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Purpose: Some probiotic strains reduce the duration of acute diarrhea. Because of strain and product specificity, each product needs to be supported by clinical data. This study aimed to test the efficacy of the synbiotic food supplement Probiotical (Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium infantis, fructo-oligosaccharides) in children with acute gastroenteritis of likely infectious origin. The primary endpoint was the number of children with normal stool consistency during the treatment duration. Methods: A total of 46 children (aged 3.6 months to 12 years) with acute gastroenteritis that started less than 48 hours prior to their visit at a hospital-based emergency department were included in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. All children were treated with oral rehydration solution and placebo (n=20) or the test product (n=26). Results: Significantly more children had a normal stool consistency on days 1 and 2 in the probiotic group: 5 children (20%) on day 1 in the probiotic group compared with none in the placebo group (p=0.046). On day 2, 11 children in the probiotic group (46%) and 3 (16%) in the placebo group (p=0.024) had a normal stool consistency. The mean duration of diarrhea was shorter in the probiotic group compared with that in the placebo group (3.04±1.36 vs. 4.20±1.34 days) (p=0.018). Conclusion: The test product was shown to normalize stool consistency significantly more rapidly than the placebo. These data confirm the findings from a previous study in a larger group of children performed in a primary healthcare setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Vietnam conducted a measles catch-up supplementary immunization activity (SIA) during 2002- 2003 that targeted children 9 months-10 years of age, followed by subnational SIAs targeting persons up to 20 years of age during 2004 and 2007-2008. A measles epidemic began among young adults in October 2008 in the northern region, spread nationwide during early 2009, and continued during 2010. Methods. We reviewed national epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance data. Measles cases were defined and classified according to World Health Organization recommendations. Results. From October 2008 through January 2010, 7948 confirmed measles cases were reported from 60 of 63 provinces, an incidence of 93 cases per million population. Incidence was 328 cases per million population among children age 1-4 years, 318 cases per million population among infants, and 271 cases per million population among persons aged 20-24 years. Few cases were reported among persons 7-17 or >27 years of age. Median age of cases trended downward over time in all regions. Conclusions. The 2002-2003 measles SIA protected its targeted age group, but this epidemic was not prevented by follow-up subnational SIAs in selected provinces during 2007-2008. Transmission began among young adults and was sustained among children. The outcome of Vietnam's 2010 SIA targeting children only and change in routine schedule may influence elimination strategies for other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]