Use of probiotics to combat diarrhoea

Probiotic strains have been evaluated for their anti-diarrhoeal capabilities, with some proving more successful than others (Table 6.1). L. rhamnosnus GG has repeatedly been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhoea by about 50% in patients with acute infantile diarrhoea caused by rotavirus (Isolauri et al. 1999). The mechanisms of action have not been fidly elucidated but may involve fortification of the mucosal integrity and/or stimulation of specific anti-rotavirus IgA. Other probiotic strains have been shown to reduce the incidence of rotaviral diarrhoea, that is, B. hifidum given in conjunction with S. thermophilus in standard milk formula (Saavedra etal. 1994). 

Infantile diarrhoea Lactobacillus GG Reduced duration of rotaviral diarrhoea Isolauri etal. (1991) Isolauri etal. (1994) Kaila etal. (1992) Majamaa etal. (1995) 

Antibiotic - associated- diarrhoea/ B. longum Decreased course of eryth romyc i n -i nd uced diarrhoea Colombel etal. (1987) 

Travellers L. acidophilus Decreased frequency, not Black etal. (1989) 

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