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Prebiotic and probiotic supplementation prevents rhinovirus infections in preterm infants: a randomized,

Raakel Luoto1, Olli Ruuskanen1, Matti Waris2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Early prebiotic or probiotic supplementation significantly reduced respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in preterm infants. This gut microbiota modification offers a promising strategy for preventing viral infections in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations.
  • Simple and safe preventative strategies are crucial for managing these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of early prebiotic or probiotic supplementation in reducing virus-associated RTIs in preterm infants during their first year of life.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 94 preterm infants.
  • Infants received oral prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), or placebo from day 3 to 60 of life.
  • Virus-associated RTIs were confirmed via nucleic acid testing of nasal swabs.

Main Results:

  • Prebiotic and probiotic groups showed a significantly lower incidence of RTIs compared to the placebo group.
  • Rhinovirus-induced episodes, the majority of RTIs, were also significantly reduced in both intervention groups.
  • No significant differences were observed in viral load, shedding duration, or infection severity.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbiota modulation using specific prebiotics and probiotics may provide a novel, cost-effective method for preventing rhinovirus infections.
  • This approach holds potential for reducing the burden of viral respiratory infections in infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Galacto-oligosaccharideLactobacillus rhamnosus GGRRRSVRTIRate ratioRespiratory syncytial virusRespiratory tract infectiongut microbiotapolydextroseprebioticpreterm infantprobioticrespiratory tract infectionsrhinovirus

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