US health authorities have proposed a MONTUM-like combination as an alternative treatment to antibiotics for C. difficile diarrhea
Clostridium difficile infections have been noted by EU and US health authorities as an ‘emerging’ healthcare threat – costing the US $1bn annually. Clostridium difficile infection, which can affect the digestive system, is most common in those who have been treated with antibiotics, which can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, fever and painful abdominal cramps. It can also lead to life-threatening complications. Clostridium difficile related deaths have risen to 400% over the last decade. Besides increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance and side effects, these treatments are very expensive.
The University of Wisconsin, University of Virginia and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital proposed a combination of the probiotic strains L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, and Bifidobacteria as an alternative treatment. The proposed probiotic strains combination is similar to commercially available brand MONTUM being promoted to reduce the side effects of antibiotics including Clostridium difficile diarrhea.
SOURCE: Annie Rose Harrison Dunn, Nutra Ingredients. July 29, 2015
