Bacillus clausii Bacteremia Following Probiotic Use: A Report of Two Cases

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Probiotics are widely used to manage diarrheal episodes in various patient populations.
• Adverse events associated with probiotics are typically mild, but severe infections have been reported.

Observation:

• Two intensive care unit patients receiving Bacillus clausii spore probiotics for diarrhea developed sepsis.
• Blood cultures confirmed bacteremia in both patients following probiotic administration.

Findings:

• Bacillus clausii bacteremia and sepsis occurred in critically ill patients despite no apparent underlying immunocompromise.
• Prompt treatment with daptomycin was initiated for the documented bloodstream infections.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for serious adverse events, including sepsis, from probiotic use, even with spore-forming bacteria.
• Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance for severe infections in patients using probiotics, particularly in intensive care settings.
• Further research into the safety profile of probiotics in vulnerable patient groups is warranted.