Background: Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism considered the main risk factor in the development of gastric cancer. In this paper we inform a detailed characterization of the probiotic properties and the anti -H. pylori activity of a previously isolated lactobacillus strain - Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C - obtained from human gut.

Results: The strain tolerated pH 3.0, grew in the presence of 2% bile salts, produced lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, aggregated in saline solution, showed high hydrophobicity, was highly adherent to glass and to Caco-2 and Gastric adenocarcinoma human cells (AGS) cells, showed an efficient colonization in Mongolian Gerbils, and it potently inhibited growth and urease activity of H. pylori strains. L. fermentum UCO-979C significantly inhibited H. pylori-induced IL-8 production in AGS cells and reduced viability of H. pylori. Regarding its innocuousness, UCO-979C was susceptible to several antibiotics. The strain did not produce histamine or beta hemolysis in blood agar containing red blood cells from various origins.