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Study finds antibiotics after birth affects gut microbes of babies

Published

4 years ago

February 21, 2022

India

Study finds antibiotics after birth affects gut microbes of babies

Treating newborns with antibiotics is associated with fewer healthy bacteria needed to digest milk, a new study finds.
The results were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Clinicians should consider using antibiotics in a way that causes the least damage to the newborn’s microbiome, the community of microbes that live in our bodies, experts say.

According to current guidelines, between 4% and 10% of all newborns with suspected infection are currently prescribed antibiotics that target multiple bacteria — so-called broad-spectrum antibiotics.
However, experts say antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary in most cases because only a small percentage of people who receive the drugs end up being diagnosed with the infection.

This overprescribing is designed to ensure early treatment for those who are eventually found to be infected, as any delay could quickly become life-threatening.
Researchers from the Universities of Edinburgh and Birmingham, Spaarne Hospital and Utrecht University Hospital in the Netherlands conducted a clinical study involving 227 infants to analyse how antibiotics affect the newborn’s microbiome.

About 147 infants with suspected sepsis received one of three standard antibiotic regimens. Their results were compared with those of 80 infants who had no suspected infection and who were not taking antibiotics.

Rectal or stool samples were collected from all infants before and after treatment and at 1, 4, and 12 months of age. The microbes that make up the newly formed microbiome and bacterial genes associated with antibiotic resistance in the samples were analyzed.

Significantly lower levels of various bifidobacteria were found in neonates prescribed antibiotics compared with infants who did not receive antibiotics.

These microbes help digest human breast milk and promote gut health, while supporting the immune system to fight infection.

The team also found an increase in the number and abundance of potentially disease-causing bacteria and genes associated with antimicrobial resistance in people treated with antibiotics.

After treatment, 251 of the 695 different bacteria examined changed, thereby altering the balance between good and bad bacteria in favor of potentially more harmful microbes.

Although they recovered over time, the changes in the microbiome and antimicrobial resistance genes persisted for at least 12 months and did not improve with breastfeeding, which is known to support infants’ immune systems.

Professor Debbie Bogart, Chair of Paediatric Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and head of the study, said: “We were surprised by the magnitude and duration of the effect of broad-spectrum antibiotics on the infant microbiome compared to the effect of the same antibiotic on the infant microbiome. The adult microbiome. This may be because antibiotic treatment occurs when infants are just getting their first microbes from their mothers and have yet to develop a resilient microbiome.”
Of the three antibiotic regimens tested, the combination of penicillin and gentamicin had the least adverse effect on the infant gut microbiome and the number of emerging antimicrobial resistance genes.

The researchers concluded that this particular combination of antibiotics is best used to treat suspected infections in newborns.

Dr Marlies van Houten, a paediatrician at Spaarne Hospital in the Netherlands and co-principal investigator of the study, said: “The fact that the initiation of antibiotic treatment appears to be the cause of the microbiome damage, rather than the duration, underscores our need for better biomarkers. or biological predictors to more accurately determine which children will develop an infection, and therefore require antibiotics, and which will not.”

Professor Willem van Schaik, Professor of Microbiology and Infections at the University of Birmingham, said: “It is particularly concerning that we observed two important multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella and Enterococcus in neonates treated with antibiotics. Drug pathogens have increased substantially.

“This underlines the importance of further studies into balancing the need and effectiveness of these antibiotics and the risk of the emergence of genes linked with resistance. There may also be scope to develop new interventions, like live biotherapeutics – a treatment that is produced by or involving living cells – to effectively restore the composition of the infant gut microbiome after antibiotic therapy.”

Complete News Source : HINDUSTAN TIMES

Related Topics:antibiotics babies Birth microbes study

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Cricket

Anushka Sharma Cheers as Smriti Mandhana’s RCB Makes History with Second WPL Title!

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Digital Post

Anushka Sharma hails RCB: Powerful Historic WPL Triumph

The air was thick with expectancy, the stadium buzzed with electricity, and everyone’s attention was focused on the emerging drama. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, which pitted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Capitals (DC), promised to be a spectacular spectacle. We had no idea it would provide so much more – a nail-biting match culminating in a historic victory that sent shockwaves of joy around the cricketing globe, and no one was more excited than Bollywood diva Anushka Sharma. Her exuberant exclamation of “History repeated!” wonderfully captured the enthusiasm surrounding RCB’s stunning win, their second consecutive WPL title.

