Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Probiotics, live microorganisms conferring health benefits, are investigated for preventing respiratory infections.
• Previous reviews indicated benefits for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs).
• This review is an update incorporating new studies since 2015.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in preventing acute URTIs across all age groups.
• To compare probiotics against placebo or no treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs.
• Searched multiple databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and clinical trial registries.
• Included studies comparing probiotics with placebo/no treatment for acute URTI prevention in diverse populations.

Main Results:

• Probiotics reduced the incidence of URTIs (at least one event and at least three events).
• A reduction in the mean duration of URTI episodes was observed.
• Probiotics likely decreased antibiotic use for URTIs and did not significantly increase adverse events.
• Adverse events were minor and primarily gastrointestinal.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics demonstrate effectiveness in preventing acute URTIs.
• The use of probiotics is associated with reduced URTI incidence, duration, and antibiotic prescriptions.
• Probiotics are generally safe for preventing URTIs, with minimal side effects.