While antibiotics help rid us of infections, they do not distinguish between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria and their use significantly alters the intestinal flora. By reducing the population of pro-digestive bacteria and disrupting normal digestive processes, antibiotic treatments can cause diarrhea even without the presence of a secondary infection. Studies show that over 30% of the cases of adult-onset diarrhea are caused by infections and antibiotics1.
With the intestinal flora reduced, an important first line of defense against infection is compromised, increasing the body’s vulnerability to secondary infections that can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is the most prevalent secondary effect of hospital treatment, afflicting up to 39% of hospital patients on antibiotics. The most serious incidences of AAD are due to an overgrowth of C. Difficile: a bacterium that flourishes when the intestinal flora is eradicated and is also highly resistant to most antibiotics. The resulting illness is known as C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). The elderly, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of contracting antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and it has a high rate of recurrence.
While antibiotic-associated diarrhea includes depletion of the microflora, consuming probiotics contributes to its maintenance and renewal. Probiotic bacteria also reinforce the mucosal barrier lining the intestine and deter pathogenic bacteria from multiplying by adhering temporarily to the walls of the intestine to compete for space and the nutrients found there. In addition, lactic bacteria, particularly L. acidophilus and L. casei, produce hydrogen peroxide, lactic and organic acids, and natural antimicrobial substances called bacteriocins, all of which can inhibit the growth of infectious agents2 and may also alter bacterial production of toxins.
Probiotics have been shown in some studies to reduce the duration period of acute diarrhea. Recent clinical studies affirm that Bio-K+® probiotics are effective in treating and preventing AAD and CDAD3,4. As well, research has shown Bio-K+® to be able to inhibit the growth of certain infectious microorganisms: E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Staphyloccocus aureus, and to eradicate them in less than 48 hours5. These pathogens are responsible for a host of health problems including traveler’s diarrhea and gastroenteritis. More and more hospitals are turning to Bio-K+® as their normal course of patient treatment for these intractable infections.
- 1. Gerding DN. Clindamycin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and Clostridium difficle-associated diarrhea: this is an antimicrobial resistance problem. Clin Infect Dis. 2004;38:646-648.
- 2. Penna, FJ et al. Up to date clinical and experimental basis for the use of probiotics. J Pediatr. 2000:76 (suppl): 209-217.
- 3. Gao, XW et al. Dose–response efficacy of a proprietary probiotic formula of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus casei LBC80R for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea prophylaxis in adult patients. Am J Gastroenterol 2010
- 4. Beausoleil M et al. Effect of a fermented milk combining Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus casei in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Gastroenterology. 2007;21(11):732-736
- 5. Millette M, et al. In vitro growth control of selected pathogens by Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei-fermented milk. Letters in Applied Microbiology 2007;44:314-319