article about probiotic

[Guest guest]

This was linked to in the newsletter from bodyecology.com

Vicky

Probiotic may prevent respiratory illnesses: study

By ls, 07-Nov-2008

Related topics: Research

The bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 may protect intubated,

critically-ill patients from pneumonia, suggests a small Swedish study.

The probiotic strain was found to be as effective as a conventional antiseptic

in reducing the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a common

complication in patients on breathing machines, according to findings published

in the open-access journal Critical Care.

VAP occurs when harmful bacteria from the mouth, throat or breathing tube are

inhaled into the lungs.

" VAP is connected with longer intensive care and hospital stays, additional

costs and high mortality. The risk of developing this condition increases by one

per cent with each additional day of mechanical ventilation, " explained lead

researcher Bengt Klarin from the University Hospital in Lund, Sweden.

After randomising 50 patients to oral cleansing followed by washing with the

antiseptic chlorhexidine CHX (0.1 per cent) or oral application of an emulsion

of Lp299 (DSM 6595, 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU)), the researchers

noted no difference between the groups.

" Based on the results of this pilot study, we conclude that the probiotic

bacterium Lp299 constitutes a feasible and safe agent for oral care, "

While most bacterial strains with health benefits focus on the gut, the use of

Lp299 in the mouth also qualifies as being probiotic, according to the FAO/WHO

definition as " live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts

confer a health benefit on the host " .

Added benefits

L. plantarum, found naturally in saliva and also in fermented food products like

pickles and sauerkraut, may have additional benefits, suggested the authors.

Most notable amongst these is a lack of contribution to the development of

antibiotic-resistant strains.

" As the bacteria adhere to the oral mucosa, they are able to counteract

potentially pathogenic bacteria around the clock, which is superior to the

fairly short-term effect of orally applied chemical agents, " they said.

Moreover, no side effects were noted in the probiotic group. On the other hand,

common side effects associated with oral CHX use include tooth discolouration,

irritation and, very occasionally, serious allergic reactions, they said.

" Clearly, it is also important to point out that the findings of this pilot

study must be interpreted with great caution, and the trends indicated by the

data must and will be further examined in a larger investigation, " wrote the

authors.

" Nevertheless, our main objectives have been met, because we found that Lp299

did become established in the oral cavity, it had no apparent adverse effects

and the results provide a basis for calculating the number of patients needed to

test the trends observed in the planned definitive study. "

Source: Critical Care

6 November 2008, 12:R136 (http://ccforum.com/ )

" Use of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299 to reduce pathogenic bacteria

in the oropharynx of intubated patients: a randomised controlled open pilot

study "

Authors: B. Klarin, G. Molin, B. Jeppsson, A. Larsson