Infection prophylaxis of gunshot wounds using probiotics.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report a new method of surgical infection prophylaxis for postoperative gunshot wounds to the extremities. METHOD: Gunshot wounded animals were divided into three groups: treatment (probiotic Sporobacterin), antibiotic (cephalosporin cefamezin) and control (no treatment). Histological studies of wound-bed tissue were taken on days 1, 3, 5 and 10 of the study. RESULTS: The probiotic administered per os was more effective than antibiotics for prophylaxis of surgical infection. CONCLUSION: The probiotic's effect is based on the natural defence mechanism activated after injury--the bacterial translocation of saprophytic bacteria from the gut to the wound. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.