Effects of treatment with antimicrobial agents on the human colonic microflora

Review

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Authors: Fatemeh Rafii, John B Sutherland, Carl E Cerniglia

Published Date December 2008 Volume 2008:4(6) Pages 1343 - 1357

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S4328

Fatemeh Rafii, John B Sutherland, Carl E Cerniglia

Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, FDA, Jefferson, AR, USA

Abstract: Antimicrobial agents are the most valuable means available for treating bacterial infections. However, the administration of therapeutic doses of antimicrobial agents to patients is a leading cause of disturbance of the normal gastrointestinal microflora. This disturbance results in diminishing the natural defense mechanisms provided by the colonic microbial ecosystem, making the host vulnerable to infection by commensal microorganisms or nosocomial pathogens. In this minireview, the impacts of antimicrobials, individually and in combinations, on the human colonic microflora are discussed.

Keywords: antibiotics, intestinal bacteria