Abstract
A topic summary on probiotics, the live microorganisms showing beneficial effects on our health status, is presented. The function of the gut microbiome and the factors shaping its biodiversity are described.
We provide an overview of the most commonly used probiotic microorganisms and outline also the characteristics and significance of prebiotics. Further, we report on the demonstrable effects of probiotics in diarrheal diseases associated with antibiotics use or caused by bacteria (Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Salmonella) or rotaviruses, in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, skin diseases, etc.
At selected diagnoses the article provides information on the possible healing effects of some probiotics. Probiotic preparations have an undeniable potential, for example, in the prevention of severe intestinal inflammation in preterm infants, in the prevention of diarrhea caused by antibiotics, diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile, in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, or in gastric infections caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Further research providing a deeper insight into probiotics in association with certain diseases is necessary