Probiotics in addition to antibiotics for the treatment of acute tonsillitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The probiotic Streptococcus salivarius has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of recurrent pharyngeal infections in children and adult populations. However, probiotics have not yet been evaluated in the treatment of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adults. We aimed to examine whether the addition of S. salivarius probiotics to the routine therapy of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adult patients may shorten disease duration and reduce symptom severity. This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study comparing treatment with probiotics to placebo in addition to antibiotics in patients who were hospitalized with severe pharyngotonsillitis. Laboratory results, pain levels, body temperature, and daily volume of fluids consumed were recorded for both groups. Sixty participants were recruited, 30 for each group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding any of the major clinical and laboratory parameters examined. Supplement probiotic treatment with S. salivarius in patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis treated with penicillin is ineffective in relation to the parameters examined in this study and we cannot, therefore, recommend the use of S. salivarius during active pharyngotonsillar infection treated with penicillin.

Effectiveness of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 for the treatment and/or prevention of sore throat: a systematic review

“…Finally, the single RCT by Gilbey et al [35] that compared SsK12 with placebo as acute therapy for adults hospitalized with pharyngotonsillitis, in conjunction with penicillin, showed no significant benefit of SsK12. It is worth noting that the study's small sample size means that the groups may not have been comparable in terms of baseline risk factors despite randomization.…”

“…Authors were also asked via e-mail for their trial registration details and protocol in order to assess for selective reporting. Doyle et al [36] provided their registration details and protocol, Gilbey et al [35] provided registration details only and the others did not respond.…”

“…Karpova et al [34] did not report on compliance and excluded any children with intolerance to the probiotic from the trial; however, the number of children excluded for this reason was not reported. The one study that reported on the use of SsK12 for acute pharyngotonsillitis excluded three patients (10%) from the probiotic group and four (13%) from the placebo group for lack of compliance with treatment [35]. Reasons for lack of compliance were not reported.…”

Evaluation on immediate analgesic efficacy and safety of Kai-Hou-Jian spray (children’s type) in treating sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common respiratory diseases for which children seek medical care and they are sometimes referred to together as acute sore throat [1].Seventy to 95% of children with acute sore throat are caused by virus, mainly respiratory virus, while 15-30% are caused by bacterial, such as β hemolytic group A Streptococcus [2][3][4]. Systemic analgesia or soothing measures such as gargling with warm salt water are often used to treat sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis, but the relief is short and some systemic analgesic agents have been shown to have some adverse effects.…”

Evaluation on Immediate Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Kai-Hou-Jian Spray (Children 'S Type) In Treating Sore Throat Caused By Acute Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis In Children: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common respiratory diseases for which children seek medical care and they are sometimes referred to together as acute sore throat [1].70-95% of children with acute sore throat are caused by virus, mainly respiratory virus, while 15-30% are caused by bacterial, such as β hemolytic group A Streptococcus [2][3][4]. Systemic analgesia or soothing measures such as gargling with warm salt water are often used to treat sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis, but the relief is short and some systemic analgesic agents have been shown to have some adverse effects.…”