Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Probiotics in Sepsis: A Review

Zhaopeng Wang ¹, Jiaqi Huang ², Peng Zhao ³

⁰Medical Department The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin China.

Food Science & Nutrition +

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June 10, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Sepsis, a severe infection response, causes organ dysfunction and death. Integrative nutrition therapy, including probiotics, shows promise in improving outcomes by modulating gut microbiota and immune function.

Area Of Science

Critical care medicine
Immunology
Nutritional science

Background

Sepsis is a leading global cause of mortality, characterized by an exaggerated immune response leading to systemic inflammation and organ failure.
Current treatments for sepsis, including antibiotics and organ support, are insufficient to reduce mortality, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
The gut-sepsis axis is increasingly recognized, with dysbiosis and impaired gut barrier function exacerbating sepsis outcomes.

Purpose Of The Study

To review the complex pathophysiology of sepsis and its impact on host defense.
To explore the evolving role of nutrition in sepsis management, focusing on the gut microbiota.
To evaluate the potential of nutritional interventions, including probiotics, as adjunct therapies for sepsis.

Main Methods

Literature review of current research on sepsis pathophysiology, treatment, and nutrition.
Analysis of studies investigating the gut-sepsis axis and the role of gut microbiota.
Examination of evidence supporting nutritional therapies, such as enteral and parenteral nutrition, and probiotics.

Main Results

Sepsis involves a complex immune dysregulation, cytokine storm, and endothelial damage, leading to multiorgan failure.
Nutritional interventions aim to restore metabolic homeostasis, enhance immune resistance, and mitigate catabolic stress in septic patients.
Probiotics demonstrate potential benefits through gut microbiota modulation, immune augmentation, and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting adjunct roles in sepsis management.

Conclusions

Integrative therapeutic strategies combining conventional sepsis treatment with targeted nutritional interventions are crucial for optimizing patient survival and recovery.
Further research is needed to personalize nutrition therapy, elucidate the gut microbiota's role in sepsis pathogenesis, and identify new therapeutic targets.

Keywords:

diet gut microbiota immune response inflammation organ failure probiotics sepsis