A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reveals a concerning association between systemic antibiotic exposure during infancy and an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). The research, led by Courtney Hoskinson from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, explored the connection between systemic antibiotic use, changes in the gut microbiome, and the development of AD.
The findings suggest that infants exposed to systemic antibiotics within their first year of life face a heightened risk of developing AD. Specifically, the study observed a dose-response relationship, where an increased number of antibiotic courses corresponded to a greater risk of AD. Compared to antibiotic use later in childhood, exposure during the first year was notably associated with an increased AD risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.81. Furthermore, the risk escalated with multiple courses of antibiotics, showing adjusted odds ratios of 1.67 and 2.16 for one and two or more courses, respectively.
The study also highlights the significant role of microbiome alterations in mediating the impact of antibiotic use on AD development. Specific changes in the gut microbiome were identified among infants who later developed AD, including increased Tyzzerella nexilis, enhanced monosaccharide utilization, and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium spp., along with associated fermentative pathways.
The authors emphasize the importance of these findings in predicting and potentially preventing AD. They propose that early-life antibiotic exposure, particularly within the first year, disrupts crucial components of the gut microbiome, which could serve as predictive markers for AD development.
“These results underscore the need for further research into the long-term impacts of early antibiotic use and its implications for atopic dermatitis prevention,” concluded the researchers.
