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Intestinal microbiome is related to lifetime antibiotic use in Finnish pre-school children

Katri Korpela1, Anne Salonen1, Lauri J Virta2

  • 1Immunobiology Research Program, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, PO Box 21, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.

Nature Communications
|January 27, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Early antibiotic use, particularly macrolides, can disrupt children's gut microbiota long-term, increasing risks for asthma and weight gain. Penicillins have a less significant impact.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Early-life antibiotic exposure is linked to metabolic and immunological diseases.
  • Disruption of the gut microbiome is implicated, but its impact on developing children's microbiomes is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of macrolide and penicillin use on the gut microbiota composition and metabolism in young children.
  • To assess the association between early-life antibiotic use and the risk of asthma and weight gain.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetics, metagenomics, and antibiotic purchase records were used.
  • 142 Finnish children aged 2-7 years were sampled at two time points.
  • Microbiota composition, metabolism, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Macrolide use was associated with a lasting shift in microbiota, including Actinobacteria depletion and Bacteroidetes/Proteobacteria increase.
  • Macrolide use correlated with decreased bile-salt hydrolase activity and increased macrolide resistance.
  • Early macrolide exposure increased the risk of asthma and antibiotic-associated weight gain; penicillins had a weaker effect.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life macrolide antibiotic use significantly alters the developing gut microbiome in children.
  • These alterations are linked to increased risks for asthma and weight gain.
  • Consideration of intestinal microbiota impact is crucial when prescribing antibiotics in pediatric care.

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