Evaluation of the probiotic Lactobacillus Fermentum for the prevention of mastitis in breastfeeding women: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Mastitis and accompanying pain have been associated with the cessation of breastfeeding.1-3 Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast and may be related to decreased immunity and lowered resistance to infection. 4 Mastitis affects up to one in five breastfeeding women with most episodes occurring in the first 6-8 weeks postpartum.5 Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of mastitis, but have not been popular or proven effective as a preventative agent.6 The WHO has highlighted significant concerns relating to adverse harms of antibiotic use with the production of antibioticresistant strains of disease organisms.7 Increasing research suggests that specific probiotic bacteria possess significant anti-inflammatory properties and supports their potential use as immunomodulatory agents.8 While animal studies have shown promising results in the use of probiotics for preventing mastitis9, their use in human trials has had limited investigation.