Transient colonization of the gut of newborn infants by orally administered bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
We investigated if orally administered bifidobacteria and/or lactobacilli could be cultured from faeces of infants after antibiotic treatment, when these bacterial species are usually absent. Lyophilized Bifidobacterium longum, strain BB-536, B. breve, strain BB-576, or Lactobacillus acidophilus, strain LAC-343, were used. Doses of 3 x 10(9) cells of one strain, or a mixture of all three strains 3 x 10(9) cells each were fed three times daily at mealtimes to 11 infants aged 0-8 weeks. Treatment was started the first day after antibiotic treatment and was continued for 5 days. The bacterial species were isolated in 9 of 11, 7 of 10 and 2 of 9 specimens obtained on the last day of bifidobacteria or lactobacilli administration, 5 and 15 days thereafter, respectively. No side effects were noted.
Bennet
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Department of Paediatrics, S:t Göran's Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Nord
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Zetterström
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D000284:Administration, Oral; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology*; D007779:Lactobacillus acidophilus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents