Investigation of the Effects of a Multispecies Probiotic Formulation on Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged ≥18 years

• Willing and able to provide informed consent in French

• Persistent perennial allergic rhinitis induced by a least one perennial allergen inthe last two years.

• Positive skin prick test ≥5 mm for any of the following allergens: cat, dog andmites

• Mean global score of miniRQLQ ≥ 2

• TSS score of at least 7

• Willing to discontinue consumption of fermented foods, probiotics (e.g., yogurtswith live, active cultures or supplements), prebiotics or immune-enhancingsupplements (e.g., Echinacea or fish oil).

• Agreement on not starting new medication during the intervention (rescue medicationexcepted)

• Women of childbearing potential with a negative pregnancy test throughout the studyperiod and highly effective contraception: oral contraceptives, condom withspermicide, intrauterine device, bilateral tubal ligation, vasectomized partner

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-allergic rhinitis

• Use of any prohibited medication (any systemic corticosteroids, androgens such astestosterone, or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs: i.e., aspirin in doses 600mg/d regularly) at the time of enrolment

• Use of other probiotics-containing and prebiotics-containing products during theintervention period and 4 weeks before study start

• Use of any antibiotics 6 weeks before randomization

• Nasal polyposis

• Currently enrolled in another intervention study (except observational studies)

• Critically or terminally ill or admitted to the ICU

• Had received chemotherapy or other immune-suppressing therapy within the previousyear.

• Other conditions that according to the investigator might interfere with theevaluation of the study objectives

• Patients being treated for or had any of the following physician-diagnosed diseasesor conditions: HIV; immune modulating diseases (autoimmune disease, hepatitis,cancer, etc.); kidney disease; pancreatitis; pulmonary disease; hepatic or biliarydisease; or gastrointestinal diseases or conditions, such as diverticulitis,ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Celiac disease, short bowel disease, ileostomy,or colostomy, but not including gastroesophageal reflux disease,

• Subjects with a low compliance rate (appreciated by the investigator) during therun-in period