Probiotics Shorten Fever Duration in Children with URTIs: JAMA
Probiotics are emerging as a potential approach to managing infectious diseases. Researchers have found in a placebo-controlled trial in Italy that a probiotic mixture reduced fever duration by 2 days in children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Further Adverse events were mild and similar between two groups.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are prevalent in children, prompting frequent health care consultations, especially among those with fever. Probiotics show potential as an adjuvant treatment for URTIs, but evidence in children is limited. A study was done evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in shortening fever duration among children with URTIs.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted between November 19, 2021, and June 20, 2023, at the pediatric emergency department of the Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. Patients between 28 days and 4 years of age with a fever (≥38.5 °C) and URTI were eligible. Exclusion criteria included recent probiotic use, chronic autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive treatment, and requirement for hospitalization. Randomization was computer generated and assigned participants to either the intervention (probiotics) or control (placebo) group. Participants, parents or caregivers, and investigators were masked to the group assignments.
The primary analysis followed the intention-to-treat approach. The probiotic group received daily single dose of 0.5 mL probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 for 14 days. The placebo group received daily single dose of 0.5 mL placebo for 14 days. Results Of the 128 patients enrolled (69 males [54%]; mean [SD] age 2.5 [1.3] years), 65 (51%) were randomly assigned to receive placebo and 63 (49%) to receive probiotics.
The median (IQR) fever duration was shorter in the probiotic group than the placebo group (median [IQR], 3 [2-4] days vs 5 [4-6] days; adjusted risk ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51-0.80). Few mild adverse events were reported and did not significantly differ between the probiotic and placebo groups, including constipation (6 [16%] and 6 [12%]; P = .80) and abdominal pain (3 [8%] and 2 [4%]; P = .65).
In this randomized clinical trial, administering a probiotic mixture reduced fever duration by 2 days compared with placebo, with no meaningful safety concerns. The probiotic mixture under investigation could be an effective adjuvant for shortening fever duration in children with URTIs.
Reference:
Bettocchi S, Comotti A, Elli M, et al. Probiotics and Fever Duration in Children With Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(3):e250669. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0669
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.