Meta-analysis and systematic review: efficacy of probiotics in combination with standard therapies for rotavirus enteritis

Background: Rotavirus enteritis is the main cause of hospitalization and death in patients with diarrhea. There is no specific drug. Vaccine prevention is effective, but the oral route has safety concerns in developing countries. A safe and effective treatment is urgently needed. Objective: To systematically evaluate the clinical analysis of conventional therapy combined with probiotics in patients with rotavirus enteritis. Materials and methods: We retrieved a total of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1709 patients from multiple databases. Results: Results showed that probiotics significantly shortened recovery times for defecation frequency [mean difference (MD) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–1.60, P < 0.00001], antidiarrheal time (MD = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.32, P < 0.00001), body temperature recovery (MD = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.58–1.08, P < 0.00001), and vomiting cessation (MD = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.61–1.39, P < 0.00001). Immunoglobulin levels (IgA and IgG) also improved significantly. The experimental group demonstrated a higher total effective rate [relative risk (RR) = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82–0.88, P < 0.00001] and comparable safety (RR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.74–2.56, P > 0.05). Conclusion: Probiotics, by regulating gut microbiota and enhancing mucosal immunity, offer a safe and effective adjunct to conventional therapy for rotavirus enteritis.