The Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on Clinical Status and Biomarkers of Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in Children with Brucellosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background. Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of brucellosis. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the impact of probiotics administration on clinical status and biomarkers of oxidative damage and inflammation in pediatric patients diagnosed with brucellosis. Methods. This randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial was performed by recruiting 40 patients, 8–15 years of age, who had been diagnosed with brucellosis. Study participants were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either probiotics supplement or placebo (n = 20 each group) for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the onset and after 8 weeks of intervention to quantify biochemical parameters. Clinical status was examined by a pediatric infectious disease specialist. Results. Following 8-week intervention, probiotics supplementation substantially improved total antioxidant capacity ( $P<0.001$ ) and malondialdehyde ( $P=0.002$ ). Furthermore, the difference between probiotics group and placebo group for the duration of fever ( $P=0.02$ ) and musculoskeletal pain ( $P=0.001$ ) was statistically significant, though probiotics administration had no significant effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total glutathione, and other clinical outcomes compared with placebo. Conclusion. Overall, probiotics intake had beneficial impact on clinical status and body antioxidative defense system in pediatric patients with brucellosis.