Probiotics for use in reducing eosinophilia and respiratory allergies

Abstract

The present invention provides probiotic compositions suitable for reducing the incidence and duration of nasal eosinophilia and other parameters associated with birch pollen allergy. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods and/or compositions suitable for reducing nasal and/or respiratory allergy symptoms.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A probiotic composition comprising an effective amount of a culture of  Lactobacillus  and a culture of  Bifidobacterium  for use in reducing inflammation and/or eosinophilia in an individual associated with exposure to birch pollen. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said  Lactobacillus  is  Lactobacillus acidophilus.    
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 15 , wherein said  Bifidobacterium  is  Bifidobacterium lactis . 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said individual has birch pollen allergy. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said eosinophilia is nasal eosinophilia. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said individual is a child. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said composition is suitable for nasal or oral administration. 
     
     
         21 . A composition of  claim 14 , wherein the culture of  Lactobacillus  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria. 
     
     
         22 . A composition of  claim 14 , wherein the culture of  Bifidobacteria  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria. 
     
     
         23 . A composition comprising an effective amount of  Lactobacillus acidophilus  and  Bifidobacterium lactis  for use in reducing birch pollen allergy symptoms comprising inflammation and/or eosinophilia in an individual. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein said eosinophilia is nasal eosinophilia. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein said individual is a child. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein said composition is suitable for nasal or oral administration. 
     
     
         27 . A composition of  claim 23 , wherein the culture of  Lactobacillus acidophilus  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria. 
     
     
         28 . A composition of  claim 23 , wherein the culture of  Bifidobacteria lactis  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria. 
     
     
         29 . A method for manufacturing of a medicament for reducing inflammation and/or eosinophilia in an individual associated with exposure to birch pollen comprising combining an effective amount of a culture of  Lactobacillus  and an effective amount of a culture of  Bifidobacterium  to form the medicament. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said  Lactobacillus  is  Lactobacillus acidophilus  and/or wherein said  Bifidobacterium  is  Bifidobacterium lactis.    
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said medicament is suitable for nasal or oral administration. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the culture of  Lactobacillus  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the culture of  Bifidobacteria  includes cryostabilized and lyophilized bacteria.