International journal of antimicrobial agents
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Int. J. Antimicrob. Agents · Nov 2002
ReviewThe place of probiotics in human intestinal infections.
A number of studies have been carried out on the effect of several probiotic species on treatment and prevention of intestinal infections. The most commonly used microorganisms are lactic-acid producing bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria belonging to the human normal microflora. In vitro and animal studies have shown that probiotic microorganisms interfere with the colonisation of Helicobacter pylori and of enteropathogenic microorganisms. ⋯ Clinically significant benefits of probiotics have been demonstrated in the treatment of rotavirus induced diarrhoea and of Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (AAD). In patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, several probiotic strains have been shown to be as effective as traditional medication in preventing relapses. Standardised and well performed studies are needed to elucidate further the mechanisms of action and the clinical significance of probiotics.
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Bacillus anthracis infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation depending on the mode of infection. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease but the inhalation form can also be used as a biological warfare agent. The recent mail spread outbreak of bioterrorism-related infections in the USA prompted the introduction of specific guidelines by the USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ⋯ The same agents are also advocated for the treatment of inhalation anthrax. However, therapy with two or more antimicrobial agents that are predicted to be effective are recommended. Other agents with in vitro activity are also suggested for be use in conjunction with ciprofloxacin or doxycycline include rifampciin, vancomycin, imipenem, chloramphenicol, penicillin and ampicillin, clindamycin, and clarithromycin.