O papel paradoxal de Lactobacillus na saúde

The genus Lactobacillus is part of the normal microbiota, but is related to a variety of human infections, such as dental abscesses, bacteremia, cholecystitis, empyema, endocarditis, meningitis, peritonitis, prosthetic knee infection and pyelonephritis. Paradoxically, there is evidence of the effectiveness of using Lactobacillus in the form of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of diarrheal and inflammatory intestinal diseases, bacterial vaginosis, urinary and respiratory tract infections and even tooth decay. The present work aimed to demonstrate and discuss these contradictory roles of the genus Lactobacillus. For this, case reports, clinical trials, literature reviews and meta-analyses from the last 30 years were selected, using the keywords: Lactobacillus, Probiotics, Dental Caries, Diseases and Health. Different studies have demonstrated that the effects of probiotics can be specific to each strain and that the most effective strain for each clinical condition, its ideal dose, best form of administration and best time of use are still questionable. Furthermore, the existence of a pre-existing comorbidity or susceptible condition in the patient increases the risk of lactobacilli infections. Thus, it was concluded that, only after a careful investigation of the Lactobacillus strain and the patient, their oral and general conditions, probiotics containing these microorganisms could be used in a safer, more beneficial and more effective way.