Probiotics have been studied for their effect on the immune system, and now a new study of the “good” bacteria may mean taking the sting out of vaccination.

A pre-clinical study from Northwestern University showed promising results for an oral vaccine containing probiotics in preventing anthrax, and there is the possibility that the probiotics could be used to carry vaccinations against breast cancer and other maladies.

It works by protecting the vaccine until it reaches the small intestine, where according to study author Mansour Mohamadzadeh, patients "get a much more powerful immune system response" than by intramuscular injection.

When tested in rats, the new vaccine was as effective as standard needle-based inoculations, but showed increases in immune cell counts, added Mohamadzadeh.

A vaccine that protects against breast, colon and pancreatic cancers will soon be tested.

Previous probiotic research has found promising results in increasing resistance to cold and flu strains.

One epidemiologist suggests that probiotics be taken with prescription antibiotics, which are generally designed to combat a variety of infections and can weaken the immune system to new diseases.