Probiotic approach to prevent antibiotic resistance

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, offering host benefits.
• Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, necessitating strategies to mitigate its spread.
• Probiotics may reduce the incidence of certain infections, potentially decreasing antibiotic reliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of probiotics in infectious disease risk reduction.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
• To investigate the relationship between probiotics and antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• Observational studies and clinical trials examining probiotic use alongside antibiotic therapy.
• Analysis of probiotic strain selection for non-contribution to transferable antibiotic resistance.
• Microbiota analysis during antibiotic treatment to understand resistance dynamics.

Main Results:

• Probiotics demonstrated a reduced risk for specific infections like diarrhea and respiratory tract infections.
• Concomitant use of probiotics with antibiotics significantly decreased antibiotic-associated diarrhea incidence, duration, and severity.
• Probiotics are selected to not carry transferable antibiotic resistance, and may play a role in reducing its spread by maintaining a balanced microbiota.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics can be a valuable adjunct to antibiotic therapy, reducing infection risk and associated diarrhea.
• Maintaining a balanced gut microbiota with probiotics during antibiotic treatment may help curb the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the direct impact of probiotics on reducing antibiotic resistance spread.