Research team
Early-Life Exposure to Antibiotics and Proton Pump Inhibitors: Utilization Patterns, Microbiome Impact, and Short-Term Health Outcomes.
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)
- Promoter: Brusselaers Nele
- Co-promoter: Vlieghe Erika
- Fellow: Orwa Sheila
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
The effect of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on the gut microbiome and infection risk in early life.
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)
- Promoter: Brusselaers Nele
- Co-promoter: Vlieghe Erika
- Fellow: Orwa Sheila
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project