REDUCTION OF DIARRHEAL ILLNESS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OFLACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM 299V IN A DAYCARE FACILITY

Abstract

102 Rationale:Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is one of several recently described probiotic bacteria. These organisms by definition result in specific health benefits such as disease prevention or amelioration. This particular probiotic has been shown to adhere to mucosal epithelial cells and competitively inhibit the attachment of pathogenic organisms such asE. coli in cell culture systems. It also reduces gut inflammation in a variety of animal models. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that this organism might be useful in preventing the spread of diarrheal disease in a daycare setting. Methods: We administered 1010 colony-forming units per day in fermented oatmeal powder to 71 children attending day care in a region of Brazil with a high incidence of infectious diarrhea. Seventy-two children were given non-fermented oatmeal powder as a control. Number of diarrheal days was measured in both groups. Diarrhea was defined as more than 3 loose watery stools in 24 hours. All children were monitored for signs and symptoms of infection by research staff present on a daily basis. After the first month, the dose was decreased to every other day, and was given weekly the third month. All children were between the ages of six months and three years and all meals were consumed in the day care. There were no differences in age or sex between active and control groups. Results: While there were no differences in diarrheal days between treatment and control groups, 42 diarrheal days occurred during the first month and only 5 the second month in the entire group. The incidence of respiratory infections also decreased from 123 days the first month to 34 cases the second month. These differences were highly unusual, could not be explained by seasonal variation, and were contrary to the experiences of prior years. Data on the third month is presently being collected. Conclusion: We speculate that colonization with the probioticLactobacillus plantarum 299v in half the children in this daycare setting reduced the dissemination of infectious diarrhea in this highly susceptible population.