Cross-colonization of infants with probiotic organisms in a neonatal unit

SummaryThis study aimed to assess probiotic cross-colonization between infants in a neonatal unit where probiotics were being administered to preterm infants during a clinical trial. We tested stool samples from all infants present in the unit at two time points; the first was during the trial and the second was after trial completion. Samples from 43 infants were tested during the trial; all five infants receiving probiotics and three of 38 not receiving probiotics were colonized. Only one of 44 infants tested after the trial was colonized. The rate of cross-colonization was lower than in previous probiotic studies.