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Reduction of rotavirus infection in children receiving bifidobacteria-supplemented formula

P Phuapradit1, W Varavithya, K Vathanophas

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|March 24, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic-supplemented milk formula may protect children from rotavirus infection. Supplementing with Bifidobacterium Bb12 reduced symptomatic rotavirus infections in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Diarrheal diseases are a significant health concern in infants and young children.
  • Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in this age group.
  • Probiotics are live microorganisms that may confer health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if probiotic-supplemented milk-based formula can protect children from rotavirus infection.
  • To assess the impact of Bifidobacterium Bb12 and Streptococcus thermophilus on rotavirus-specific IgA antibody levels.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled study involving 175 children aged 6-36 months.
  • Children received either standard milk-based formula, formula with Bifidobacterium Bb12, or formula with both Bifidobacterium Bb12 and Streptococcus thermophilus.
  • Salivary rotavirus-specific IgA antibody levels were measured to indicate rotavirus infection.

Main Results:

  • 30.4% of children in the control group showed a significant increase in rotavirus antibody titers, indicating subclinical infection.
  • Children receiving Bifidobacterium Bb12-supplemented formula showed no significant change in antibody titers.
  • The majority of children in the probiotic groups did not exhibit significant changes in antibody levels.

Conclusions:

  • Supplementation with Bifidobacterium Bb12 in milk-based formula may protect children from symptomatic rotavirus infection.
  • Probiotics show potential in preventing rotavirus-related illness in young children.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore mechanisms.

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