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Short report: a placebo-controlled study of Lactobacillus GG colonization in one-to-three-year-old Peruvian children
P Sheen1, R A Oberhelman, R H Gilman
1Asociacion Benefica PRISMA (Proyectos en Informatica Salud, Medicina y Agricultura), San Borja, Lima, Peru.
Insights
Lactobacillus GG powder is well-accepted by Peruvian infants and effectively colonizes their gut. This probiotic shows potential for use in community diarrhea control programs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Diarrhea remains a significant health concern in developing communities.
- Probiotics are being explored as potential interventions for gastrointestinal health.
- Lactobacillus GG is a well-studied probiotic strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Lactobacillus GG supplementation in Peruvian toddlers.
- To assess the acceptance of Lactobacillus GG as a nutritional supplement.
- To determine the colonization efficiency of Lactobacillus GG in the infant gut.
Main Methods:
- A pilot, placebo-controlled study was conducted in a periurban shanty-town community.
- A fluorescent antibody test was used for presumptive screening of Lactobacillus GG.
- Lactobacillus GG powder was administered daily as a supplement on flavored gelatin.
Main Results:
- A simple fluorescent antibody test proved effective for presumptive Lactobacillus GG screening.
- Lactobacillus GG powder supplementation was well-accepted by infants and mothers.
- Daily Lactobacillus GG doses led to efficient gastrointestinal tract colonization in infants.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus GG can be effectively screened using a fluorescent antibody test.
- Lactobacillus GG is a palatable and well-tolerated supplement for infants.
- Lactobacillus GG demonstrates potential as an adjunct for diarrhea control in community and hospital settings.
Abstract:
A pilot, placebo-controlled study conducted in Peruvian toddlers in a periurban shanty-town community demonstrates that 1) a simple fluorescent antibody test performed on bacteria from colonies grown on solid culture media can be used as a presumptive screening tool for Lactobacillus GG, 2) Lactobacillus GG powder sprinkled on flavored gelatin as a nutritional supplement is well-accepted by infants and mothers in this population, and 3) daily doses of Lactobacillus GG result in efficient colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of Peruvian infants. This study demonstrates that Lactobacillus GG should be evaluated as an adjunct for diarrhea control programs at the community level as well as in hospital-based settings.