LACTOBACILLUS A HARMLESS PROBIOTIC?

Abstract

Several species of the Lactobacillus genus, as well as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, used as probiotics, have been shown to have a beneficial and preventive effect against the attaching and adhesion of potential pathogens, through several mechanisms, especially in children. We have treated a case of hepatic abscess with bacteremia, as well as another with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by this group of bacteria. Other cases of bacteremia, hepatic abscesses, and even splenic abscesses in patients with diabetes, with or without a history of probiotic consumption, have been reported. Patients with multiple comorbidities, who have been received these bacteria as treatment, have developed bacteremia with unfavorable and even fatal outcomes. It should be noted that, although these bacteria are gram positive, the majority of species are resistant to vancomycin. The patient with abscess and bacteremia underwent surgical drainage and was treated with ampicillin and gentamicin, while patient with UTI was treated with meropenem, both with favorable  outcomes