Within us lives trillions of gut bacteria. The diversity of species (at least 5,000 strains) makes individuals’ community of gut microbiota unique1. Recent research has found that certain types and combinations of gut bacteria are found in healthy individuals. Gut bacteria can influence health in various ways from your immune system to heart disease2. You know as a health professional the importance and usefulness of antibiotics.
One of your patients, Jane, has tested positive for Clostridium difficile, or C. Diff, and is started on antibiotics. From your research, you have found that probiotics can help with treatment. Consider the following questions: Would you suggest to the health provider (MD/DO/NP) the use of a probiotic for the recovery of Jane?
Explain your reasoning. What would be your science-based argument? Be sure to cite any outside resources. Citations Harvard Health Publishing. (2016, October). Can gut bacteria improve your health?
Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-gut-bacteria-improve-your-health (Links to an external site.) Mills, J. P., Rao, K., & Young, V. B. (2018, January). Probiotics for prevention of clostridium difficile infection. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 34(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/mog.0000000000000410