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Abstract It has been suggested that the overgrowth of pathogens might be prevented by inducing the colonization of the bowel with nonpathogenic bacteria (probiotics) of species normally resident in the gut of preterm and full-term infants. In particular, probiotics compete with other microbes binding sites and substrates in the bowel and produce a wide range of antimicrobial substances such as bacteriocins, microcins, reuterin, hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen ion. Lactobacillus GG, a strain of lactobacillus casaii which can be found in breast-fed infants’ stools was found effective in the treatment and prevention of infantile diarrhea, indicating a role of this probiotic in stimulating and regulating the intestine’s host defense mechanisms. Moreover, it is known that supplementation with Lactobacillus GG is effective in colonizing the bowel of preterm infants with out nutritional adverse effects. |