Antibiotic treatment in infants

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• antibiotic
• microbiome
• overweight
• diabetes
• microbiota
• probiotic