Lactobacillus Bacteremia and Probiotics: A Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Probiotics

Background:

• Lactobacilli are common probiotics and human commensals.
• Concerns exist regarding Lactobacillus-associated infections, including bacteremia.
• Probiotic safety requires ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on Lactobacillus spp. bacteremia.
• To update knowledge on the epidemiology of Lactobacillus bacteremia.
• To determine the role of probiotics in Lactobacillus bacteremia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathogenicity and probiotic association.
• Analysis of risk factors and mortality associated with Lactobacillus bacteremia.
• Molecular identification assays to compare blood isolates and probiotic strains.

Main Results:

• Lactobacillus bacteremia is infrequent but carries a high mortality risk.
• Risk factors include severe illness, immunosuppression, ICU admission, and central venous catheters.
• Three specific probiotic strains (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei) were linked to bacteremia.

Conclusions:

• Lactobacillus bacteremia is an infrequent but serious concern.
• Probiotic use is associated with a higher prevalence of Lactobacillus bacteremia.
• Sensitive identification methods are crucial to link probiotic strains to infections.