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Exposure to antibiotics in a United States-Mexico border birth cohort

Cheryl S Broussard1, Karen J Goodman, Zhannat Z Nurgalieva

  • 1School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA. gnp2@cdc.gov

Pediatrics
|May 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric antibiotic use was higher in Mexico, but the use of antibiotics targeting Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was greater in the US. This misuse may increase drug resistance and hinder H. pylori infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Antimicrobial stewardship
  • Global health disparities

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent in many regions, particularly among children.
  • Understanding regional differences in antibiotic use is crucial for effective infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the frequency of antibiotic use in children between El Paso, Texas (US), and Juarez, Mexico.
  • To specifically analyze the intake of antibiotics with anti-H. pylori effects in these two border cities.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study enrolling Hispanic children prenatally in El Paso and Juarez (1998-2000).
  • Follow-up examinations every 6 months from 6 to 84 months of age.
  • Caretaker-reported medication use, comparing systemic and H. pylori-effective antibiotic courses between US and Mexican children.

Main Results:

  • Overall antibiotic intake was higher in Juarez (84% of children) compared to El Paso (76%).
  • Conversely, H. pylori-effective antibiotic use was higher in El Paso (65% of children) versus Juarez (44%).
  • Commonly used H. pylori-effective antibiotics included amoxicillin, primarily for common infections like throat/ear issues and respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Higher overall antibiotic consumption in Juarez, Mexico, compared to El Paso, US.
  • Apparent misuse of H. pylori-effective antibiotics was more frequent in Juarez, but also present in El Paso.
  • Misuse of these antibiotics poses a risk for increased drug resistance and may compromise H. pylori infection control efforts in the region.
Abstract

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