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Influence of E. coli Strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) on Intestinal Gas Dynamics and Abdominal Sensation

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Abstract

E. coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is a probiotic clinically used with various indications. However, especially at the beginning of treatment, some patients report abdominal bloating. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind study in 30 healthy individuals we assessed the influences of EcN on intestinal gas dynamics and abdominal sensation. After one week without medication volunteers orally received 2.5–25 × 109 colony-forming units of EcN or placebo per day for 21 days. EcN was well tolerated and did not significantly affect abdominal symptoms, stool frequency or stool consistency. During gas challenge at different days no difference in the perception scores (range from 0 = no perception to 6 = pain) was observed between the two groups: the mean perception score was 1.2 (SD 0.2) in the EcN group and 1.4 (SD 0.2) in the placebo group. EcN had no relevant influence on intestinal gas dynamics.

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Abbreviations

CFU:

Colony-forming unit

EcN:

Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917

SF6 :

Sulfurhexafluoride

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Acknowledgement

Grant support was received from Ardeypharm, Herdecke, Germany. The authors would like to thank all volunteers enrolled for their commitment to the study and their patience connected to the examinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), University Hospital of Heidelberg at Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany

    Ana Cristina Hernando-Harder, Mahaluxmy Nadarajah, Manfred Vincenz Singer & Hermann Harder

  2. Ardeypharm, Herdecke, Germany

    Rudolf von Bünau

Authors
  1. Ana Cristina Hernando-Harder
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  2. Rudolf von Bünau
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  3. Mahaluxmy Nadarajah
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  4. Manfred Vincenz Singer
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  5. Hermann Harder
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Correspondence to Hermann Harder.

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Hernando-Harder, A.C., von Bünau, R., Nadarajah, M. et al. Influence of E. coli Strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) on Intestinal Gas Dynamics and Abdominal Sensation. Dig Dis Sci 53, 443–450 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9892-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9892-3

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