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Probiotics and the Risk of Infection

Noelle Younge1, Ravi M Patel2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, 2400 Pratt Street, DUMC Box 2739, Durham, NC 27705, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|February 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic use in preterm infants may lower necrotizing enterocolitis risk but carries a rare risk of infection. This review covers probiotic infection risks, benefits, and pathophysiology in neonatal intensive care units.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric gastroenterology

Background:

  • Probiotic use is rising in preterm infants, potentially reducing necrotizing enterocolitis.
  • Probiotic-associated infections are a serious concern in neonatal intensive care units.
  • A recent case and FDA action highlight the risks of probiotic supplementation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of invasive infections linked to probiotics in preterm infants.
  • To review the benefits and risks of probiotic use in this vulnerable population.
  • To provide an overview as regulations and products evolve.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of probiotic use in preterm infants.
  • Analysis of reported cases of probiotic-associated infections.
  • Discussion of epidemiological and pathophysiological data.

Main Results:

  • Invasive infection is an infrequent but recognized risk of probiotic supplementation.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology is crucial for risk mitigation.
  • Balancing benefits and risks is essential for clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotic supplementation in preterm infants requires careful consideration of infection risks.
  • Ongoing research and regulatory oversight are necessary.
  • Informed clinical practice is key to optimizing outcomes.

Keywords:
Dietary supplementNecrotizing enterocolitisNosocomial infectionSepsis

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