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Probiotic-associated Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis catheter-related bloodstream infection in a preterm infant: a

Jiajia Chen1, Xuelan Liu2, Xiang Huang2

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jieyang People's Hospital, Jieyang, Guangdong, China.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A preterm infant developed catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) during Bacillus subtilis probiotic therapy. This case highlights the potential infectious risks of probiotics in neonates with central venous catheters.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Probiotics are increasingly used in neonatal care.
  • Bacillus subtilis is a commonly used probiotic strain.
  • Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are a significant concern in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of CRBSI potentially linked to Bacillus subtilis probiotic administration.
  • To raise awareness of potential infectious risks associated with probiotics in vulnerable neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a preterm infant receiving oral Bacillus subtilis probiotic.
  • Diagnosis of CRBSI confirmed by differential time to positivity in blood cultures.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility profiling of clinical isolates and the probiotic strain.

Main Results:

  • The preterm infant developed systemic inflammation during probiotic therapy.
  • CRBSI was diagnosed.
  • Clinical isolates and the probiotic strain exhibited identical antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, suggesting a potential link.

Conclusions:

  • Bacillus subtilis probiotic administration may pose an infectious risk in neonates, especially those with central venous access.
  • Probiotics should be considered a potential source of sepsis in neonates with CRBSI.
  • Further investigation into the safety of probiotics in neonatal populations is warranted.

Keywords:
Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilisCatheter-related bloodstream infectionPreterm infantProbiotics

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