Field study with probiotics in Tanzania: Promising effect against multidrug-resistant bacteria

In this recent article in Lancet Global Health, we present findings from a randomized placebo-controlled trial of probiotics for newborns in Tanzania. The study enrolled 2,000 infants within the first 3 days of life. About half were born outside hospitals, most at home in rural areas, and were recruited by a research assistant traveling around on a motorcycle. We found no effect of probiotics on the primary endpoint, which was a composite of hospitalization and death.

In the picture are Prof. Claus Klingenberg from Tromsø, research nurse Rehema Bukhay (with the baby), and on the far right Dr. Joshua Gidabayda and Bjørn.

But the study shows that probiotics reduce the carriage of multiresistant (ESBL-producing) Gram negative bacteria in the intestine, especially in those who were born in hospitals. Future studies are needed to find out how probiotics can possibly be used in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Co-authors from K2 are Iren Löhr, Sabrina Moyo, Nina Langeland and Bjørn Blomberg.

Best, Bjørn

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00064-6/fulltext

The motorcycle team on their way to the villages.