Cross-Sectional Assessment of Microbiome Changes in Patients Undergoing Antibiotic Therapy

Background: The human microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining health by supporting metabolic processes, immune function, and protection against pathogens. While antibiotics are necessary for treating infections, they have the ability to disturb microbial ecosystems, which could lead to dysbiosis. By utilising a cross-sectional method, this study intends to evaluate how antibiotic treatment affects the gut flora. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 antibiotic-treated individuals from March 2023 to July 2024. Bio samples, including stool, were obtained before and after antibiotics. A 16S rRNA sequencing-based microbiome investigation assessed bacterial diversity and composition changes. Using diversity indices and statistical methods, researchers compared microbiome profiles before and after treatment. Results: The microbiota of 100 antibiotic-treated patients changed significantly. Before medication, the gut microbiota had 45.2% Firmicutes, 40.3% Bacteroidetes, and 4.2% Proteobacteria. Firmicutes dropped to 32.1% and Bacteroidetes to 25.4%, whereas Proteobacteria rose to 24.7%. The Simpson Index decreased from 0.89 ± 0.05 to 0.78 ± 0.07 (p < 0.001), whereas the Shannon Index decreased from 4.1 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.4, indicating reduced microbial diversity. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased from 1.12 to 0.79 (p < 0.01), whereas Escherichia genera increased by 1.3% to 12.5% and Klebsiella genera increased by 0.9% to 7.4% (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the significant dysbiosis that antibiotics can cause. Conclusion: Antibiotics alter gut microbiota diversity and composition. These alterations highlight the necessity of antibiotic caution and how microbial equilibrium might be restored. Interventions to reduce microbial influence and long-term effects should be studied.