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Cross-colonization of infants with probiotic organisms in a neonatal unit

L Hickey1, S M Garland2, S E Jacobs3

  • 1Department of Neonatal Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Ireland; Neonatal Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic cross-colonization between infants in a neonatal unit was assessed. The study found a low rate of probiotic transfer between infants, even when probiotics were administered to preterm infants during a clinical trial.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Neonatal units are susceptible to microbial transmission.
  • Probiotics are increasingly used in preterm infants for potential health benefits.
  • Understanding probiotic cross-colonization is crucial for infection control and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the extent of probiotic cross-colonization among infants in a neonatal intensive care unit.
  • To determine if probiotic administration to preterm infants leads to transmission to non-recipients.
  • To compare cross-colonization rates with previous studies.

Main Methods:

  • Stool samples were collected from all infants in the neonatal unit at two time points: during and after a clinical trial involving probiotic administration.
  • Infant samples were analyzed for the presence of probiotics.
  • Colonization rates were calculated for infants receiving probiotics and those not receiving them.

Main Results:

  • During the clinical trial, 5 out of 5 infants receiving probiotics and 3 out of 38 infants not receiving probiotics showed probiotic colonization.
  • After the trial completion, only 1 out of 44 infants tested was found to be colonized.
  • The observed rate of probiotic cross-colonization was lower than previously reported in similar studies.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic cross-colonization between infants in this neonatal unit was limited.
  • The findings suggest that probiotic transfer may not be a significant issue in this setting.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of probiotic colonization in neonatal populations.

Keywords:
Cross-colonizationNeonatal unitPreterm infantsProbiotics

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