Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology
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Pertanika ยท Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for scholarly work across science, engineering and related technologies.

e-ISSN 2231-8526 ISSN 0128-7680
Research article

A Review on the Effects of Probiotics and Antibiotics towards Clostridium difficile Infections

Hazirah, A., Loong, Y. Y., Rushdan, A. A., Rukman, A. H. and Yazid, M. M.

KeywordsClostridium difficile, Probiotic, Antibiotic
Article content

Abstract

Clostridium difficile can cause severe diseases with significant morbidity and mortality in infected patients. The rate of Clostridium difficile infection is high in North America and European countries. Metronidazole and vancomycin have been recommended as the treatments of choice since 1990s. Recurrent infection due to Clostridium difficile is common after several days of antibiotic administration. Probiotics have been used in these patients as an adjunct treatment with some successful findings. However, a detailed investigation on the use of probiotic for infected patients is still needed, particularly for its real efficacy.