Use of probiotics in poultry to control Salmonella spp.: Review

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated benefits of the use of probiotics in the diet of poultry production, especially in the action against pathogenic microorganisms. This work presents a review on the effects of the use of probiotics on the pathogenic serotypes of Salmonella enterica of birds and a world context on the methods of control of avian salmonellosis. Most of the assays have observed favorable effects, with reduction of colonization through competitive exclusion, decrease of pH, interference in immunological modulation and translocation of the pathogen. Considering the scenario of antimicrobials disuse, probiotics may emerge as one of the main alternatives for the control of this zoonotic agent in poultry commercial productions. However, there is a need for further technical and scientific elucidations as to the viability and applicability of the use of probiotics on a commercial scale.