Exposure to antibiotics during birth by caesarean section may increase infants’ long-term health risks

Animal studies indicate that prenatal contact with antibiotics can affect the development of intestinal flora and lead to long-term health problems in offspring. In a pilot study, scientists around Prof Jan Rupp of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) compared the effect of antimicrobial infection prophylaxis during caesarean deliveries—administered to mothers either before or after clamping the umbilical cord—on the development of their infants’ intestinal flora. The study detected persistent differences in intestinal flora composition of infants exposed to antibiotics during birth, indicating that early contact with antibiotics can have a lasting impact on the health of infants.

Quelle: IDW Informationsdienst Wissenschaft