The potential role of probiotics in pediatric urology.

PURPOSE

The application of select microbial strains to increase the host population of good bacteria is called probiotics, a term defined as "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." This review was done to evaluate the potential role that probiotic therapy may have in pediatric urology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Many children around the world die of diseases, such as gastrointestinal infection and HIV, while many have urinary tract infections that subsequently recur frequently in adulthood. Until recently the role of intestinal and urogenital (vaginal, urethral and perineal) microflora in health and disease has received scant attention. The data available in the literature on this topic were examined and a personal viewpoint is presented on how they may relate to urology.

RESULTS

There is mounting evidence that certain strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria have a major part in the maintenance and restoration of health in children and adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications for pediatric urology include a decreased risk of infection and stone disease as well as possible positive effects on preventing and managing inflammatory and some carcinogenic diseases.