OBJECTIVETo study the effect of mouth-fed probiotics on pathogenic bacteria colonization of the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation.

METHODSRandomized control method was employed to divide the neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation into probiotics (n=82) and control groups (n=83). The control group received routine treatment. The probiotics group was administered with oral probiotics in addition to routine treatment. The number of pathogenic bacteria colonized on the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract, and the number of the bacterial strain of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the two groups were examined. The timing of the bacteria colonization and VAP occurrence were also examined.

RESULTSThe probiotics group presented a lower bacterial strain colonization rate of the oropharynx pathogenic bacteria than the control group (35% vs 51%; P<0.05). The colonization time of pathogenic bacteria of the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract, and the time of VAP occurrence lagged behind in the probiotics group compared with that the control group (P<0.05). No adverse reaction caused by probiotics was found.

CONCLUSIONSProbiotics administration is effective in decreasing pathogenic bacteria colonization on the oropharynx, in postponing the pathogenic bacteria colonization on the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract and in delaying the occurrence of VAP in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation.