Lactobacillus bloodstream infections genetically related to probiotic use in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant patients

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Mar;44(3):484-487. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.515. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

Abstract

We describe a cluster of 6 pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant recipients with Lactobacillus bacteremia attributed to probiotic use. Lactobacillus isolates cultured from probiotics and patients' blood were proven to be related using whole-genome sequencing. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the safety of probiotic use in immunocompromised patients.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteremia* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lactobacillus / genetics
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use