Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .
Probiotics and Prebiotics in Preventing Episodes of Acute Otitis Media in High-risk Children: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Background : Several studies have suggested that probiotics ( proB ) and /or prebiotics ( preB ) could reduce the burden of infection in infants and toddlers . We aim ed to determine whether follow-up formula supplemented with proB and preB could reduce the risk of acute otitis media ( AOM ) . Methods : In this double-blind , placebo-controlled trial from November 2007 to April 2009 , 37 pediatricians in France enrolled children 7 to 13 months of age with high risk of AOM who were r and omly assigned to receive  follow-up formula supplemented with proB ( Streptococcus thermophilus NCC 2496 , Streptococcus salivarius DSM 13084 , Lactobacillus rhamnosus LPR CGMCC 1.3724 ) and preB ( Raftilose/Raftiline ) or follow-up formula alone ( placebo ) . During 12 months , the 2 groups were compared for number of AOM episodes diagnosed ( primary outcome ) and secondary outcomes by the Poisson model ( incidence rate ratio [ IRR ] ) or logistic regression ( odds ratio ; and 95 % confidence interval [ 95 % CI ] ) after adjustment on covariates of interest . Results : We enrolled 224 children ( 112 in each group ) . All children were vaccinated ( 4 doses ) with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine ; demographic characteristics were similar in the 2 groups . In total , 486 AOM episodes were reported , 249 and 237 in the treatment and control groups , respectively . The treatment and control groups did not differ in incidence of AOM ( IRR 1.0 , 95 % CI : 0.8–1.2 ) , lower respiratory tract infections ( IRR 0.9 , 0.7–1.2 ) or number of antibiotic treatment courses ( IRR = 1.0 , 95 % CI : 0.8–1.2 ) . Treatment was not associated with recurrent AOM ( odds ratio 1.0 , 95 % CI : 0.5–1.7 ) . With regard to gastrointestinal disorders , both formulas were well tolerated . Conclusion : The proB and preB included in follow-up formula given to children at 7 to 13 months of age did not reduce the risk of AOM , recurrent AOM , antibiotic use or lower respiratory tract infections at 1 year
Conclusion : Based on the available data and taking into account the safety profile of RCTs , probiotic consumption appears to be a feasible way to decrease the incidence of RTIs in children
Background : Respiratory tract infections ( RTIs ) represent one of the main health problems in children .
Probiotics are viable bacteria that colonize the intestine and affect the host intestinal microbial balance .
Accumulating evidence suggests that probiotic consumption may decrease the incidence of or modify RTIs .
The authors systematic ally review ed data from r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) to investigate the effect of probiotic consumption on  RTIs in children .