Can Probiotics Prevent Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis?

In very preterm infants, a combination of three species of probiotics slightly reduced the incidence of moderately severe necrotizing enterocolitis, but not late-onset sepsis.

In preterm infants, gastrointestinal colonization with normal bacterial flora is delayed and lacks biodiversity, thereby allowing potentially pathogenic bacteria to colonize. Alterations in intestinal flora may predispose preterm infants to late-onset sepsis (i.e., occurring >48 hours after birth) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Administering probiotic bacteria to preterm infants has been shown, in meta-analyses, to significantly reduce the incidence of NEC and all-cause mortality, but not late-onset sepsis. Now, researchers in Australia and New Zealand have randomized 1099 infants born before 32 weeks' gestation and weighing <1500 g to receive either a combination of Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus, or Bifidobacte…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Can Probiotics Prevent Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis?

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Reviewing Author