Wednesday November 19, 2008
Probiotics for oral decontamination

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is commonly used to decontaminate the oral cavity to prevent ventilator associated Pneumonia (VAP). CHX has several side effects including discoloration of teeth, burning taste, local irritation. Bacteria can develop resistance to CHX specially MRSA.

Recently Klarin et all studied the role of Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum 299 (Lp299) and found to be equally effective to prevent colonization of pathogens in mechanically ventilated patients 1.


Related previous pearl: C-difficile and probiotic drink



Reference: Click to get abstract

Use of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299 to reduce pathogenic bacteria in the oropharynx of intubated patients: a randomised controlled open pilot study - Critical Care 2008, 12:R136