Pathogen-Specific Benefits of Probiotic and Synbiotic Use in Childhood Acute Gastroenteritis: An Updated Review of the Literature

Abstract

Probiotics represent viable microorganisms which are found within the normal gut microbiota, that exert strain-specific benefits in the management of several gastrointestinal disorders in children, including acute gastroenteritis. This review aims to evaluate the pathogen-specific role of probiotic supplementation in childhood diarrhea. A search of scientific databases was conducted to identify studies which investigated efficacy of probiotics and synbiotics in influencing outcome of acute gastroenteritis of known etiology. We identified 32 studies, most of which analyzed impact of probiotic supplementation in rotavirus gastroenteritis, while a very limited number of these conducted a separate analysis on bacterial diarrhea. Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), L. reuteri and S. boulardii still remain the most researched strains, with a proven role in decreasing diarrhea and hospitalization duration, especially in the setting of rotavirus infection. Combined products containing at least one of the aforementioned strains also performed similarly and might also influence rotavirus fecal shedding. Rotavirus immunization status has also been proposed as a significant influencing factor of probiotic use impact. The paucity of research focusing on bacterial etiologies, as well as of clinical trials conducted within ambulatory care units leaves room for further research on the matter, which needs to include larger cohort studies.

Effect of Mothers’ Application of Yogurt Probiotic Bacteria on Relieving their young Children’s Acute Gastroenteritis

“…The findings of the current study showed that the statistically significant differences were illustrated between the probiotic study and control groups regarding experience of vomiting where less than half of children in the probiotic study group didn't experience vomiting on the first day and this percentage increased on the second and third day compared to the percentages of children in control group. This could be explained in the light of, the probiotic intake increased the level of Bile Salt Hydrolase generating bacteria, which produced free bile acids that enhancing gastrointestinal motility and metabolism and it also have the antiinflammatory and metabolic effects (Săsăran, 2023;Bourgin et al,2021). Liu et al, (2021) who studied the effect of probiotics on improvement of gastrointestinal function also support the results of the present study were mentioned that probiotic intake significantly reduced frequency of vomiting.…”

A Probiotic Bacterium with Activity against the Most Frequent Bacteria and Viruses Causing Pediatric Diarrhea: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 (B. infantis IM1®)

“…These recommendations are grounded on weak evidence [ 44 ]. A lower level of evidence supports the use of L. reuteri for the same purpose, while a recommendation advises against the use of Bacillus clausii, as well as the combination of L. reuteri and L. helveticus in childhood diarrhea, in alignment with their preceding publications [ 45 , 46 ]. The authors refrained from offering specific guidance for diarrhea with a confirmed etiology and recognized the potential impact of rotavirus vaccine coverage on their examination of previously published data [ 45 , 47 ].…”

Effect of probiotics intake on constipation in children: an umbrella review

“…The gut microbiota is crucial to human health, and its condition is related to many childhood diseases (6). Probiotics are a combination of living bacteria and yeast, including the well-known strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and L. brevis (4,7). Probiotics are now defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) (8).…”