Current understanding of antibiotic-associated dysbiosis and approaches for its management

Abstract

Increased exposure to antibiotics during early childhood increases the risk of antibiotic-associated dysbiosis, which is associated with reduced diversity of gut microbial species and abundance of certain taxa, disruption of host immunity, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes. The disruption of gut microbiota and host immunity in early life is linked to the development of immune-related and metabolic disorders later in life. Antibiotic administration in populations predisposed to gut microbiota dysbiosis, such as newborns, obese children, and children with allergic rhinitis and recurrent infections; changes microbial composition and diversity; exacerbating dysbiosis and resulting in negative health outcomes. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), Clostridiodes difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), and Helicobacter pylori infection are all short-term consequences of antibiotic treatment that persist from a few weeks to months. Changes in gut microbiota, which persist even 2 years after antibiotic exposure, and the development of obesity, allergies, and asthma are among the long-term consequences. Probiotic bacteria and dietary supplements can potentially prevent or reverse antibiotic-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis. Probiotics have been demonstrated in clinical studies to help prevent AAD and, to a lesser extent, CDAD, as well as to improve H pylori eradication rates. In the Indian setting, probiotics ( Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus clausii) have been shown to reduce the duration and frequency of acute diarrhea in children. Antibiotics may exaggerate the consequences of gut microbiota dysbiosis in vulnerable populations already affected by the condition. Therefore, prudent use of antibiotics among neonates and young children is critical to prevent the detrimental effects on gut health.

Current treatment options for leptospirosis: a mini-review

“…Probiotic bacteria and dietary supplements can potentially prevent or reverse antibiotic-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis ( Kesavelu and Jog, 2023 ). However, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Hungarian scientists found that the results of their analysis do not support probiotic supplementation during antibiotic therapy to prevent low-diversity dysbiosis ( Éliás et al, 2023 ).…”

Potential Impact of a Pregnant Woman’s Microbiota on the Development of Fetal Heart Defects: A Review of the Literature

“…It can take up to 21 days to restore bacterial diversity after antibiotic treatment. Some individuals may experience a permanent decline in microbiome diversity [ 24 ].…”

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor – a key player in the gastrointestinal system

“…However, the role of BDNF in regulating intestinal inflammation remains complex and context dependent. In vitro , BDNF protected intestinal epithelial cell lines against TNF-α and IFN-γ-induced injury [ 73 ]. The underlying mechanisms may involve inhibition of NF-κB activation and reduced expression of various proinflammatory cytokines [ 74 ], as shown in Figure 2 .…”

“…In the acute setting, BDNF levels decrease in injured colonic mucosa, which impairs epithelial restitution [ 88 ]. Exogenous BDNF administration activates cytoprotective Akt signalling and prevents apoptosis in colonic epithelial cells exposed to proinflammatory cytokines [ 73 ]. These acute protective effects were lost in cells isolated from IBD mucosa with reduced TrkB receptor expression [ 89 ].…”