Abstract / Summary
Abstract Burn wound infections are a significant clinical problem that requires effective therapeutic interventions. Paraprobiotics, a non-viable form of microbial cells or components of probiotics, retain some health benefits while eliminating the risks associated with live microorganisms, thus providing a safe and natural alternative treatment approach. This paper investigated the therapeutic potential of paraprobiotics for treating second-degree burn infections and promoting wound healing in a mouse model. Twelve groups of mice ( n = 3 per group) with burn injuries and bacterial infections were treated with paraprobiotics, antibiotics, or respective controls. Wound size, bacterial virulence factors, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) as well as anti-inflammatory and repair-related genes (IL-10, IGF-1, SMAD2, TGF-β) were evaluated through quantitative gene analysis. Paraprobiotic intervention had a major impact on wound healing and suppression of bacterial virulence factors. Quantitative gene expression analysis showed that proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly downregulated, while anti-inflammatory and tissue repair genes (IL-10, IGF-1, SMAD2, TGF-β) were upregulated in the paraprobiotic group compared to the control groups. Paraprobiotics possess strong immunomodulatory and regenerative properties that enhance wound repair, making them promising agents for safer and more effective management of infected burn wounds. The results support the development of natural therapeutic approaches to maximise patient outcomes in burn care.