Lactobacillus plantarum 299v reduces colonisation of Clostridium difficile in critically ill patients treated with antibiotics.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) in hospitalised patients is increasing. Critically ill patients are often treated with antibiotics and are at a high risk of developing CDAD. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) has been found to reduce recurrence of CDAD. We investigated intensive care unit (ICU) patients with respect to the impact of Lp299v on C. difficile colonisation and on gut permeability and parameters of inflammation and infection in that context.


METHODS
Twenty-two ICU patients were given a fermented oatmeal gruel containing Lp299v, and 22 received an equivalent product without the bacteria. Faecal samples for analyses of C. difficile and Lp299v were taken at inclusion and then twice a week during the ICU stay. Other cultures were performed on clinical indication. Infection and inflammation parameters were analysed daily. Gut permeability was assessed using a sugar probe technique.


RESULTS
Colonisation with C. difficile was detected in 19% (4/21) of controls but in none of the Lp299v-treated patients (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Enteral administration of the probiotic bacterium Lp299v to critically ill patients treated with antibiotics reduced colonisation with C. difficile.
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. bengt.klarin@med.lu.se
B
B
Klarin
M
M
Wullt
I
I
Palmquist
G
G
Molin
A
A
Larsson
B
B
Jeppsson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000187:drug effects*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048191:Lactiplantibacillus plantarum / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents