Quality of probiotic products for preterm infants: Contamination and missing strains. (30th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vermeulen, Marijn J.; Luijendijk, Ad; van Toledo, Letty; van Kaam, Anton H.; Reiss, Irwin K. M.
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 109:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2019-09-30
• Subjects: contamination -- Infloran -- necrotising enterocolitis -- probiotics -- safety; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.14976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Probiotics are effective in reducing necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants, but routine use is not generally adopted. We describe a safety issue concerning contamination by pathogenic bacteria and missing of labelled strains in a probiotic product widely used in neonatal care. We recommend all centres using probiotics in the care of vulnerable patients to consider product safety checks in addition to the quality reports of manufacturers. Meanwhile, clinicians and manufacturers should collaborate to define quality standards for probiotic products in clinical settings as long as specific international regulations are lacking.