Impact of antimicrobial use on the gut microbiota of hospitalized adults

• Autor(a) principal: Fortunato, Yasmin Fernandes
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: de Brito Röder, Denise Von Dolinger, Menezes, Ralciane de Paula
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences
• Texto Completo: https://bjihs.emnuvens.com.br/bjihs/article/view/941
• topic: Microbiota intestinal; Intestinal microbiotia

Gut microbiota plays a key role in human health, influencing immune system functioning, nutrient metabolization and protection against pathogens. The use of antimicrobials is a common practice in hospital settings for the treatment of bacterial infections, however, it can have significant consequences on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. In this narrative review article, we explore the impact of antimicrobial use on the gut microbiota of hospitalized adults. The review included studies published in the last ten years, obtained through searches in relevant electronic databases. Several studies suggest that the use of antimicrobials is associated with changes in the diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria, resulting in an imbalance known as dysbiosis. Intestinal dysbiosis can lead to overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens, increasing the risk of nosocomial infections such as Clostridium difficile infection. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to antimicrobials can lead to long- lasting changes in the gut microbiota, negatively affecting the resilience and resilience of the bacterial community. Studies also suggest that antimicrobial use may be associated with systemic effects such as the development of antibiotic resistance, intestinal inflammation, and immune dysfunction. Despite the deleterious effects, strategies to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial use on the intestinal microbiota are being investigated. Among them, the concomitant administration of probiotics or prebiotics stands out, which can help restore and strengthen the intestinal microbiota during treatment with antimicrobials. In conclusion, antimicrobial use in hospitalized adults is associated with significant changes in gut microbiota composition and function. These changes can have negative health consequences, such as increasing the risk of nosocomial infections and promoting the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies that minimize these effects, promoting the preservation of the intestinal microbiota and the health of patients. Keywords: Gut microbiotia. Intestinal microbiotia. Gut microbiome. Nosocomial infection. Antimicrobials.