The Use of Probiotics to Evaluate Colonization With Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria

The Use of the Probiotic, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG to Evaluate Colonization With Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in High Risk Patients

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of bacteria called Lactobacillus GG, a Probiotic, in preventing the growth of resistant bacteria in the digestive tract in patients on a ventilator.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥ 18 years old
• Admission to the Medical ICU
• Expected to be on Mechanical Ventilation through an endotracheal tube for >48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Immunosuppression
• Prosthetic valve or vascular graft
• Cardiac trauma
• Pancreatitis
• History of rheumatic fever
• Endocarditis or congenital cardiac abnormality
• Gastroesophageal or intestinal injury or foregut surgery during the current admission
• Oropharyngeal mucosal injury
• Placement of a tracheostomy