[Probiotics in veterinary medicine: a review].
The mammalian gastrointestinal tract is a complex consisting of the intestinal epithelial cells, the mucosal immune cells and the endogenous microflora. Since a couple of years, probiotics are used in animal production to improve performance. But there are only few results available on the immune modulating effects of pro- and prebiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Recent studies are promising that pro- and prebiotics can be used as an alternative to conventional therapy with immune suppressive drugs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease or dietary hypersensitivity. Yet further randomized and placebo-controlled studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms in vivo.
Sauter
S N
SN
Universität Bern, Institut für Tierzucht, Tierernährung und Tierhaltung Abteilung Tierernährung und Physiologie, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3012 Bern. stephanie.sauter@kkh.unibe.ch
Blum
J W
JW
D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000382:microbiology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*