Gastrointestinal infections prevention

Kastner, Lf., Glasl, S., Follrich, B., Guggenbichler, J. P., and Jurenitsch, J. (2002). Acid oligosaccharides as the active principle of aqueous carrot extracts for prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal infections. Wien. Med. Wochenschr. 152, 379-381. 

Nitrofurans (NFs) are synthetic chemotherapeutic agents effective in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal infections caused by Escherichia Coli and Salmonella spp. Administered orally, usually as feed additives, they are widely used in treating cows, cattle, pigs, and poultry. 

Perdigon, G. et al., Prevention of gastrointestinal infection using immunobiological methods with milk fermented with Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus, J. Dairy Res., 57, 255, 1990. 

Probiotics are live microbes that exert health benefits when ingested in sufficient quantities. Species of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, sometimes combined with Streptococcus thermophilus, are the main bacteria used as probiotics in fermented dairy products. Most probiotic research has been done with nutra-ceutical preparations, but yogurt has been shown to alleviate lactose intolerance, prevent vaginal can-didosis in women with recurrent vaginitis, and reduce the incidence or severity of gastrointestinal infections. 

The cephalosporins also may be used perioperatively, that is, during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods, to prevent infection in patients having surgery on a contaminated or potentially contaminated area, such as the gastrointestinal tract or vagina In some instances, a specific drug may be recommended for postoperative prophylactic use only. 

URINARY ANTI-INFECTIVES. To promote an optimal response to therapy, the nurse gives tiiese drug with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset. The nurse... 

Several antibiotics have been used to treat intestinal protozoal infections. Erythromycin and tetracycline do not have a direct effect on the protozoa they act by altering intestinal bacterial flora and preventing secondary infection. Tetracycline also reduces the normal gastrointestinal bacterial flora on which the amebas depend for growth. 

Selective decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract was conceptualised with a view to preventing nosocomial infection (mainly due to enterobacteriaciae), specifically ventilator-associated pneumonia, in intensive care units. Protocols typically included the prescription of an intravenous cephalosporin with good activity against such Gram-negative pathogens (e.g. cefotaxime) with co-prescribed, poorly... 

Tetracycline Prevents bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit Bacteriostatic activity against susceptible bacteria Infections caused by mycoplasma, chlamydiae, rickettsiae, some spirochetes malaria H pylori acne Oral mixed clearance (half-life 8 h) dosed every 6 h divalent cations impair oral absorption Toxicity Gastrointestinal upset, hepatotoxicity, photosensitivity, deposition in bone and teeth... 

Terbinafine Inhibits epoxidation of squalene in fungi increased levels are toxic to them Reduces ergosterol prevents synthesis of fungal cell membrane Mucocutaneous fungal infections Oral t duration, days Toxicity Gastrointestinal upset, headache, hepatoxicity t Interactions None reported... 

Echinacea is derived from the root and seeds of the Echinacea plant that grows in parts of the Midwestern United States. This herb is used primarily to stimulate or support the immune system, and is often used to treat cold symptoms and other relatively minor respiratory tract infections.8 38 Although the exact reasons for beneficial effects are unclear, there is considerable evidence that echinacea preparations can reduce symptoms of the common cold when taken soon after symptoms appear.5,71 The ability of echinacea to prevent colds and other infections, however, is less well defined.49 Echinacea can also be administered topically to treat burns and other localized wounds. The most common side effects associated with echinacea are gastrointestinal (GI) upset, skin rash, and other allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.36... 

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