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Probiotics: "living drugs".

G W Elmer1

  • 1Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Box 357610, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. elmer@u.washington.edu

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
|July 14, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Probiotics, live microorganisms, can prevent and treat infections like diarrhea and vaginal infections by improving microbial balance. While generally safe, caution is advised for immunocompromised patients, with more research needed on their full efficacy and safety.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Probiotics are live microorganisms administered to enhance microbial balance, particularly in the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts.
  • Specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG show efficacy in preventing antimicrobial-associated diarrhea.
  • Other gastrointestinal and vaginal infections are also being studied for probiotic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the uses, mechanisms of action, and safety of probiotics.
  • To review clinical evidence for probiotic efficacy in various infections.
  • To explore potential mechanisms by which probiotics exert their effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trials and controlled studies on probiotic use.

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  • Examination of different probiotic strains and their applications.
  • Analysis of proposed mechanisms of action for probiotic effects.

    • Main Results:

    • Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG are effective in preventing antimicrobial-associated diarrhea.
    • Probiotics show promise in treating Clostridium difficile-associated disease recurrences and various diarrheal conditions.
    • Lactobacillus species are effective for vaginal infections and are being studied for urinary-tract infections.

    Conclusions:

    • Probiotics can prevent and treat certain infections, potentially reducing antimicrobial exposure.
    • Mechanisms include pathogen inhibition, toxin neutralization, and immune stimulation.
    • Further controlled studies are necessary to fully establish the safety and efficacy of probiotics.