Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common complication in hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Probiotics have emerged as a potential preventive measure against AAD due to their ability to restore gut microbiota balance and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This thesis aimed to investigate the role of probiotics in preventing AAD in hospitalized patients. The study began with a comprehensive literature review on the relationship between antibiotics, gut microbiota, and the development of AAD. The review highlighted the potential of probiotics in preventing AAD by modulating the gut microbiome and enhancing immune responses. Various probiotic strains, dosages, and administration methods were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in preventing AAD. The research methodology involved a randomized controlled trial conducted in a hospital setting, involving hospitalized patients at risk of developing AAD. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either probiotics or a placebo in addition to their antibiotic treatment. Data on the incidence of AAD, stool consistency, and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected and analyzed to assess the efficacy of probiotics in preventing AAD. The findings of the study revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of AAD among patients who received probiotics compared to those who received a placebo. Furthermore, patients in the probiotic group experienced improved stool consistency and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating the beneficial effects of probiotics in preventing AAD. The discussion of the findings highlighted the mechanisms by which probiotics exert their protective effects against AAD, including competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria, enhancement of mucosal barrier function, and modulation of immune responses. The implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research were also discussed. In conclusion, this thesis provides valuable insights into the role of probiotics in preventing AAD in hospitalized patients. The results suggest that probiotics can be an effective and safe strategy for reducing the incidence of AAD and improving clinical outcomes in this patient population. Further research is warranted to optimize probiotic selection, dosing regimens, and treatment protocols to maximize their preventive effects on AAD.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigating the role of probiotics in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients" aims to explore the potential benefits of probiotics in reducing the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) among hospitalized patients. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in hospital settings to treat various infections, but one of the major side effects associated with their use is the disruption of the normal gut microbiota, leading to diarrhea. This has significant implications for patient care, as AAD can prolong hospital stays, increase healthcare costs, and even result in serious complications. The use of probiotics, live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, has been proposed as a potential strategy to prevent or mitigate AAD. Probiotics are believed to help restore the balance of gut microbiota disrupted by antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of diarrhea. However, despite growing interest in probiotics as a preventive measure for AAD, there is still a need for more robust scientific evidence to support their use in clinical practice. This research project will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature on the topic to examine the current state of knowledge regarding the role of probiotics in preventing AAD. The literature review will explore studies that have investigated the efficacy of different probiotic strains, dosages, and formulations in reducing the incidence and severity of AAD in hospitalized patients. Additionally, the review will examine the mechanisms by which probiotics may exert their beneficial effects on gut health and diarrhea prevention. In addition to the literature review, this research project will also include a primary research component involving a prospective clinical trial. The clinical trial will aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific probiotic intervention in preventing AAD among a cohort of hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics. Patients will be randomized to receive either the probiotic intervention or a placebo, and the incidence of AAD and other relevant clinical outcomes will be compared between the two groups. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute valuable insights into the potential role of probiotics in preventing AAD in hospitalized patients. By synthesizing existing evidence and generating new data through a clinical trial, this study aims to provide clinicians and healthcare providers with evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of probiotics as a preventive measure for AAD. Ultimately, the findings of this research have the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care in hospital settings, and inform future clinical practice guidelines related to the management of AAD.