PROBIOTICS in antibiotics associated diarrhea

Diarrhoea is a common occurrence in association with antibiotic administration. Earlier studies and meta-analyses have suggested that probiotic administration reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD).

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD) remains a prevalent condition in both in-patient and out-patient settings. The prevalence of AAD is estimated at 5–39% and is associated with increased costs and hospital length of stay. AAD is a separate clinical entity from Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)-induced diarrhoea and from C. difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis. The occurrence of AAD can be a limiting factor to adherence to antibiotic regimens and to successful completion of treatment.

Probiotics are 'live microorganisms, which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host'. Probiotic administration has been linked to modulation of gut mucosal immunity, barrier function, metabolism and direct interaction with pathogenic bacteria. These effects have been the rationale for the use of probiotics in a variety of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including travellers' diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial overgrowth and C. difficile infection.

Probiotics have been used empirically for the treatment and prevention of AAD. 

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