Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Bacteremia among Infants Receiving Probiotics in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Microbiology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Multistrain probiotic formulations have been utilized in preterm infants for over a decade at our institution.
• Assessing the safety and potential risks of probiotic use in this vulnerable population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence of bacteremia associated with multistrain probiotic formulations in preterm infants.
• To determine the clinical outcomes and mortality related to probiotic-induced bacteremia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records for preterm infants exposed to multistrain probiotics.
• Identification and tracking of bacteremia cases linked to organisms present in the probiotic formulations.
• Calculation of the incidence rate of bacteremia and assessment of mortality.

Main Results:

• Twelve cases of bacteremia were identified among 2109 preterm infants exposed to multistrain probiotics, representing an incidence of 0.6%.
• The identified bacteremia cases involved organisms consistent with those found in the administered probiotic formulations.
• Crucially, no deaths were attributed to bacteremia originating from the probiotic interventions.

Conclusions:

• Multistrain probiotic use in preterm infants is associated with a low incidence of bacteremia.
• The safety profile of these formulations appears favorable, as no mortality was linked to probiotic-associated infections.
• Continued monitoring and research are warranted to further confirm the safety and efficacy of probiotics in neonatal care.