Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that live in symbiosis with the human host. When ingested in adequate quantities, probiotics may modulate biological functions, with health benefits. Different biological properties have been reported for probiotics, including antimicrobial activity. However, there are few studies investigating the use of probiotics as candidates for alternative antimicrobial therapy or as a source of new antibiotics. Thus, in this review we provide a general approach to the current situation of probiotic antimicrobial research and point out future directions in the field. Despite the promising benefits of probiotics on intestinal health, there remains no consensus or standardization on the development of delivery systems and on the application of probiotic formulations for antimicrobial therapy. Thus, further bioguided studies and clinical trials are needed to address the existing gaps in the knowledge. Future research should focus on the isolation, doses, clinical efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of probiotics in humans.

益生菌定义为与人类宿主共生的微生物。摄入足够量的益生菌可以调节生物学功能，对健康有益。据报道益生菌具有不同的生物学特性，包括抗菌活性。但是，很少有研究调查将益生菌用作替代抗微生物疗法的候选药物或作为新抗生素的来源。因此，在这篇综述中，我们为益生菌抗微生物研究的现状提供了一种通用方法，并指出了该领域的未来方向。尽管益生菌对肠道健康具有令人鼓舞的益处，但对于递送系统的开发以及益生菌制剂在抗菌治疗中的应用尚无共识或标准化。从而，需要进一步的生物指导研究和临床试验来解决现有的知识空白。未来的研究应集中在益生菌在人体中的分离，剂量，临床疗效，安全性和作用机理。