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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Jacinta Hollinger MMS, PA-C, MLS(ASCP)CM
Abstract
This CME paper will provide healthcare providers with suggestions for clinical practice when it comes to preventing and managing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in their respective patient populations. Antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome in many ways and cause what is known as dysbiosis, or the disruption of the healthy gut flora. In certain cases, opportunistic bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile can cause severe illness in the presence of dysbiosis. It is important for a clinician to understand the role of probiotic supplementation in mitigating the risk of AAD and allowing for faster patient recovery. This paper will cover the pathophysiology of AAD, the selection process of appropriate probiotic sources, actionable clinical guidelines for providers, and other effective approaches that should be considered.
Recommended Citation
Hulse, Matthew, "The Role of Probiotics in Managing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 80.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/80
The Role of Probiotics in Managing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
This CME paper will provide healthcare providers with suggestions for clinical practice when it comes to preventing and managing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in their respective patient populations. Antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome in many ways and cause what is known as dysbiosis, or the disruption of the healthy gut flora. In certain cases, opportunistic bacteria such as Clostridioides difficile can cause severe illness in the presence of dysbiosis. It is important for a clinician to understand the role of probiotic supplementation in mitigating the risk of AAD and allowing for faster patient recovery. This paper will cover the pathophysiology of AAD, the selection process of appropriate probiotic sources, actionable clinical guidelines for providers, and other effective approaches that should be considered.