Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea causes an imbalance in the gut microflora, increased gut permeability and inflammation of the intestine (1). If probiotic bacteria are able to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and colonise the gut, then it has been suggested they can be used to help treat or prevent diarrhoea. There are many studies suggesting that probiotics are effective for the treatment and prevention of different types of diarrhoea (2). The mechanisms of action have been studied. One method is thought to be due to the probiotic bacteria interfering with the invasion and adhesion of pathogens (3). In addition to stopping bacteria infecting cells already exposed, probiotic bacteria may help to protect the gut epithelium from further invasion.

When an infection passes to the intestine, the gut mucosa becomes irritated and secretion is increased. These fluids are produced to flush out the infectious agent and are also associated with increased gut motility. Probiotics help to reduce irritation and inflammation of the gut wall, which has the effect of reducing diarrhoea as a physiological response. Literature suggests that probiotics reduce the symptoms and duration of diarrhoea (4). Researchers have therefore concluded that probiotics are a useful addition to rehydration therapy in treating acute infectious diarrhoea in both adults and children. Probiotics are effective in the treatment of diarrhoea caused by bacteria pathogens and Rotavirus, having the greatest effect if given as soon as possible after the onset of diarrhoea.

References
1. Salminen S., Isolauri E., Salminen E. (1996), “Clinical uses of probiotics for stabilizing the gut mucosal barrier: successful strains and future challenges”, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 70:347-58.
2. Shaoul (2-4) R. and Bamberger E. (2004), “An update on probiotics and prebiotics in children”, Harefuah, 143(5):377-81, 389
3. Resta-Lenert S. and Barrett K.E. (2003), “Live probiotics protect intestinal epithelial cells from the effects of infection with enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC)”, Gut, 52(7):988-97.
4. Allen S.J., Okoko B., Martinez E., Gregorio G., Dans L.F. (2004), “Probiotics for treating infectious diarrhoea”, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2:CD003048.