Probiotic May Help Symptoms of Recurring Prostate Problem

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a rare condition that causes recurring infections in the prostate and results in swelling, inflammation, and frequent urinary tract infections. A recent study suggests that supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei may help improve symptoms and reduce antibiotic use in people with chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Eighty-four males with chronic bacterial prostatitis participated in the study. The participants were treated with antibiotics at the beginning of the study to obtain infection free status. They were given 2 capsules daily of Lactobacillus paracasei (containing at least 24 billion live cells per capsule) for 3 months. Clinical and microbiological analyses were conducted at baseline and at 6 months. In addition, the Italian versions of the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score were administered at baseline and at 6 months.  Antibiotic use was tracked throughout the study period.

At the 6-month follow-up, 72.6% of participants reported a significant clinical improvement in symptoms and significant changes in their NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom scores. Overall, participants also saw a statistically significant reduction of symptomatic recurrence rate and a significant decrease in antibiotic use.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Catanzaro and the University of Oslo.It was published online ahead of print on January 13, 2021 in the World Journal of Urology.