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Probiotic treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth by Lactobacillus fermentum KLD

P O Stotzer1, L Blomberg, P L Conway

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Oral Lactobacillus fermentum KLD did not significantly improve symptoms or breath test results for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Further research is needed to explore probiotic efficacy for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Probiotics, specifically harmless bacteria like Lactobacillus, have a history of use in managing gastrointestinal issues.
  • Previous applications include prophylaxis against traveler's diarrhea and treatment for recurrent C. difficile infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of oral Lactobacillus fermentum KLD in treating chronic small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 17 patients with SIBO.
  • Patients received either Lactobacillus fermentum KLD or placebo orally twice daily for 4-week periods, separated by a 4-week washout.
  • Diagnosis and efficacy were assessed using glucose hydrogen breath tests and symptom scoring.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed between Lactobacillus fermentum KLD and placebo groups in hydrogen breath test results (29 vs 14 ppm).
  • Stool frequency (14 vs 12 defecations/week) and symptom scores (12 vs 17 scores/week) also showed no significant improvement with probiotic treatment.
  • High levels of L. fermentum KLD were detected in fecal samples of only 2 out of 14 completing patients.

Conclusions:

  • Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum KLD did not demonstrate significant efficacy in altering key parameters for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in this study.
  • The findings suggest that this specific probiotic strain and dosage may not be effective for treating SIBO.
  • Further investigation into optimal probiotic strains, dosages, and patient selection is warranted for SIBO management.

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