Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum (the cause of cryptosporidiosis) has become one of the most common enteropathogens causing diarrhea worldwide. Symptoms associated with cryptosporidiosis are very debilitating especially in the immunocompromised subject (e.g., AIDS patient). Clinical features include severe, chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, weight loss, etc. which lead to increased health care costs and increased mortality. There is disclosed herein a method of inhibiting the severity of Cryptosporidium parvum infection by enterally administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus reuteri.

Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum (the cause of cryptosporidiosis) has become one of the most common enteropathogens causing diarrhea worldwide. Symptoms associated with cryptosporidiosis are very debilitating especially in the immunocompromised subject (e.g., AIDS patient). Clinical features include severe, chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, weight loss, etc. which lead to increased health care costs and increased mortality. There is described herein a method of inhibiting the severity of Cryptosporidium parvum infection by enterally administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Abstract: An oral rehydration solution contains indigestible oligosaccharides. Diarrhea related dehydration requires fluid and electrolyte replacement. The primary etiology of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (also known as pseudomembranous colitis) has been recognized as Clostridium difficile. It is believed that the indigenous microflora of a healthy individual suppresses the normally present C. difficile. However, when the indigenous microflora are disrupted (e.g., during antibiotic treatment) overgrowth of C. difficile may occur causing diarrhea and colitis. Treatment of diarrhea related to C. difficile with rehydration therapy and antibiotics has proven effective, but many times relapse occurs. It has been suggested that normalization of the microflora will inhibit C. difficile relapse. Indigestible oligosaccharides have been shown to inhibit C. difficile infection.

Abstract: The primary etiology of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (which may lead to pseudomembranous colitis) has been recognized as Clostridium difficile. It is believed that the indigenous microflora of a healthy individual suppresses the normally present C. difficile. However, when the indigenous microflora are disrupted (e.g., during antibiotic treatment) overgrowth of C. difficile may occur causing diarrhea and colitis. Treatment of C. difficile with antibiotics has proven effective, but many times relapse occurs. The present invention involves a non-antibiotic approach to the treatment and/or prevention of C. difficile--associated diseases. A therapeutically effective amount of an indigestible oligosaccharide inhibits the infection of mammals by C. difficile when administered enterally.