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Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
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Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Impact of Probiotic Administration on Colonization With

Jennie H Kwon1, Kerry M Bommarito1, Kimberly A Reske1

  • 11Division of Infectious Diseases,Washington University School of Medicine,St. Louis,Missouri.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|August 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not prevent multidrug-resistant organism colonization in intensive care unit patients. This pilot study found no significant differences in organism acquisition or loss, with no adverse events reported.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Intensive care units (ICUs) are high-risk environments for multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization.
  • Preventing MDRO colonization is crucial to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
  • Probiotics are being investigated as a potential strategy to modulate gut microbiota and prevent pathogen colonization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in preventing gastrointestinal MDRO colonization in ICU patients.
  • To assess the safety of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted.
  • Seventy subjects were randomized to receive either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or standard of care.
  • Data on MDRO acquisition and loss were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences were observed in the acquisition or loss of any multidrug-resistant organisms between the probiotic and standard care groups (P > .05).
  • No adverse events were associated with the administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not demonstrate efficacy in preventing MDRO colonization in ICU patients during this pilot study.
  • Further research may be needed to explore other probiotic strains or interventions for MDRO prevention in critical care settings.

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