Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Combination Resolves High Temperatures Faster in Clinical Trial with 128 Children
A probiotic mixture containing three specific bacterial strains significantly reduces fever duration in children with upper respiratory tract infections. The formula, tested at Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Hospital in Milan, helps children recover from fever approximately 2 days faster compared to placebo treatment. In clinical trials published in JAMA Network Open, children aged 28 days to 4 years who received the probiotic mixture experienced shorter febrile periods without any increase in adverse effects, potentially offering a valuable adjunctive therapy for respiratory infections in pediatric populations.
Treatment Shows 48-Hour Reduction in Febrile Period
Children receiving the probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 experienced significantly shorter fever duration compared to those receiving placebo. Results from 128 children (average age 2.5 years, 54% male) who presented with fever and upper respiratory symptoms showed remarkable improvement. Fever duration decreased by approximately 48 hours in the treatment group, representing a clinically meaningful reduction in symptomatic burden that could substantially impact patient comfort, parental stress, and potentially reduce antipyretic medication requirements.
How These Beneficial Bacteria Fight Fever
Probiotic bacteria work through multiple mechanisms that differ from standard antipyretic medications. Rather than simply blocking prostaglandin synthesis like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, these bacterial strains appear to modulate the immune response and inflammatory cascade. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species compete with pathogens for binding sites on respiratory mucosa, strengthen the epithelial barrier, and modify cytokine production patterns that drive the febrile response. This immunomodulatory effect potentially addresses the underlying inflammatory processes without compromising the body’s ability to fight the infection.
Real-World Benefits for Children and Families
Two-day reductions in fever duration translate to substantial practical benefits for pediatric patients and their caregivers. Children experience less discomfort, potentially need fewer antipyretic medications, and families face decreased parental work absences. Since the probiotic formulation tested is commercially available, implementation could be relatively straightforward in clinical practice. This intervention appears particularly valuable for respiratory infections where treatment options beyond supportive care are limited, especially for viral etiologies where antibiotics provide no benefit.
Additional Benefits Beyond Fever Reduction
Probiotic therapy offers multiple advantages beyond just reducing fever duration. Beneficial bacteria support overall immune health during respiratory infections while working synergistically with the body’s natural defense mechanisms. The specific formula demonstrates excellent safety profiles with no significant adverse effects reported, making it suitable for children as young as 28 days old. Since these probiotics work through immune modulation rather than symptom suppression, they provide a complementary approach that addresses underlying inflammatory processes instead of merely masking symptoms.
Expert Endorsements Support Probiotic Approach
Leading pediatric organizations recognize the value of microbiome-based interventions for common childhood illnesses. The specific three-strain combination used in this protocol demonstrates clinically meaningful benefits that align with current understanding of gut-immune system connections. Professional medical societies emphasize the importance of selecting proven probiotic formulations rather than generic products. The results from this Italian hospital add to the growing body of evidence showing how targeted probiotic therapy can address symptom burden in respiratory conditions without relying on antibiotics for viral illnesses.
Specific Bacterial Strains Demonstrate Clinical Efficacy
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 demonstrate measurable antipyretic effects in pediatric respiratory illness. The exact combination of these three strains produced the 48-hour fever reduction in the controlled trial setting. Each strain contributes distinct immunomodulatory properties through different metabolic pathways and cell surface interactions. These specific bacteria have established safety profiles in pediatric populations and work synergistically to influence inflammatory mediators involved in fever generation.
Reference
Bettocchi S, Comotti A, Elli M, De Cosmi V, Berti C, Alberti I, Mazzocchi A, Rosazza C, Agostoni C, Milani GP. Probiotics and Fever Duration in Children With Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. 2025;8(3). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.0669
