Open AccessAntibiotic treatment in infants
Author(s) -
Yvan Vandenplas
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
world nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2041-9775
DOI - 10.26596/wn.20189140-52
Subject(s) - antibiotics , dysbiosis , medicine , microbiome , adverse effect , diarrhea , maladaptation , intensive care medicine , overweight , immune system , clostridium difficile , inflammatory bowel disease , disease , immunology , pediatrics , gut flora , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , bioinformatics , obesity , psychiatry
The gastrointestinal microbiome is crucial for the development of a balanced immune system. Antibiotics are frequently administered to infants and cause intestinal dysbiosis. Dysbiosis, also called dysbacteriosis, is a term for a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body, such as an impaired gastro-intestinal microbiota. The necessity of administration of antibiotics should be well thought through because of short-term adverse effects such as antibiotic associated-diarrhea. This narrative review highlights the long-term health consequences of antibiotic administration to infants and young children, including overweight, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and allergic disease.
Conclusion: The pros and cons of antibiotic administration to infants and young children should be carefully weighed.