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Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
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Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

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The resistance within: Antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome and resistome dynamics in infancy

Robert Thänert1, Sanjam S Sawhney2, Drew J Schwartz3

  • 1The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe
|May 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Early antibiotic use in infants disrupts gut microbiome development and increases antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This review examines the acute and lasting effects on pediatric health and the gut resistome.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Infant gut microbiome development is crucial for health.
  • Antibiotic exposure in early life disrupts this process.
  • Antibiotics promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impacts of early-life antibiotic exposure on pediatric health.
  • To examine effects on gut microbiome maturation and the resistome.
  • To highlight knowledge gaps in antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on infant antibiotic exposure.
  • Analysis of impacts on gut microbiota composition.
  • Assessment of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotics alter normal gut microbiota maturation.
  • Increased abundance of resistant bacteria and ARGs observed.
  • Both acute and persistent effects on pediatric health are noted.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life antibiotic exposure poses significant risks to infant health.
  • The gut resistome is profoundly affected, contributing to rising resistance.
  • Further research is critical to address antibiotic resistance acquisition and spread.

Keywords:
antibiotic resistanceantibioticsgut microbiomeinfancyresistome

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