Via practica 4/2007

PROBIOTICS IN AMBULATORY PRACTICE

Probiotics are living microorganisms, which have (in sufficient amount) significant benefit on hosting organism. Adherence to mucosal cells of intestine and replacing pathogens belong to their basic characteristics. Furthermore, the contact of probiotic bacteria with gut associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) lead to activation of several immunological mechanisms. Typical targets of probiotic therapy are infectious and post-antibiotic enterocolitis, acute viral diarrhoea as well as diarrhoea after radiotherapy, idiopathic bowel inflammatory disease, infections with Helicobacter pylori, prevention of allergies and atopic dermatitis. Other beneficial effects include prevention of carcinogenesis, influence on lipid metabolism as well as prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and dental caries. Since the probiotics are non-pathogen microorganisms, they are considered as generally safe drugs. Increased risk of adverse effects can be found after longlasting high dose therapy in autoimmune patients and in patients with immature or disturbed immunity.

Keywords: probiotics, imunity, carcinogenesis, prevention, therapy.