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The present work studies the influence of pH on the stability of thiosulfinates, compounds responsible for the bacteriostatic properties shown by ethanolic and acetonic garlic extracts (EGE and AGE) against the in vitro growth of Helicobacter pylori (Hp), a bacterium which is implicated in the etiology of diverse gastrointestinal diseases. The influence of pH and time on the stability of thiosulfinates and the microbiological activities of EGE and AGE has been evaluated at human body temperature (37 °C) and in a pH range of 0.9–4.7. A marked decrease in thiosulfinate concentration was observed in a relatively short time at pH values below 2.0. However, at pH values over 2.0, the samples maintained 70% of thiosulfinate concentration for 12 h. The inhibition halo diameters showed a maximum value at pH 2.50, with an inhibition halo of 28.94 ± 0.61 mm. The reduction in the activity at pH values below 2.0 was particularly remarkable. These results suggest that, for medical application, the pH of the selected extracts must only be maintained above 2 to maintain a high level of antibacterial activity. This fact would overcome the need for proton pump inhibitors and/or antibiotics during the treatment of Hp infections in human patients.

To date, there have been no new drugs or adjuvants able to decrease both morbidity and mortality in the context of sepsis and septic shock. Our objective was to evaluate the use of thiosulfinate-enriched Allium sativum and black garlic extracts as adjuvants in the management of sepsis. An experimental in vivo study was carried out with male Sprague–Dawley® rats. Animals were randomized in four treatment groups: antibiotic (ceftriaxone) treatment (group I), ceftriaxone plus thiosulfinate-enriched extract (TASE, group II), ceftriaxone plus thiosulfinate-enriched extract and black garlic extracts (TASE + BGE, group III), and ceftriaxone plus black garlic extract (BGE, group IV). All animals were housed and inoculated with 1 × 1010 CFU/15 mL of intraperitoneal Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Subsequently, they received a daily treatment according to each group for 7 days. Clinical, analytical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in rats receiving garlic extracts in weight (groups II and III), ocular secretions, and piloerection (group IV). Moreover, less liver edema, vacuolization, and inflammation were observed in groups receiving adjuvant support (groups II, III, and IV). When comparing interleukins 24 h after bacteria inoculum, we found statistically significant differences in TNF-alpha levels in groups receiving BGE (groups III and IV, p ≤ 0.05). Blood and peritoneal liquid cultures were also analyzed, and we detected a certain level of Enterococcus faecalis in peritoneal cultures from all treatment groups and less bacteria presence in blood cultures in rats receiving garlic extracts (groups II, III, and IV). In conclusion, TASE and BGE could be promising nutraceutical or medicinal agents as coadjuvants in the treatment of sepsis because of its effects in modulating the inflammatory response.

Abstract Background Parasitic diseases of pigs are a public and veterinary health problem. Helminths influence pork production, whereas backyard pigs can transmit these parasites. Objectives This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs from Jamiltepec, Region de la Costa, Oaxaca, in Southwestern Mexico. Methods Six hundred sixty‐four serum samples were obtained from backyard pigs from 23 rural villages distributed in 5 municipalities; samples were taken in a non‐probabilistic manner with the owner's consent. The presence of serum antibodies against a total extract of A. suum adult worm was determined by ELISA. In contrast, antibodies to the excretion‐secretion products of the T. spiralis muscle larva were determined by Western blot. Results The global seroprevalence for A. suum was 5.12% and 2.41% for T. spiralis; however, antibodies were only found in 8 villages and distributed in 3 municipalities. The highest frequency of positivity for Ascaris was found in the municipality of Santa Catarina Mechoacán (13.01%), whereas, in Santa María Huazalotitlán, the highest frequency of positivity for Trichinella was found (5.75%). In San Andrés, frequencies were 7.23% and 4.82%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between populations. Conclusions Our data suggest that helminth transmission is restricted by locality. However, further studies must be conducted to understand the factors limiting this transmission to promote pork meat production in parasite‐free zones.