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Updated: May 20, 2025
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: November 17, 2018
The Potential Impact of Antibiotic Exposure on the Microbiome and Human Health
Siqi Li1, Jiahao Liu1, Xinyang Zhang2
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong 226019, China.
Abstract:
Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern medicine, saving countless lives. However, their widespread use presents two major challenges. First, antibiotic-induced changes in the microbiome can disrupt immune function, increasing the susceptibility to diseases associated with these alterations. Second, prolonged antibiotic use fosters the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes, leading to the emergence of resistant strains and threatening our ability to control infections. These challenges highlight an urgent global health crisis, necessitating in-depth investigation into the multifaceted effects of antibiotic exposure on microbiome dynamics and human health. In this review, we explore the potential effects of antibiotic exposure on the microbiome and its implications for overall health. Additionally, we examine the role of emerging technologies in addressing these challenges and in shaping future antibiotic development. Our goal is to provide insights that will inform more effective public health strategies and interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse consequences of antibiotic use, restoring microbial balance, and improving overall health outcomes.
Insights
Antibiotic use disrupts the microbiome, impacting immune function and driving resistance. This review explores these effects and emerging solutions for better public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotics are vital in medicine but cause significant microbiome alterations.
- Disrupted microbiomes impair immune function and increase disease susceptibility.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis due to overuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of antibiotic exposure on the microbiome and human health.
- To examine the role of emerging technologies in antibiotic development and stewardship.
- To inform public health strategies for mitigating adverse antibiotic effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antibiotic impact on microbiome and health.
- Analysis of emerging technologies for antibiotic resistance and microbiome restoration.
- Synthesis of current research to guide future interventions.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis affects immune responses and disease risk.
- Prolonged use accelerates the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Emerging technologies offer potential solutions for microbiome management.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for strategies to mitigate antibiotic-related health risks.
- Restoring microbial balance is crucial for improving health outcomes.
- Future antibiotic development must consider microbiome-sparing approaches.
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