Effects of Antibiotics on Intestinal Microbiota and Potential Treatment Options

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that significantly impacts digestion, immunity, and overall health. Although antibiotics are valuable in treating infections, they can cause long-term harmful effects on the host by altering the composition and functions of the microbiota. These effects include reduced microbial diversity, changes in the functional attributes of the microbiota, and the formation of antibiotic-resistant strains. This situation can lead to other complications such as digestive issues, weakened immune system, obesity, diabetes, allergic and autoimmune diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, and certain cancers. In recent years, the increase in antibiotic use has heightened the likelihood of these problems becoming more acute or prevalent in the future. Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis, and the rising use of antibiotics over time necessitates research into their effects on microbiota and health. This review highlights the adverse effects of antibiotics on gut health and emphasizes various strategies to mitigate these effects, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and phage therapy.