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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Novel Production Protocol for Small-scale Manufacture of Probiotic Fermented Foods

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Published on: September 10, 2016

Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea.

Stephen J Allen¹, Elizabeth G Martinez, Germana V Gregorio

¹School of Medicine, Swansea University, Room 314, The Grove Building, Singleton Park, Swansea, West Glamorgan, UK, SA2 8PP.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

|November 12, 2010

Summary

Probiotics significantly shorten the duration of acute infectious diarrhea and reduce stool frequency. These beneficial effects are observed when probiotics are used alongside rehydration therapy, with no reported adverse events.

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Ginger Moxibustion, A Non-pharmacological Treatment, for Diarrhea in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Published on: January 27, 2019

Area of Science:

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Gastroenterology
Clinical Trials and Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

Acute infectious diarrhea is a common illness, and probiotics are being explored as a potential intervention.
Probiotics may offer a safe method to reduce the duration and severity of acute infectious diarrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in treating acute infectious diarrhea.
To assess the impact of probiotics on diarrhea duration, stool frequency, and overall illness severity.

Main Methods:

Conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and contacted relevant organizations.
Included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing probiotics with placebo or no probiotic in patients with acute infectious diarrhea.
Independently assessed trial quality and extracted data on primary outcomes including diarrhea duration and stool frequency.

Main Results:

Sixty-three studies involving 8014 participants were included, with most trials focusing on infants and young children.
Probiotics demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean duration of diarrhea (24.76 hours) and the incidence of diarrhea lasting four or more days (RR 0.41).
A significant decrease in stool frequency on day 2 post-intervention was also observed (MD 0.80), with no adverse events attributed to probiotic use.

Conclusions:

Probiotics, when used with rehydration therapy, are safe and effective in shortening the duration and reducing stool frequency in acute infectious diarrhea.
Further research is warranted to determine optimal probiotic regimens for specific patient populations and types of infectious diarrhea.