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Lactobacillus sepsis associated with probiotic therapy.
Michael H Land1, Kelly Rouster-Stevens, Charles R Woods
1Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
Pediatrics
|January 5, 2005
Summary
Probiotic lactobacilli, while generally safe, can rarely cause serious infections like bacteremia and sepsis. This study highlights the potential for invasive disease from these beneficial bacteria in certain individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Probiotic lactobacilli are widely used for health benefits.
- Infections linked to probiotic lactobacilli are exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- Two patients developed bacteremia and sepsis after consuming probiotic lactobacilli.
- DNA analysis confirmed the infecting Lactobacillus strain matched the probiotic source.
Findings:
- This is the first report demonstrating invasive disease associated with probiotic lactobacilli.
- Probiotic lactobacilli can, in rare instances, lead to severe systemic infections.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for invasive disease from probiotics.
- This finding underscores the need for caution in susceptible patient populations.
- Further research into the safety of probiotics in vulnerable groups is warranted.