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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

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Antibiotic use was linked to long-lasting gut microbiome changes

A scientist wearing protective equipment including a head covering, face shield, and blue gown works inside a biosafety cabinet, handling multiple sample plates and containers with laboratory materials.
Research area:Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular BiologyGut microbiota and healthAntibiotics

What the study found

Oral antibiotic use was associated with changes in the gut microbiome, and the strongest reduction in species diversity was seen when antibiotics had been used less than 1 year before fecal sampling. Associations were also observed for antibiotic use 1-4 years and 4-8 years earlier.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors conclude that antibiotics may have long-lasting consequences for the gut microbiome. The study suggests this is relevant because gut microbiome disruptions are implicated in cardiometabolic disorders and other health outcomes.

What the researchers tested

The researchers combined individual-level prescription data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register with fecal metagenomes from 14,979 adults. They examined associations between oral antibiotic use over 8 years and gut microbiome composition using multivariable confounder-adjusted regression models.

What worked and what didn't

Antibiotic use less than 1 year before sampling was associated with the greatest reduction in species diversity. Clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and flucloxacillin accounted for most of the associations with the abundance of individual species, while penicillin V, extended-spectrum penicillins, and nitrofurantoin were associated with only a few species.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe specific limitations. The findings are based on associations in adult participants and do not by themselves show causation.

Key points

  • Oral antibiotic use was associated with reduced gut microbiome species diversity, especially when use was within the past year.
  • Associations were also seen for antibiotic use 1-4 years and 4-8 years before fecal sampling.
  • Clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, and flucloxacillin explained most of the species-level associations.
  • Penicillin V, extended-spectrum penicillins, and nitrofurantoin were linked to only a few species.
  • The study combined Swedish prescription data with fecal metagenomes from 14,979 adults.

Disclosure

Research title:
Antibiotic use was linked to long-lasting gut microbiome changes
Publication date:
2026-03-11
DOI:
10.1038/s41591-026-04284-y
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: AI provenance information is not available for this post.

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