Broad-spectrum pathogenic gut microorganisms

Broad-spectrum pathogenic gut microorganisms include a wide array of bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, and Clostridioides difficile that disrupt intestinal homeostasis and cause disease (Cleusix et al., 2007). Reuterin is a potent antimicrobial system produced by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri during the fermentation of glycerol (Schaefer et al., 2010). The active agent, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA), functions by inducing oxidative stress and depleting intracellular thiol levels, specifically targeting enzymes like ribonucleotide reductase (Talarico & Dobrogosz, 1989). This mechanism effectively inhibits the growth of various Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens while often sparing certain beneficial lactic acid bacteria. Because reuterin targets multiple biochemical pathways, it presents a low risk for the development of bacterial resistance compared to conventional antibiotics. Therapeutic applications focus on using L. reuteri or purified reuterin to treat enteric infections and manage dysbiosis-related conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Other names

EnteropathogensGut pathogensPathogenic intestinal bacteriaEnteric pathogens

Reuterin (3-hydroxypropionaldehyde) acts by inducing oxidative stress and covalently modifying thiol groups in essential bacterial proteins and enzymes, such as ribonucleotide reductase, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis and microbial growth.