Background: Despite its high prevalence Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in frequently under-recognized owing to its negative influence on patients visual function.
Methods: This clinical trial was a pilot study to evaluate the effects of supplementation with mixture (Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium bifido) on the tear film. Following the run-in period subjects were randomized in two groups: group A (N°20 subjects) and group B (N°20 subjects). Group A (control) treated only with substitute tear and group B treated with substitute tear + mixture (symbiotic).
Results: The data obtained in the two study groups A and B were, respectively the following: Schirmer 9.1±0.2 vs 12.7±0.4 (p< 0.001); Schirmer II 3.5±0.1 VS 4.7±0.2 (p<0.001); BUT 3.9±0.3 vs 6.3±0.2 (p<0.001). Culture test showed initial bacterial growth in group "A" (placebo) 18 out of 40 samples tested, corresponding to 45.0% and "B" after treatment ((symbiotic) was found positive culture whit growth of bacteria in 12 tests equal to 30.0%. The total numbers of isolations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria found group A and B after treatment. A reduction of 15 to 11 strains of aerobic and anaerobic isolates from 9 to 5 has been found.
Conclusions: The present study shows that the administration of bifidobacterium may represent a success full treatment in ameliorating dry eye syndrome (DES). The effect of imbalanced microbiota are not restricted by gastrointestinal abnormalities but could have systemic impact on immunity. Commensal bacteria or probiotics interact with the endogenous enteric microbiota and gut cells therein confereing health benefit to the host.
Keywords: Bifidobacterium bifido; Bifidobacterium lactis; Dry Eye Syndrome (DES); Fructo-oligosaccharides; Symbiotic.