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Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure

Giulia Pruccoli1, Erika Silvestro2, Carlo Pace Napoleone3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Torino, Italy; Department of Pediatric and Public Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|June 18, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic bacteria like Bifidobacterium can cause bacteremia, even in children. This case highlights the need to consider probiotic risks, especially in vulnerable patients with underlying conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Probiotics are widely used for gastrointestinal health.
  • While generally safe, rare cases of probiotic-induced infections are documented.
  • Certain patient populations may be at higher risk for adverse events.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with heart disease received probiotic supplementation.
  • The patient developed Bifidobacterium bacteremia.
  • This occurred during prophylaxis for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Findings:

  • Bifidobacterium spp. bacteremia can occur in pediatric patients.
  • Patients with underlying conditions, like heart disease, may be at increased risk.
  • Probiotic use requires careful consideration in vulnerable populations.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should be aware of the pathogenic potential of probiotics.
  • Risk-benefit assessment is crucial for probiotic use in immunocompromised or critically ill patients.
  • Further research is needed on probiotic safety in specific pediatric populations.

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