Inhibition of C. difficile infections by indigestible oligosaccharides
US5688777A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K33/14
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The primary etiology of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (which may lead to pseudomembranous colitis) has been recognized as Clostridium difficile. It is believed that the indigenous microflora of a healthy individual suppresses the normally present C. difficile. However, when the indigenous microflora are disrupted (e.g., during antibiotic treatment) overgrowth of C. difficile may occur causing diarrhea and colitis. Treatment of C. difficile with antibiotics has proven effective, but many times relapse occurs. The present invention involves a non-antibiotic approach to the treatment and/or prevention of C. difficile--associated diseases. A therapeutically effective amount of an indigestible oligosaccharide inhibits the infection of mammals by C. difficile when administered enterally.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.