Efficacy of probiotic bacteria Bacillus clausii in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children
Abstract
Aim - to systematically review contemporary evidence on the efficacy of Bacillus clausii strains in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children, assess the degree of inconsistency in the evidence base, and propose practical recommendations for pediatric clinical practice.
Narrative literature review with systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2000-2026). PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Fifty-four full-text articles (original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses) containing data on Bacillus clausii use in children with acute gastroenteritis were included. No meta-analysis was performed due to data heterogeneity; qualitative synthesis was applied.
The mixture of Bacillus clausii strains (O/C, N/R, SIN, T) reduces the duration of diarrhea by an average of 9-14 hours, with a moderate standardized effect size, decreases stool frequency, and promotes faster clinical recovery in children with AGE, including rotavirus etiology. The effect is most pronounced during the first 3-5 days of treatment and in young children. Results of individual randomized trials are heterogeneous, ranging from statistically significant reduction of diarrhea duration by 12-34 hours to no significant difference compared to placebo. The preparation demonstrates a high safety profile and good tolerability without serious adverse events.
Conclusions. Bacillus clausii-based preparations may be recommended as adjunctive therapy in children…
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