Probiotics to Promote Intestinal Health

Randomized Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG to Promote Intestinal Health

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 broad spectrum antimicrobials.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults ≥ 18 years old
• Admission to the non-ICU medical and surgical wards
• On broad spectrum antimicrobials with an anticipated length of stay of >48 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Non English speaking
• Expected to die within 7 days
• Unable or unwilling to consent
• HIV infection with a CD4 count <200
• Neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count less than 500 cells/ml (or expected to drop to less than 500)
• Clinically significant diarrhea or history of C. difficile infection in the last 3 months
• History of VRE colonization and/or infection in the last year
• Transplant recipients