NHS: Prebiotics

Debate between Earl Howe and Lord Walpole

Wednesday 17th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I am aware of the interesting development of a vaccine for C. difficile, but I understand that the vaccine is still in clinical trials. As my noble friend indicated, the company may be seeking agreement from the US FDA to fast-track the application when the development programme is complete, as that would give them access to the US market. It is of course for the manufacturer to decide when and if it wishes to seek access to the market in the UK and the wider EU.

[Lord Walpole]

My Lords—

[Lord Rea]

My Lords, could not a strong case be made for the Department of Health to commission a suitably designed pilot study of prebiotics to see whether they are beneficial in the prevention of Clostridium difficile and other conditions?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, as I have said, we will continue to look at the matter with interest. Of course the department has a very sizeable clinical research budget, which is open to all bids of a high quality. There is no reason why a bid should not be made on this issue as well.

[Lord Walpole]

My Lords, I will try again. Can the Minister tell me whether carbolic—either as a soap or as a cleaner—has any effect on C. difficile, or is C. difficile resistant to carbolic?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, my advice is that best practice guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium difficile infection is clear and is available. The management of the infection requires the isolation of cases, hand-washing with soap and water and the use of the antibiotics metronidazole or vancomycin.