Impact of Antibiotic Use on Children’s Saliva Microbiota
Understanding Human Microbiota
Research indicates that frequent antibiotic use during the first decade of life significantly alters the bacterial profile in children’s saliva. The human microbiota comprises millions of cells, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, playing a crucial role in health and wellbeing. It assists in nutrient absorption, strengthens the immune system, aids digestion, and produces essential vitamins.
Role of Antimicrobial Drugs
Antimicrobial drugs, which encompass antibiotics, antifungals, antiprotozoals, and antivirals, are widely used to treat infections. However, they are known to impact the human microbiota. Saliva microbiota is linked to various health conditions, including certain cancers, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown that antimicrobial drugs can alter and impair the human microbiota.
Research Focus on Saliva Microbiota
While previous research primarily examined the effects of antimicrobial drugs on gut microbiota, little attention has been given to their impact on saliva microbiota. Recent research conducted by the University of Helsinki aimed to explore the lifetime effects of antimicrobial drugs on saliva microbiota, with a focus on gender differences.
Study Overview
The study utilized data from over 800 Finnish children involved in the Finnish Health in Teens study, which included more than 11,000 adolescents. On average, children received 7.4 courses of antimicrobial drugs by the age of 12. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were Amoxicillin, azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Long-term Side Effects of Antibiotics
Published in the journal Microbiome, the research findings reveal that antibiotic use in children has long-term side effects on saliva microbiota, leading to shifts in bacterial composition. These changes may result in unforeseen health consequences in the future.
Gender Differences in Antimicrobial Effects
The study highlighted that the effects of antimicrobial drugs vary by gender. Azithromycin was found to have the most significant impact, particularly in girls, raising concerns about its excessive use for treating ear infections and strep throat. Additionally, Amoxicillin was noted to affect the saliva microbiota in boys more than in girls.
Future Implications and Further Research
The potential future consequences of frequent antimicrobial drug use may include issues such as antibiotic resistance and a higher risk of obesity. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of these changes.
References
Frequent use of antimicrobial drugs in early life shifts bacterial profiles in saliva. EurekAlert!. (2020). Retrieved 24 August 2020, from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-08/uoh-fuo082420.php.
Raju, S., Viljakainen, H., Figueiredo, R., Neuvonen, P., Eriksson, J., Weiderpass, E., & Rounge, T. (2020). Antimicrobial drug use in the first decade of life influences saliva microbiota diversity and composition. Microbiome, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-020-00893-y
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