Influence of oral colonization with probiotic E. coli strain after birth on frequency of recurrent infections, allergy and development of some immunologic parameters. Long-term studies
Abstract
The results of our long-term studies confirmed that orally administered probiotic E. coli strain after birth rapidly colonized the gastrontestinal tract of the newborn and remained dominant for many weeks. The long-term presence of the strain in the intestine stimulated local and serum antibody response.
Early induction of secretory IgA production is important particularly in formula-fed infants. The long-term presence of the E. coli strain in the intestine decreased the numer of pathogens colonizing intestinal and other mucous membranes, the frequency of infections and reduced need for antibiotics in premature and high-risk infants.
Ten years later, there was still a lower frequency of repeated infections (23%) in comparison with control children (58%). Colonization with probiotic E. coli strain in infants treated in protected (pathogen-free) environment represented effective prevention of nosocomial infections In the colonized group infections occured in 16% of infants and 130 isolates and 7 genera of pathogens were demonstrated.
In the group treated in conventional environment 40% of infants had nosocomial infections, 238 isolates and 10 genera of pathogens were proved. The hospitalization period was shorter in the first group (26 versus 34 days).
Intentional colonization with probiotic E. coli after birth reduced incidence of allergies after 10 and 20 years (being 12% and 16% in the colonized groups and 33 and 32% in controls).