HAFNIA ALVEI AS A NEXT-GENERATION PROBIOTIC: MECHANISMS, SAFETY, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Maria Gofron; Krzysztof K. Gofron; Kornelia Kaźmierkiewicz-Makanga; Weronika Spychalska; Emilia Piotrowicz; Filip Witowicz; Julia Glińska; Aleksandra Krawczyk; Wiktoria Waldon; Paulina Sumlet

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5816

Authors

Maria Gofron Medical University of Gdansk, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2719-5894
Krzysztof K. Gofron Medical University of Gdansk, Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9201-7488
Kornelia Kaźmierkiewicz-Makanga Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1145-0302
Weronika Spychalska University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1224-4330
Emilia Piotrowicz Antoni Jurasz University Hospital, Maria Skłodowska-Curie 9 Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7133-7001
Filip Witowicz University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9600-2628
Julia Glińska University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6212-0541
Aleksandra Krawczyk Copernicus PL Sp. z o.o., Hospital św. Wojciecha, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6317-1204
Wiktoria Waldon University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4389-7205
Paulina Sumlet 7th Naval Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1978-6409

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5816

Keywords:

Hafnia Alvei; Microbiome; Microbiota; Gut; Health

Abstract

Background: Differences in the lifestyle of people that this century brought on us resulted in an increase in obesity and metabolic disorders. This growing prevalence resulted in an intensified interest in next- generation probiotics (NGPs). They are microorganisms that enable a more targeted therapy to various diseases. Hafnia alvei, a commensal bacteria inhabiting the human gut, has gained attention due to it’s potential to influence appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.

Aim of the study: This article reviews the information about Hafnia alvei with particular emphasis on it being the next-generation probiotic, as well as the mechanisms, safety and potential therapeutic effect

Scope of review: The goal of this review was to gather knowledge about Hafnia alvei, its effects on human metabolism and the potential of Hafnia alvei becoming a NGP.

Conclusion: Forty eight studies were included in this review. We found that specific strains of Hafnia alvei can produce caseinolytic protease B (ClpB), a protein that mimics α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that is a well known regulator of appetite. Through this mimicry, H. alvei may influence food intake and body weight regulation. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that applying H. alvei as a treatment results in a reduced caloric intake, improved metabolic parameters and weight loss. Moreover it has been demonstrated that Hafnia can influence the release of pro- and anti- inflammatory cytokines. Studies suggest that this bacteria can regulate the balance of inflammatory effects, which could be of importance regarding inflammatory diseases, especially obesity where the inflammation can be implicated in it’s pathophysiology. Despite promising findings, the available data is very limited and there is a need of conducting larger-scale, well-controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.

Further research is crucial to ensure the safety of this therapeutic option and confirm these findings.

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