Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.9 Issue 2.February 2015 R. V. Kalaimathi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2015,9(2),177-181 177-181 Research Article ISSN: 0974-6943 Available online through www.jpronline.info * Corresponding author. C.Kandeepan Postgraduate & Research Department of Zoology, Arulmigu Palaniandavar College of Artsand Culture, Palani-624601 Tamilnadu, India Effectiveness of a Bacillus megaterium, as a probiotic in Salmonella typhimurium induced infection in rats R. V. Kalaimathi 1 , C. Kandeepan 1* , P. Sivamani 2 , D. Raghunathan 2 1 Postgraduate & Research Department of Zoology, Arulmigu Palaniandavar College of Artsand Culture, Palani-624601 Tamilnadu, India 2 Microlabs, Institute of Research and Technology, Arcot, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India-632 503. Received on:21-11-2014; Revised on: 16-01-2015; Accepted on:24-02-2015 ABSTRACT Background: Bacterial infections are common despite prophylactic administration of antibiotics. The wide-spread use of antibiotics in patients has contributed to the emergence of multiresistant bacteria. A restricted use of antibiotics must be followed in most clinical situations. In patients there are several reasons for an altered microbial flora in the gut in combination with an altered barrier function leading to an enhanced inflammatory response. Several experimental and clinical studies have shown that probiotics may reduce the number of potentially pathogenic bacteria and restore a deranged barrier function. Methods: In this study Wistar albino rats were chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of Probiotic therapy by inducing them with infection using known bacterial pathogen Salmonella typhimurium and Treatment with common probiotics such as Bacillus megaterium.After the induction and treatment period the samples (Blood, Serum and tissues) were analyzed for haematological parameters, Biochemical markers and histopathological nature by comparing with non-induced and induced controls. Results and Discussion: The haematological, biochemical and the histopathological parameters studied were comparatively abnor- mal in induced animals and also they were very close to normal range in rats induced and treated with probiotics. The effectiveness was good for Bacillus megaterium. The reason behind that may be the ways and means how the organisms accommodate and accustom to the intestinal environment. Conclusion: The study has clearly indicated that probiotics could effectively be used for various ailments induced by pathogenic microorganisms. KEY WORDS: Bacillus megaterium,Salmonella typhimurium, Probiotics, infection in rats consumption of these bacteria is probably the best way to maintain their effectiveness 3 . Recent research on the molecular biology and genomics of the probiotic bacteria lactobacillus has focused on its interaction with the immune system, anti-cancer potential, its effect on adipocyte cell size and body fat, and its potential as a bio-thera- peutic agent 4 . INTRODUCTION The definition of “probiotics” evolved over the years and in 2001 a group of experts convened the currentlyFAO/WHO definition of probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in ad- equate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics con- sist in bacteria or yeast, able to recolonize and restore microflora symbiosis in intestinal tract. Probiotic bacteria usually belong mainly to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups, in particular Lactoba- cillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus, which include differ- ent strains (L. rhamnosus, L. bulgaricus, L. salivarius, L. plantarum, L. casei, B. infantis, B. longum, Streptococcus thermophilus). Bacil- lus species such as Bacillus megaterium are also gaining importance as a member in Probiotics.Some common probiotics, as Saccharomy- ces boulardii are yeasts 1 .Interest has increased in lactic acid bacteria because of its potential to improve cholesterol as well as its anti- carcinogenic, anti-pathogenic and anti-diabetic properties 2 . Daily MATERIALSAND METHODS Animals: Animals are divided into five groups, each group containing 6 (Al- bino rats) animals. Adult male albino rat of Wistar strain weighing In this study 3 groups Wistar albino rats were chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of Probiotic therapy by inducing them with infection using known bacterial pathogen Salmonella typhimurium and treat- ment with common probiotics such as Bacillus megaterium.After the induction and treatment period the samples (Blood, Serum and tissues) were analyzed for haematological parameters, Biochemical markers and histopathological nature by comparing with non-in- duced and induced controls.