Abstract
The usefulness of probiotics in the treatment as well as prevention of many infections and disorders has been confirmed by previous clinical studies. They can protect not only against gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea or enteritis but they have proven efficacy against pneumonia, urogenital infection, depression/anxiety, cancer metastasis, obesity, and others. However, it should be mentioned that not all clinical trials have shown improvement of health in patients undergoing probiotic treatment, and very rarely have even reported that probiotic strains may be the causative agents of opportunistic infections. Studies have documented cases of sepsis/bacteremia, endocarditis, liver abscess, pneumonia, and fungemia caused by probiotic strains, mainly in high-risk groups. This review summarizes the cases of infections caused by probiotic strains and the potential hazard associated with the supplementation of probiotics in seriously ill and hospitalized patients.
Highlights
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have long been known to have a positive impact on human health
Probiotic strains have a direct effect on commensal and pathogenic microorganisms colonizing the gut, which is important in the treatment and prevention of intestinal infections
This review summarizes the cases of infections caused by probiotic strains and the potential hazard associated with the supplementation of probiotics in seriously ill and hospitalized patients
Summary
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have long been known to have a positive impact on human health. Probiotic strains have a direct effect on commensal and pathogenic microorganisms colonizing the gut, which is important in the treatment and prevention of intestinal infections. They may have the effect of restoring the microbiological. The benefits of probiotic use are indisputable and widely proven, one cannot forget about exceptionally rare, but sometimes undesirable effects. Due to their widespread use, it is critical to make certain that the probiotic strains currently available on the market are safe to use [23]. This review summarizes the cases of infections caused by probiotic strains and the potential hazard associated with the supplementation of probiotics in seriously ill and hospitalized patients
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