). This study indicates that Probiotic strains can be used to overcome the increasing drug resistance of P. aeruginosa.
