Micro-organisms administered in the benefit of the host: myths and facts.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the published literature on the potential benefit of micro-organisms on the general well being of the host.


METHODS
All published prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with micro-organisms to improve the health of the host were critically reviewed.


RESULTS
According to published data, there is evidence suggesting that Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG or Lactobacillus casei strain GG and Saccharomyces boulardii may be of possible benefit for the treatment of several medical conditions. However, published data on the therapeutic effect of other micro-organisms are almost non-existent.


CONCLUSIONS
Better designed prospective, randomized, and placebo-controlled studies are needed. Most of the present strains have not been selected in a rational way, but apparently represent rather randomly picked isolates. Although the theoretical advantages of micro-organisms administered to the benefit of the host are extremely interesting and promising, results of clinical trials are disappointing.
Marchand
J
J
Academisch Ziekenhuis Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Vandenplas
Y
Y
D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000502:physiology; D007780:Lacticaseibacillus casei / Q000502:physiology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012440:Saccharomyces / Q000502:physiology