One of the primary threats to our health is infection—specifically, antibiotic-resistant infections. We’ve all probably heard of people who became critically ill due to a life-threatening staph infection. A new research paper may give us insights on how we might be able to reduce the risk of getting infected with staphylococcus bacteria.

Researchers selected a remote village in Thailand to examine the relationship between bacillus and staphylococcus bacteria in humans; the researchers from the U.S. felt that residents of the remote location would be less likely to be exposed to food sterilization or antibiotics than people who live in urban areas. They collected and examined fecal and nasal samples from 200 volunteers from the village for the types and quantities of bacteria present.

They found that half the subjects had bacillus bacteria growing in their digestive system, and about two dozen subjects had fecal and nasal staphylococcus bacteria. They also noted that no subjects who had the bacillus bacteria had any signs of the staph bacteria.

The researchers then went on to do a rodent study to explain how the bacillus bacteria destroy the staph bacteria. While the how is important, it would take a lot of words to explain. Suffice it to say that regular consumption of bacillus probiotics can be protective against a staph infection. You can find it in sauerkraut, kim chi, and yogurt, or in supplement form.

One more research paper to review on Saturday.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet

Reference: Nature 562:532–537 (2018).