Use of probiotic Lactobacillus preparation to prevent diarrhoea associated with antibiotics: randomised double blind placebo controlled trial

The study of Mary Hichson et al agains adds to our literature that
emphasizes the importance of keeping our enteric ecosystem in a healthy
balance.

The study of Nicola de Bartoli et al at University of Pisa, recently
published at American Journal of gastroenterology has documented the role
of Probiotics and lactoferrin for a much better rate of eradication of
H.Polori infection.*

Broad spectrum antibiotics in particular, as well as clindamycin have
a much higher rate of antibiotics associated diarrhea, due to interfering
with the balance of bacteria in the gut though selectively eradicating the
gut friendly bacteria,tipping off the balance in favour of pathological,
diarrhra inducing bacteria.

Within the past few years there has been severe highly virulent
strains of colstridium difficile colitis in north american hospitals( USA
and canada)., so virulent that it does not respond to proper measures of
stopping antibiotics and administration of proper treatment including
metronidazole, oral vancomycin, rifampin, and cholestyramine.

Further studies using the concept of probiotics to minimize the rates
of clostridium difficile infection is highly recommended.

* Am J.Gastroenterology 2007;102:951-956

Competing interests:
None declared