Antibiotics and the Human Gut Microbiota

Introduction

Antibiotics make up a class of molecules whose purpose is to inhibit the growth of or kill harmful bacteria. Antibiotics originate from a wide variety of microbes as a means of competing with and defending themselves from nearby bacteria and are used to treat bacterial infections in humans (1,2). A microbiome is a population that is defined by every microbe present on and within an organism; for humans, it contributes immensely to the physiological processes of the host organism (3). Although antibiotics are incredibly useful in fighting bacterial infections, they often alter the human gut microbiome in ways that prove detrimental to our health.

Common Uses for Antibiotics

While antibiotics are primarily utilized to treat bacterial infections in humans, there are many other applications that significantly contribute to human antibiotic overexposure. Antibiotics are often used to treat and prevent bacterial infections in pets, livestock, and aquaculture (2). Additionally, antibiotics are used frequently to promote growth in livestock; certain studies estimate that the US uses more antibiotics for this purpose than for treatment of human bacterial infections (2c). Antibiotics are also included in many household products such as soaps, shampoos, and even solid objects such as fabrics (2). Aside from direct exposure, antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria can come into contact with the human microbiota through waterway contamination (2a) and the consumption of food that is grown or produced in the presence of antibiotics (2b).

Effect of Antibiotic Exposure on the Human Microbiota

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Conclusion

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References

Edited by Zachary Baker, student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2020, Kenyon College.