Probiotic Intervention With Elderly Subjects

Randomized Placebo Controlled Study to Assess the Effect of a Probiotic Supplement on the Subclinical Levels of Intestinal C. Difficile Among Elderly

The study objective is to evaluate the effect of probiotic on faecal Clostridium difficile levels of elderly subjects.

The study objective is to evaluate the effect of a probiotic Lactobacillus strain in lowering the levels of Clostridium difficile in the intestine of elderly subjects. In addition, the nutritional and general health status will be assessed using validated health related questionnaires. Bowel function and prevalence of infections will be followed throughout the intervention period. The study population consists of elderly home inhabitants. The study will be conducted as a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elderly subjects
• no acute infection at recruitment

Exclusion Criteria:

• antibiotic treatment 1 month prior to beginning of study
• less than 6 month life expectancy