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Published on: December 10, 2016

[Effects of cefotaxime on the intestinal bacterial ecosystem in children (author's transl)]

N Lambert-Zechovsky, E Bingen, M C Proux

    La Nouvelle Presse Medicale
    |February 26, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study assessed cefotaxime

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Pediatric Pharmacology
    • Antibiotic Resistance

    Background:

    • Intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health.
    • Antibiotics can significantly disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora.
    • Understanding the impact of new antibiotics like cefotaxime on pediatric gut microbiota is essential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effects of cefotaxime on the intestinal bacterial flora in pediatric patients.
    • To compare the impact of cefotaxime with a control group not receiving antibiotics.
    • To assess the potential for cefotaxime to cause dysbiosis or select for resistant organisms.

    Main Methods:

    • A differential quantitative method was used to analyze aerobic and anaerobic fecal flora.
    • The study involved 10 pediatric patients receiving cefotaxime (alone or with gentamicin) and 41 controls.
    • Fecal samples were analyzed before and during antibiotic treatment.

    Main Results:

    • Cefotaxime significantly impacted Escherichia coli (E. coli), causing disappearance or considerable reduction in most cases.
    • A slight increase in Streptococcus D was observed, but without excessive overall flora multiplication.
    • No significant alterations were noted in other aerobic or anaerobic bacilli, and no resistant organisms were selected.

    Conclusions:

    • Cefotaxime appears to have a limited impact on the overall intestinal bacterial flora in children.
    • The antibiotic did not lead to the selection of resistant pathogens, suggesting preservation of the gut barrier effect.
    • Cefotaxime demonstrates a favorable safety profile regarding gut microbiota disruption in pediatric use.

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