A Four-Probiotic Regime to Reduce Surgical Site Infections in Multi-Trauma Patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Trauma Surgery
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Surgical Site Infections (SSI) pose a significant risk in multiple-trauma (MT) patients.
• Limited research exists on probiotic interventions for SSI prevention in complex trauma, particularly those involving brain injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a specific four-probiotic formulation in reducing SSI incidence among MT patients.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on SSI rates in patients with traumatic brain injuries requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 103 MT patients (intubated, expected mechanical ventilation >10 days).
• Patients received either a placebo or a four-probiotic regimen (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UBLP-40, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Saccharomyces boulardii Unique-28) twice daily for 15 days.
• Follow-up for 30 days, classifying operations and registering SSI and isolated pathogens.

Main Results:

• A lower incidence of SSI was observed in the probiotic group (24.5%) compared to the placebo group (46.0%), p = 0.022.
• Osteosynthesis procedures showed the highest SSI rates in both groups (17 placebo vs. 8 probiotic).
• Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii were the most frequently isolated pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Prophylactic administration of this four-probiotic regimen is effective in reducing SSI incidence in multiple-trauma patients.
• The findings support the use of probiotics as an adjunct therapy for SSI prevention in complex trauma care.
• Further research may explore specific probiotic strains and their mechanisms in preventing infections in vulnerable patient populations.