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09:20
Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
Published on: April 28, 2014
Probiotics: a new frontier for infection control.
1Department of Infection, Barts and The London NHS Trust, Whitechapel, London, UK. Josephine.Seale@bartshealth.nhs.uk
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|February 19, 2013
Summary
Guidelines are needed to manage infection risks from probiotics, live micro-organisms used for health benefits. Recommendations include stakeholder communication, laboratory identification, and adverse event surveillance to ensure safe clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Probiotics, live micro-organisms conferring health benefits, are increasingly used in clinical settings, including neonatal intensive care.
- Current clinical practice lacks sufficient guidelines and regulations for managing infection risks associated with probiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the paucity of guidelines for probiotic use in healthcare.
- To propose actionable recommendations for mitigating infection risks linked to probiotics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert consensus on probiotic safety protocols.
- Development of a framework for risk mitigation strategies.
Main Results:
- Identified critical areas for risk management: stakeholder communication, laboratory capacity, standardization, and surveillance.
- Proposed specific recommendations within these areas to enhance patient safety.
Conclusions:
- Implementing standardized protocols for probiotic preparation, administration, and identification is crucial.
- Enhanced surveillance and clear communication channels are essential for safe probiotic integration into routine healthcare.
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