The results showed that the impact depends on the type of medication.
Antibiotic treatment can change the composition of the gut microbiome – the community of bacteria living in the intestines – for a long time. A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine showed that some antibiotics can affect the microbiome for four to eight years after treatment.
Antibiotics are important for serious infections; however, studies link their frequent use to an increased risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and gastrointestinal infections. Scientists suggest that changes in the gut microbiome may play a role in this. While the short-term effects of antibiotics are well known, the duration of these changes has not been sufficiently studied until now. An international team of researchers led by scientists from Uppsala University examined the relationship between antibiotic use and the composition of the gut microbiome. To do this, they analyzed data on medications and microbiome samples from nearly 15,000 adult residents of Sweden.
The results showed that the impact depends on the type of antibiotic. The most pronounced changes were observed after the use of clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and flucloxacillin. At the same time, penicillin V, which is often prescribed for community-acquired infections, caused only minor and short-lived changes. The authors note that the study considered prescriptions only from the last eight years, and microbiome samples from participants were taken only once, so longer observations could provide even more accurate results.
Main Negative Consequences for the Gut
Dysbiosis: Disruption of the composition and reduction of the diversity of beneficial microflora, allowing pathogenic microorganisms to occupy the freed space.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Occurs in 5–39% of patients (both children and adults) due to impaired intestinal function.
Reduced local immunity: Weakening of the mucosal defense, decreased production of immunoglobulin A.
Inflammatory processes: In severe cases, the development of pseudomembranous colitis and intestinal candidiasis is possible.
Risk of resistance: Repeated courses of antibiotics contribute to the development of bacterial resistance to drugs.
To minimize harm, it is important to use antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor and, if necessary, to take probiotics to support the microflora.
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