Sajedeh Mahpishanian - Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Mahnoosh Fatemi - Department of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Fereshte Ghandehari - Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Background: Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. The most common treatment is use of antibiotics, which might have many side effects and may induce antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Strengthening the body›s antioxidant system may be effective on preventing the disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and L. plantarum enriched with selenium (Se) on osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.Methods: Thirty-six male rats were randomly divided into the ۶ groups. A group was control group. Groups B and C were respectively treated with L. plantarum, and L. plantarum enriched with Se. Osteomyelitis was induced in group D. Groups E and F were induced with osteomyelitis and treated like groups B and C. At the end of the treatment period, in order to evaluate hematological parameters, the acute phase protein, interleukin ۶ and ۱- levels were assessed in the rat’s blood samples. Bone was stained with hematoxylin-eosin to evaluate histopathological changes.Results: The number of white blood cells (WBCs) in groups D and E and interleukin ۶ levels in groups D, E and F were significantly increased compared to the control group. There was no significant change in other factors in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Histopathological changes were less severe in groups E and F than in group D.Conclusion: The treatment of animals with osteomyelitis by probiotics, especially Se-enriched probiotics, to some extent can prevent the distribution of bone infection to the surrounding tissues.

Osteomyelitis, L. plantarum, selenium, Rat