Non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms protect against upper respiratory tract infections

Abstract

The present invention relates to non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms and their health benefits. For example, the present invention relates to compositions comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms for use in the treatment of prevention of upper respiratory tract infections and/or their symptoms. Embodiments of the present invention can help parents to protect their children from such upper respiratory tract infections.

1 . A method for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection, the method comprising:
 administering to an individual in need of same a composition comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms that have been rendered non-replicating by a heat-treatment at 120-140° C. for about 1-120 seconds, the non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Propionibacteria, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the individual is a child. 
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the composition strengthens the child's ability to fight the upper respiratory tract infection. 
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the upper respiratory tract infection is selected from the group consisting of rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, tracheitis, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the heat treatment is performed at a temperature from 120-140° C. for 5-15 seconds. 
     
     
         6 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  comprising the step of reducing the time the upper respiratory tract infection will last. 
     
     
         7 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  comprising the step of helping children to get upper respiratory tract infections less often. 
     
     
         8 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises the non replicating probiotic micro-organisms in an amount corresponding to about 10 6  to 10 12  cfu. 
     
     
         9 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the composition contains about 0.005 mg-1000 mg non-replicating micro-organisms per daily dose. 
     
     
         10 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the individual has a symptom selected from the group consisting of cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure, sneezing, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of  Bifidobacterium longum  BB536 (ATCC BAA-999),  Lactobacillus casei  CTP31 (NCC 4006), and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . A method for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection, the method comprising:
 administering to an individual in need of same a composition comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms that have been rendered non-replicating by a heat treatment performed at a temperature from 120-140° C. for 5-15 seconds, and the non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms are selected from the group consisting of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Propionibacteria, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         13 . The method in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the upper respiratory tract infection is selected from the group consisting of rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, tracheitis, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the composition comprises the non replicating probiotic micro-organisms in an amount corresponding to about 10 6  to 10 12  cfu. 
     
     
         15 . The method in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the composition contains about 0.005 mg-1000 mg non-replicating micro-organisms per daily dose. 
     
     
         16 . The method in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the individual has a symptom selected from the group consisting of cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure, sneezing, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A method for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection, the method comprising:
 administering to an individual in need of same a composition comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms that have been rendered non-replicating by a heat-treatment at 120-140° C. for about 1-120 seconds, wherein the composition comprises probiotics, and at least 90% of the probiotics are the non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms.   
     
     
         18 . The method in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the upper respiratory tract infection is selected from the group consisting of rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, tracheitis, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the heat treatment is performed at a temperature from 120-140° C. for 5-15 seconds. 
     
     
         20 . The method in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the composition comprises the non replicating probiotic micro-organisms in an amount corresponding to about 10 6  to 10 12  cfu. 
     
     
         21 . The method in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the composition contains about 0.005 mg-1000 mg non-replicating micro-organisms per daily dose. 
     
     
         22 . The method in accordance with  claim 17 , wherein the individual has a symptom selected from the group consisting of cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure, sneezing, and combinations thereof.