A small randomized controlled trial in Italy found that probiotics may help children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). From November 19, 2021, to June 20, 2023, 128 children who presented with a fever and URTI were randomized to receive a daily single dose of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a daily dose of placebo for 14 days. As published in JAMA Network Open, researchers found the median (IQR) fever duration was 2 days shorter in the probiotic group than the placebo group (median [IQR], 3 [2-4] days vs 5 [4-6] days; adjusted risk ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.80). Both groups had similar adverse events such as constipation and abdominal pain.
More work to do: The authors say, “the interplay between gut microbiome, inflammatory processes, and immune response suggests the possible role of probiotics in infectious conditions not limited to the gastrointestinal tract.” The study was relatively small, and only 77 patients were fully adherent with the treatment protocol.