INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ANTIBIOTICS ON CHILD IMMUNITY: UNRAVELING MECHANISMS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH

Author Name: 1. Bhumi Pandya

Volume/Issue: 04/10

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2024-51788784/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Principal, Shankersinh Vaghela Bapu Institute of Nursing, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.

ABSTRACT

The widespread utilization of antibiotics in pediatric populations has emerged as a subject of concern due to its potential impact on child immunity. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate current understanding surrounding the effects of antibiotics on the developing immune system in children, delving into the underlying mechanisms and evaluating implications for health outcomes. Central to this exploration is the elucidation of how antibiotics perturb microbiota composition, disrupt immune homeostasis, and influence immune maturation during critical developmental stages. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the long-term ramifications of early-life antibiotic exposure on immune resilience, susceptibility to infections, and the development of immune-related disorders in later life. Additionally, the examination extends to potential strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of antibiotics on child immunity, while concurrently preserving their therapeutic benefits against bacterial infections. By highlighting the necessity of optimizing antibiotic use in children, this review underscores the imperative to safeguard immune health and promote long-term well-being in pediatric populations.

Key words: Antibiotics, Child immunity, Health implications, Immune maturation, Immune resilience, Susceptibility to infections, Immune-related disorders, Therapeutic benefits, Optimization of antibiotic use.