Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a tropical strain of yeast first isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit in 1923 by French scientist Henri Boulard. It is related to, but distinct from, Saccharomyces cerevisiae in several taxonomic, metabolic, and genetic properties. S. boulardii is sometimes used as a probiotic with the intention of introducing beneficial active cultures into the large and small intestine, as well as conferring protection against pathogenic microorganisms in the host. However, in immunocompromised individuals, S. boulardii has been associated with fungemia or localized infection, which may be fatal.

History

Henri Boulard discovered Saccharomyces boulardii in 1923 during a cholera outbreak in Indochina. Boulard observed that some people who drank a tea made from the skins of tropical fruits escaped the deadly disease. He isolated the yeast from the skins of lychee and mangosteen fruits, and named it after himself.

Uses

Saccharomyces boulardii is used as a probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines. It is used to prevent and treat diarrhea, including infectious types such as rotaviral diarrhea in children, diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal (GI) take-over by "bad" bacteria in adults, traveler's diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with tube feedings. It is also used to prevent and treat diarrhea caused by the use of antibiotics.

Side Effects

In healthy people, Saccharomyces boulardii is usually safe. However, people who are critically ill or have a weakened immune system should not use it, as it may increase the risk of fungemia and sepsis.

See Also

• Probiotics
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Henri Boulard
• Fungemia
• Diarrhea

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