What are the effects of taking antibiotics in childhood?
The taking of Antibiotics in early childhood is at increased risk for asthma and allergies connected later in life. The cause seems to be the killing of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.
In a new study involving researchers from the Rutgers University was checked whether changes in the Darmmikrobioms (Darmflora) in early childhood, such as those caused by taking antibiotics, to an increased susceptibility to allergies and Asthma to lead. The results can be found in the English-language journal “Mucosal Immunology“ to be read.
Antibiotic effect studied in mice
First, the first part of the study examined how it affects five-day-old mice affects if these water or complementary Antibiotics how Azithromycin oder Amoxicillin receive.
After the animals reached adulthood, they were then exposed to a common allergen derived from house dust mites. It was found that mice that had received one form of antibiotics (particularly azithromycin) increased rate of immune reactions (allergies), reports the team.
Are changes in the intestinal flora the cause?
In the second and third part of the study, it was checked whether early exposure to antibiotics (but not later) caused allergies and Asthma caused by taking the medication some kill healthy gut bacteriawhich usually the development of the immune system support.
To do this, the team first transferred bacteria-rich fecal samples from the first group of mice to a second group of adult mice that had not previously been exposed to any bacteria or germs.
Some animals received samples from mice given azithromycin or amoxicillin in infancy. Others received normal samples from animals given only water.
No higher risk from antibiotics in adulthood
No increased risk of developing an immune response to house dust mites could be observed in the adult mice that received antibiotic-modified samples. The researchers report that there was no higher risk of developing asthma or allergies.
Antibiotics impacted next generation
However, clear effects could be seen in the next generation of animals. If the parents had received antibiotically modified samples, the offspring reacted stronger on house dust mitescompared to mice whose parents received antibiotic-unchanged samples.
Likewise, mice reacted, which as Babies receive antibiotics had, stronger to the allergen than animals that had only received water, the researchers report.
„The only variable in the first part was antibiotic exposure. The only variable in the second two parts was whether the mix of gut bacteria had been affected by antibiotics. Everything else was identical in the mice“, explained Studienautor Martin Blaser in a press release.
Avoid taking antibiotics in children if possible
Antibiotics affect the communities of children in children For gut microbes and the metabolic functions. These changes in the structure of the microbiota can affect the immune system, the researchers continue.
The study shows that antibiotics via their effect on the intestinal bacteria unwanted immune reactions can cause if they are already in the early childhood be used.
„The practical implication is simple: avoid taking antibiotics in young children whenever you can, as they can increase the risk of significant, long-term allergy and/or asthma problems“, sums up Blaser. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Timothy C. Borbet, Miranda B. Pawline, Xiaozhou Zhang, Matthew F. Wipperman, Sebastian Reuter, et al.: Influence of the early-life gut microbiota on the immune responses to an inhaled allergen; in: Mucosal Immunology (veröffentlicht 16.07.2022), Mucosal Immunology
- Rutgers University: Influence of the early-life gut microbiota on the immune responses to an inhaled allergen (veröffentlicht 28.07.2022), Rutgers University
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.