# Characterization and Validation of the Antibacterial Activity of Heyndrickxia coagulans BHE26 Against Helicobacter pylori

## TL;DR

This study shows that Heyndrickxia coagulans BHE26 can reduce Helicobacter pylori infection and its harmful effects in the stomach.

## Contribution

The study identifies Heyndrickxia coagulans BHE26 as a novel probiotic with anti-Helicobacter pylori properties.

## Key findings

- H. coagulans BHE26 inhibited H. pylori and reduced urease activity in vitro.
- In vivo, it reduced gastric mucosal damage and modulated gut microbiota.
- It showed resistance to some antibiotics and sensitivity to others, supporting its probiotic potential.

## Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is a primary cause of gastritis and gastric ulcers. It is crucial to find alternative therapies for H. pylori infection due to the significant side effects of current antibiotics. Heyndrickxia coagulans is an ideal probiotic due to its functionality and stability in production and storage. This study explored the anti-bacterial effects of H. coagulans BHE26 in vitro and in vivo. H. coagulans BHE26 showed notable tolerance to simulated gastric juice (pH 3.0) and 1% bile salts, highlighting its potential suitability for gastrointestinal survival. H. coagulans BHE26 was resistant to ceftriaxone but sensitive to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, lincomycin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. These characteristics showed that H. coagulans BHE26 is a potential probiotic bacterium. In vitro assays demonstrated that H. coagulans BHE26 inhibited H. pylori, reduced urease activity, and displayed notable auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. In vivo, administration of H. coagulans BHE26 alleviated H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal damage, significantly lowered serum anti-bacterial IgG levels, and modulated gastric microbiota composition, including an increase in Turicibacter and a decrease in Lactobacillus abundance. These results indicate that H. coagulans BHE26 alleviated H. pylori-induced inflammation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy against H. pylori infection.