Research update: the power of 'good bacteria' proven

April 2022

Associate Professor Stephen Tristram.

What if ‘good bacteria’ commonly found in a person’s airways could be used to prevent lower respiratory tract and ear infections?

And, what if these good bacteria could be introduced via a simple and easy to use nasal spray treatment that’s effective, less invasive and more affordable than existing options?

These were among the questions behind an innovative Tasmanian medical research project led by Associate Professor Stephen Tristram.

Made possible by a $19,965 medical research grant awarded by the Clifford Craig Foundation in 2019, this study was completed in late 2021 and has also been published in a number of major medical journals including Microbiology Australia.

The study – Enhancement and further in-vitro validation of a potential probiotic to reduce ear and lung infections caused by Haemophilus Influenzae – examined the effectiveness of using good bacteria to essentially starve bad infection-causing bacteria of nutrients.

The bacterium Haemophilus Influenzae commonly colonises the upper airways of healthy people. However, in certain conditions, it also causes various lower respiratory tract and ear infections.

These infections cause significant disease, often become chronic and are a major burden on the healthcare system.

Further, amid an increasing spectrum and prevalence of antibiotic resistance, Haemophilus Influenzae is also becoming more difficult to treat.

Previous research led by Associate Professor Tristram and funded by the Clifford Craig Foundation showed that some strains of a harmless throat bacterium that secrete a novel protein, that they discovered and named ‘haemophilin’, can inhibit the growth of Haemophilus Influenzae.

Now, his latest project has shown that these haemophilin-producing throat bacteria interfere with the way that Haemophilus Influenzae interacts with human throat and lung cells in a way that will reduce both acute and chronic infections, without injuring human cells.

Associate Professor Tristram says the study has provided additional evidence to support the use of a specifical normal throat bacterial strain as a respiratory administered probiotic for people at risk of respiratory tract infections with Haemophilus influenzae, and what strains will work best.

In an exciting development, the work from this project has now moved onto animal models to determine the potential for a respiratory probiotic.

Two associated projects are now underway, including a collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Associate Professor Tristram is also collaborating with Dr Sarah Clark form the University of Colorado, who is an expert in the role of commensal bacteria in modifying respiratory infections.

This work remains ongoing.