A Season of Resilience and Redemption

The Journey to the Final

RCB’s path through the WPL season was one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment. Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic leadership led to continual growth, with the team learning from each setback and emerging stronger. Their route to the final was not without challenges, but each one strengthened their resolve, transforming them into a strong force eager to triumph.

Mandhana’s Masterclass in Leadership

Smriti Mandhana, known for her graceful batting, shone as a captain throughout the season. Her cool demeanour under pressure, clever tactical selections, and ability to motivate her teammates all contributed to RCB’s win. She led from the front, both with the bat and as captain, exemplifying the spirit of true leadership.

The Grand Finale: A Battle for Supremacy

DC’s Strong Start

The final against the Delhi Capitals was a match worthy of the occasion. DC, a powerhouse squad, started strong, scoring a tough total that tested RCB’s batting lineup. The early overs were tense, with both sides trading blows as they battled for dominance in the high-stakes match.

RCB’s Clinical Chase

However, the RCB chase was nothing short of clinical. The batsmen showed steel nerves, forming key partnerships and patiently chipping away at the objective. Each run was greeted with enthusiasm, and each boundary elicited tremendous ovation, as the momentum changed in RCB’s favour.

Anushka Sharma’s Elation: A True Fan’s Delight

Beyond The Boundary Ropes

Anushka Sharma, a loud and avid supporter of RCB – and, in fact, of all things cricket, given her husband Virat Kohli’s involvement with the men’s squad – has always been interested in the team’s success. Her presence, though virtual this time, was palpable. Her social media was buzzing with enthusiasm as she tracked every ball, wicket, and run.

“History Repeated!” – A Resounding Declaration

Upon RCB’s momentous victory, Anushka’s joy knew no bounds. Her initial reaction, “History repeated!”, was more than just a congratulatory statement; it was a genuine recognition of the team’s amazing feat. It struck a chord with fans, bringing back memories of RCB’s previous WPL victory and emphasising the squad’s consistent excellence under Smriti Mandhana. This victory was more than simply a single win; it was a declaration of purpose, confirming their place as the dominant force in women’s cricket.

The Impact of Victory

Inspiring a New Generation

RCB’s straight WPL wins are more than simply trophies; they serve as a source of motivation for a generation of ambitious female cricket players. These achievements highlight the incredible skill, devotion, and professionalism of women’s cricket, inspiring young girls to pursue their aspirations in the sport. The WPL’s visibility and success are critical in building a strong ecosystem for women’s cricket around the world.

Solidifying RCB’s Legacy

This second WPL triumph cements RCB’s legacy in the expanding world of women’s franchise cricket. It demonstrates their dedication to excellence, strategic team development, and developing top people. The team has not only won silverware, but it has also won hearts, resulting in a devoted and ever-growing fan base.

A Celebration of Teamwork and Tenacity

Every Player’s Contribution

The success was due to the combined efforts of all RCB players. From crucial bowling breakthroughs to critical runs scored by batters and great fielding exploits, each individual contribution is woven together to create a winning tapestry. It emphasised the value of teamwork, with each player playing an important role in achieving a common objective.

The Power of WPL

The WPL continues to grow in stature and popularity, giving an important platform for female cricketers to demonstrate their abilities on a worldwide scale. Matches such as the final between RCB and DC help to captivate fans and demonstrate the league’s tremendous competitiveness. The continued success of teams such as RCB only adds to the league’s allure and long-term viability.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Maintaining Momentum

As RCB basks in the joy of winning back-to-back WPL titles, the issue now is to maintain that momentum. The cricket world will be looking to see how they evolve, innovate, and defend their championship status in the coming seasons. The benchmark has been established, and expectations are higher than ever.

The Expanding Reach of Women’s Cricket

The WPL’s success, fuelled by compelling finals and celebrity endorsements such as Anushka Sharma’s, demonstrates the growing reach and attraction of women’s cricket. It demonstrates the quality, passion, and rising fans that this format continues to attract, implying an even brighter future for the sport.

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