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Multiple Lactobacillus Infections Caused by Probiotics at Pediatric and Adult Academic Medical Centers

Allison M Samuel1, Matthew G Lammers2, Joshua Nachreiner3

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, UW Health, Madison, Wisconsin, asamuel@uwhealth.org.

WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|September 16, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Probiotics, while beneficial for gut health, can lead to serious systemic infections. This study identified cases of probiotic-induced infections, highlighting the need for careful patient consideration before use.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Probiotics are live microorganisms intended to benefit health, primarily gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Despite perceived safety, probiotics can cause systemic infections if they translocate from the gut.
  • This study aimed to identify and characterize infections linked to probiotic consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and describe patients who developed systemic infections due to probiotic use.
  • To analyze the types of infections and causative probiotic species.
  • To inform clinical decision-making regarding probiotic safety.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of patients receiving probiotics at academic medical centers.
  • Analysis of positive cultures from sterile sites for probiotic-related species.
  • Confirmation of probiotic species in patient cultures and assessment of causality.

Main Results:

  • Identified 23 Lactobacillus cultures from 13 unique patients using Lactobacillus probiotics.
  • Documented infections including meningitis and bacteremia, with one case confirmed identical to the probiotic.
  • Lactobacillus infections showed no mortality, treated with antibiotics for 10-22 days.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics carry a risk of serious infections and are not universally harmless.
  • Individual risk-benefit assessment is crucial before probiotic use.
  • Caution is advised for probiotics in hospitalized patients, particularly those with access devices.

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