Synergistic effect of anti-Helicobacter pylori urease immunoglobulin Y from egg yolk of immunized hens and Lactobacillus johnsonii No.1088 to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in vivo

•Anti-H. pylori urease IgY is prepared by immunizing hens.•Lactobacillus johnsonii No.1088 (LJ88) has anti-H. pylori activity.•Their synergistic anti-H. pylori effect is demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.•Not only living but also heat-killed LJ88 is effective when combined with the IgY.•Their combination might compensate and/or augment standard anti-H. pylori regimens.