Select probiotic agents can either prevent or treat antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in both children and adults. Research by some institutions across the country says use of specific probiotic agents can also be helpful in dealing with diarrhoea caused by Clostridium Difficile. Scientists are also looking at the possibility developing designer probiotics to treat specific diseases.
“Our understanding of the role of the microbiota (probiotics) in our gut and other sites in our body is rapidly emerging and could lead to many new and innovative approaches for health care. The promise of the potential role of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of enteric and other infections as an effective solution needs to be realised,” said a study carried out by researchers Dr Neerja Hajela, Dr G. Balakrishna Nair, Dr Philip Abraham and Dr Nirmal K. Ganguly. Probiotics offer immense potential for the prevention and treatment of many diseases including the gastro-intestinal diseases, allergic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, cancers and respiratory diseases.
Trials show that certain probiotic strains are more effective than placebo in many conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Meta analyses indicate effectiveness in reducing the duration of acute enteritis in pre-schoolers and in reducing the frequency of necrotising enterocolitis in pre-term babies, the researchers said. Probiotics are also effective in reducing the severity and duration of adult and paediatric diarrhoeas especially those caused by rotavirus.