Probiotics to treat hospital bugs

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A series of UK hospitals are linking up for the £1.2 million three-year clinical trials into the use of probiotics.

In their sights is the potential killer C difficile bug which is an increasing worry for older patients heading for hospital.

If the results prove positive, lives and millions of pounds will be saved and waiting lists in UK hospitals will inevitably drop.

For often anxious elderly patients it means their stay in hospital will be shorter and more comfortable.

Health bodies around the world could turn to the UK as those hospitals involved are seen as centres of excellence in their field.

The link-up is between Swansea University's School of Medicine and the city's Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust in south Wales.

They will work in partnership with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Together they will recruit 3,000 patients aged 65 and over to the trials who are receiving antibiotics while in hospital.

Those taking part will simply be asked to take a probiotic pill with their antibiotic medication. The hope is that "healthy bacteria," such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, will be shown to suppress the negative effects of antibiotics.