Impact of Early-Life Antibiotic Use on Gut Microbiota of Infants

Abstract

The human gut has a vast number of bacteria, which play a critical role in human health. At present, it is accepted that antibiotics have been one of the most common drugs in the world and early-life antibiotic use is associated with increased risk for several diseases. Antibiotic use during infancy will induce imbalances in gut microbiota, which is called dysbiosis. Therefore, more and more researches have been known about the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota of infants. Here, we discuss some effects of antibiotics on gut microbiota and health of infants, including four types: structure of gut flora, metabolic capacity, diversity and stability of gut microbiota, risk of diseases. We also profile antibiotic resistance gene carried by gut microbiota and mechanism of intestinal drug-resistant bacteria. This article will also help provide recommendations for antibiotic use during infancy.