Nele Brusselaers professor

Research Nele Brusselaers

Research team

Expertise

I am a clinical epidemiologist with as main research interests the long-term effects of commonly prescribed drugs such as antibiotics and gastric-acid suppressors, potentially through interactions with the microbiome - with a focus on the gastro-intestinal and vaginal microbiome. My main clinical areas of expertise are cancer (in particular of the gastro-intestinal tract), women's health (incl. pregnancy) and infectious diseases. I am trained as a medical doctor, epidemiologist and infection control/hospital hygiene specialist but work as a full-time academic researcher.

Early-Life Exposure to Antibiotics and Proton Pump Inhibitors: Utilization Patterns, Microbiome Impact, and Short-Term Health Outcomes. 01/11/2025 - 31/10/2029

Abstract

Early-life exposure to antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may significantly impact gut microbiome development, with potential consequences for immune function, metabolic health, and infection susceptibility. However, real-world evidence on the long-term effects of these medications remains limited. This project integrates large-scale pharmacoepidemiologic data from Swedish national registries (MediMaMi cohort) with longitudinal microbiome data from the Alba Health cohort to investigate how antibiotics and PPIs influence microbiome composition and early-life health outcomes. The study is structured into three work packages (WPs): (WP1) a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing global PPI utilization trends in early life, (WP2) a registry-based cohort study examining the association between maternal antibiotic exposure (GBS prophylaxis) and childhood health outcomes (infections, obesity, type 1 diabetes), and (WP3) an analysis of microbiome data from the Alba Health cohort, exploring links between gut microbiota, gastrointestinal health, and weight gain trajectories. By integrating pharmacoepidemiology, microbiome science, and bioinformatics, this research will generate critical insights into the safety and long-term impact of early-life medication use. Given comparable prescribing practices between Sweden and Belgium, the findings will provide valuable evidence to inform pediatric prescribing guidelines and healthcare policies in Belgium and beyond.

Researcher(s)

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project

The effect of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on the gut microbiome and infection risk in early life. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2028

Abstract

Our gut microbiome is affected by many factors, and it seems (prescribed) drug use is one of the most important factors affecting its' composition and function. The first years of life are crucial for the acquisition of a healthy and stable gut microbiome, yet infancy is also when we use most antibiotics. Young infants may also receive gastric acid inhibitors for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms although efficacy and safety have been questioned. As antibiotics and gastric acid inhibitors are known to disrupt the gut microbiome in adults, these could even have larger and long-lasting effects on the microbiome and health of young children. With these projects, we want to contribute to mapping antibiotics and protonpump utilisation during early childhood – to assess the potential extent of overconsumption. We also want to explore drug-microbiome interactions in young children, and the potential bi-directional effect on infections. These projects might have direct clinical implications, by contributing to improved prescription practices and reducing inappropriate intake.

Researcher(s)

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Laura project 2.0: Improving women's health in Peru with the support of higher education institutions, women and local authorities. 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2027

Abstract

Speaking openly about vaginal health is taboo in Peru, and public attention to intimate female care has been neglected for decades. For instance, during the present pandemic, several primary health care centers shut down gynaecological consultations, affecting women suffering from vaginal infections. With the current Laura 2.0 project, we aim to create a national (in Peru) and international research network investigating on vaginal health by actively engaging several key stakeholders from society and academia. Higher education institutions (HEIs) will play a key role in achieving Laura 2.0 aim. Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP) and Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa (UNSA) are the prominent universities in the Peruvian Amazon and the Highlands regions, respectively. Both HEIs are strengthening their key roles in developing their regions by consolidating their research capacity. The current project will strengthen the national (UNAP-UNSA-UPCH) and international (local partners and UAntwerp) collaboration by actively developing research capacities in a multidisciplinary approach. More importantly involving (for the first time in Peru), citizens (women) in science, via a citizen science project inspired by the Belgian Isala project (https://isala.be/en).

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project