Antibiotic associated diarrhoea: a controlled study comparing plain antibiotic with those containing protected...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Lactobacillus species are recognized for their potential in preventing and treating AAD.
• Cataract surgery patients often receive prophylactic antibiotics, increasing AAD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of protected lactobacilli in preventing AAD in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• To compare the incidence of diarrhea between antibiotic formulations with and without protected lactobacilli.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, controlled study involving 740 patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• Patients received either a standard antibiotic formulation (ampicillin 250 mg and cloxacillin 250 mg) or the same antibiotic formulation supplemented with protected lactobacilli.
• Diarrhea incidence was monitored and compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• The incidence of diarrhea in the group receiving plain antibiotics was 13.3%.
• No cases of diarrhea were reported in the group receiving antibiotics with protected lactobacilli (0.0% incidence).
• The difference in diarrhea incidence was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic formulations containing protected lactobacilli effectively prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• The prophylactic benefits of lactobacilli are maintained when incorporated into antibiotic formulations.
• Protected lactobacilli represent a viable strategy to mitigate a common adverse effect of antibiotic therapy.