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Murine yeast gut flora affected by tetracycline, metronidazole and norfloxacin
G Samonis1, A N Margioris, P Toloudis
1Department of Medical Oncology, University of Crete, Greece.
Abstract:
Three-month old, male Crl:CD1(ICR) BR mice, were fed food containing Candida albicans, while other mice of the same type were fed regular food. Both groups of mice were subsequently given orally either antibiotics or normal saline for a 10-day period. The stools of all mice were cultured before, at the end, and one week after the end of the antibiotic treatment, to determine the level of gut colonization by the yeast. The mice fed Candida and treated with antibiotics had substantially higher Candida counts in their stools than control mice fed C. albicans and treated with saline. The concentrations of Candida in the stools of mice treated with tetracycline were much higher when compared to those of mice treated with metronidazole and norfloxacin. Tetracycline was associated with a statistically significant increase of gastrointestinal Candida colonization. Yeast was not found in the stools of mice fed regular food and treated with antibiotics or saline. Histopathologic examination did not reveal dissemination of Candida in the visceral organs of any mouse.
Insights
Antibiotics, particularly tetracycline, significantly increase gut colonization by Candida albicans yeast in mice. This study highlights how certain antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to yeast overgrowth.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host health.
- Candida albicans is a common yeast that can cause opportunistic infections.
- Antibiotic use can disrupt the gut microbial balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of antibiotics on gut colonization by Candida albicans.
- To compare the impact of different antibiotics on Candida yeast levels.
- To assess the risk of gastrointestinal Candida overgrowth following antibiotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed Candida albicans or regular food.
- Mice received oral antibiotics (tetracycline, metronidazole, norfloxacin) or saline.
- Stool cultures were performed to quantify Candida colonization levels.
- Histopathologic examination assessed Candida dissemination.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic treatment in mice fed Candida significantly increased gut yeast counts compared to saline controls.
- Tetracycline administration resulted in substantially higher Candida concentrations than metronidazole or norfloxacin.
- Tetracycline was linked to a statistically significant rise in gastrointestinal Candida colonization.
- No yeast was detected in mice fed regular food, regardless of treatment.
- No Candida dissemination to visceral organs was observed.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics, especially tetracycline, can promote Candida albicans colonization in the gut.
- The choice of antibiotic may influence the degree of gastrointestinal yeast overgrowth.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of antibiotic-induced Candida colonization.