The aim of this recent study was to find out whether the probiotic supplementation alongside antibiotic treatment will reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection in adults and children. Individual data of 6851 participants from 18 published randomised controlled trials were included in the statistical analysis. 72.2% of the studies were conducted in adult hospitalised participants.
The use of probiotics reduced the risk of Clostridium difficile infection by two-thirds. The risk of serious adverse events was similar for both probiotic and control groups and none of the serious adverse events were attributed to probiotics. The multispecies probiotics were more beneficial than single-species probiotics when compared to control groups.
The findings suggested that probiotics may be more effective in hospitals where the risk of Clostridium difficile infection is 5% or above and among participants taking 2 or more antibiotics.
Link: View the Study
Reference: Johnston BC et al. Microbial Preparations (Probiotics) for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of 6,851 Participants. reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018; 1-11
