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Indirect Effect of Azithromycin Use on the Intestinal Microbiome Diversity of Untreated Children: A Randomized Trial

Catherine E Oldenburg1,2,3, Ali Sié4, Boubacar Coulibaly4

  • 1Francis I. Proctor Foundation, San Francisco.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|March 22, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic use in one child did not alter the gut microbiome of their cohabiting sibling. This study found no evidence of indirect effects of azithromycin on the intestinal microbiome in untreated children sharing a household.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intestinal microbiome composition can be influenced by close contacts.
  • Antibiotics can significantly alter the gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if antibiotic administration to one sibling impacts the intestinal microbiome of an untreated cohabiting sibling.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted.
  • Azithromycin was administered to one sibling, with the untreated sibling serving as a comparison.

Main Results:

  • No significant changes were observed in the intestinal microbiome of untreated siblings exposed to azithromycin through a cohabiting sibling.
  • The study found no evidence supporting an indirect effect of antibiotic use on the intestinal microbiome of household contacts.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic exposure in one sibling does not appear to indirectly affect the intestinal microbiome of their untreated cohabiting sibling.
  • Findings suggest limited transmission of antibiotic-induced microbiome alterations within households.

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