An acute intestinal infection is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The disease manifests itself as diarrhea (more than 3 loose stools per day), abdominal pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and fever. Viral intestinal infections are more common in the fall and winter, while bacterial infections are more common in the summer. Infection occurs through contact with household items or through contaminated food, water, or dirty hands. Acute intestinal infections are especially dangerous for children in the first years of life, who quickly become dehydrated with diarrhea. It is important to remember that dehydration in a child requires immediate hospitalization. Restoring fluid and electrolyte balance is the primary treatment for acute intestinal infections in both children and adults (rehydration solutions, available at pharmacies, are the optimal solution). Additionally, a gentle diet and sorbent therapy are prescribed. Eliminating the causative agent is an important element in the treatment of acute intestinal infections.

 

Although more than half of acute intestinal infections are caused by viruses, within a few days of the onset of illness, intestinal inflammation leads to a disruption of the intestinal microflora due to an overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria (staphylococci, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.)—a condition known as dysbiotic disorders (dysbacteriosis). Opportunistic microorganisms are those that almost always inhabit the human mucous membranes but only cause harm when the body's defenses are weakened. Activation of opportunistic intestinal flora can significantly delay recovery from an acute intestinal infection. Therefore, antibacterial therapy may also be appropriate for viral intestinal infections.

 

Antibiotics for acute intestinal infections are prescribed only in the most severe cases (cholera, invasive intestinal infections). So-called intestinal antiseptics are more commonly used—medications that act only in the intestinal lumen and are not absorbed into the bloodstream—but these agents are not always effective. Bacteriophages are an alternative to traditional antibacterial drugs.

 

Bacteriophages are highly specific – they act only on specific types of pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria, sparing beneficial flora, and therefore do not lead to the development of dysbiosis. Furthermore, the risk of pathogenic bacteria developing resistance to them is minimal. Due to their high safety, bacteriophages are approved for use in children. The use of bacteriophages stimulates specific and nonspecific immune factors, making them particularly effective in treating patients with weakened immune systems, chronic diseases, and carriers of bacteria.

 

In addition, due to their high safety, bacteriophages are used for prophylactic purposes during epidemics of intestinal infectious diseases (shigellosis, salmonellosis).

 

Intestifag® or Pyofag® are used orally and rectally for acute intestinal infections. The drug is taken orally at the appropriate dose three times daily, one hour before meals, for 7-20 days. Bacteriophage can also be administered rectally as an enema – the appropriate dose administered once daily after a bowel movement, instead of once orally.

 

For prophylactic purposes, bacteriophage is taken orally at an age-appropriate dose once daily, one hour before meals. The duration of treatment depends on the epidemic situation.

 

For age-specific dosages of the drug, see the Instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Intestifag® and the Instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Pyofag®.

 

 

Download the Instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Intestifag®

Download the instructions for medical use of the medicinal product Pyofag®

 

Intestifag® R.S. No. UA/15970/01/01. Approved by Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 478 dated April 28, 2017.
Pyofag® R.S. No. UA/15974/01/01. Approved by Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 478 dated April 28, 2017.

 

Information about this medication is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to self-medication. Only a physician can prescribe this medication, as well as determine the dosage and method of administration.