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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Th17 Inflammation Model of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: February 18, 2015
Pretreatment with Antibiotics Impairs Th17-Mediated Antifungal Immunity in Newborn Rats
Ping Wang1, Jie Yao2, Li Deng2
1Department of Neonatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China. wangping486@126.com.
Abstract:
Clinical studies have confirmed that the use of antibiotics, especially carbapenems, is a high-risk factor for fungal infection in preterm infants. However, it is not entirely clear whether the increased risk for fungal infection is due to the immune differences in preterm infants or antibiotic usage. We found that after newborn rats received antibiotics, they exhibited significantly impaired anti-Candida albicans immunity in comparison with those without treatment, as shown by significantly increased levels of fungal glucan in the peripheral blood, multiple caseous fungal infections in the abdominal cavity, intestinal congestion, ischemia, and a decrease in the number of intestinal villi. Mechanistically, pretreatment with antibiotics diminished antifungal innate immunity by TLR2 and inhibited IL-17A release and neutrophil recruitment, leading to increased susceptibility to fungi. In summary, we demonstrate that antibiotic usage impairs antifungal immunity in neonates and suggest that antifungal prophylaxis may be required after antibiotic treatment in high-risk preterm babies.
Insights
Antibiotic use in newborns impairs the immune system, increasing fungal infection risk. This study shows antibiotics harm infant immunity, suggesting a need for antifungal prophylaxis in high-risk preterm babies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Infectious diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, are linked to fungal infections in preterm infants.
- The exact cause of increased fungal risk (infant immunity vs. antibiotic effects) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of antibiotic exposure on neonatal antifungal immunity.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which antibiotics increase susceptibility to fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- Newborn rats were administered antibiotics and compared to untreated controls.
- Immune response, fungal load (beta-glucan levels), and tissue pathology were assessed.
- Key immune pathways, including TLR2, IL-17A, and neutrophil recruitment, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic-treated rats showed impaired anti-Candida albicans immunity.
- Increased fungal beta-glucan levels, abdominal fungal infections, and intestinal damage were observed.
- Antibiotics reduced TLR2-mediated innate immunity, IL-17A release, and neutrophil recruitment.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic administration in neonates significantly weakens antifungal immunity.
- This impairment increases susceptibility to fungal infections.
- Antifungal prophylaxis may be necessary for high-risk preterm infants post-antibiotic therapy.
