Maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis with the probiotic <i>Escherichia coli</i> Nissle 1917 is as effective as with standard mesalazine

The probiotic drug E coli Nissle 1917 shows efficacy and safety in maintaining remission equivalent to the gold standard mesalazine in patients with ulcerative colitis. The effectiveness of probiotic treatment further underlines the pathogenetic significance of the enteric flora.