Efficacy of<i>Lactobacillus GG</i>as a Diarrheal Preventive in Travelers
Eileen Hilton, Pat Kolakowski(Albert Einstein College of Medicine), Carol Singer(Albert Einstein College of Medicine), Miriam A. Smith(Albert Einstein College of Medicine)
Cited by 325Open Access
Abstract
Traveler's diarrhea can be a debilitating problem for individuals on international trips. Retrospective and prospective studies have shown the incidence of traveler's diarrhea to range from 15-56%. 1,2A placebo-controlled, double-blinded study in Finnish travelers found that the probiotic Lactobacillus GG decreases the incidence of traveler's diarrhea.3 Lactobacillus GG, initially isolated from healthy humans, is remarkable in its ability to resist acid and bile degradation and to adhere to the intestinal mucosa.4 To assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in preventing diarrhea in American tourists, a study was conducted at the Travel and Immunization Center of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC).