Antibiotic-perturbed microbiota and the role of probiotics

In 2023, ISAPP convened an expert panel comprising academic experts in probiotics, clinical trials, microbiome science, microbiology and statistical methods to discuss what we know about the ability of probiotics to restore an antibiotic-perturbed microbiota. The topic was suggested by a member of the Industry Advisory Committee to clarify the state of research and highlight paths forward. The group of 8 experts reviewed the available literature and discussed the evidence that probiotics may help restore an antibiotic-perturbed gut microbiota in humans. The group found that although specific probiotics are able to mitigate some clinical harms associated with antibiotic use, the way they accomplish this is not clear. Studies adequately designed to directly address this question were rare, and current evidence did not support the conclusion that probiotics studied so far help restore the gut microbiota to its pre-antibiotic-challenged state. Authors encouraged future studies to directly address this topic.

REFERENCE:

Szajewska H, Scott KP, de Meij T, Forslund-Startceva SK, Knight R, Koren O, Little P, Johnston BC, Łukasik J, Suez J, Tancredi DJ, Sanders ME. Antibiotic-perturbed microbiota and the role of probiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41575-024-01023-x. View-only full-text link.