Abstract
Infants, from the moment of birth, are colonized by large numbers of microbes. This
colonization continues throughout childhood and from preliminary studies seems to
be a highly dynamic process, even during the usual physiologic state we refer to as
health. In this context, the persistence of bacterial and fungal species in and on
the human body likely confers various benefits to the host. One specific approach
to modulate such beneficial effects is the administration of probiotics, also known
as beneficial microbes. Herein, we outline the highest level evidence in regard to
the evolution of the microbiome during childhood and its manipulation by probiotics
for genitourinary, enteric, and allergic and atopic disorders. Thus, probiotic approaches
are promising alternatives and adjuvants to traditional vaccines and antibiotics.
This may usher in a new age in which vaccine and antibiotic side effects and antibiotic
resistance are minimal issues in the setting of maintaining children's health and
prevention of disease.
Keywords
probiotics - children - microbiome
