UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN EARLY ANTIBIOTIC EXPOSURE AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/eddiscourses/2025-4-14Keywords:
antibiotics, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, gut microbiota, neurodevelopment, probiotics, medical educationAbstract
The gut microbiota has emerged as a crucial determinant of neurodevelopmental processes. Early colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for immune system maturation, metabolic regulation, and the establishment of the gut– brain axis, which collectively influence cognitive and behavioral outcomes. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates strong associations between gut microbial composition and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Experimental studies suggest that microbiota alterations can modulate stress responses and social behavior, even when microbial balance is later restored. Human epidemiological research indicates that early antibiotic exposure can disrupt gut microbial diversity, thereby heightening susceptibility to neuropsychiatric conditions. Preventive use of probiotics during infancy has shown potential in reducing later-life risks of such disorders. A large Swedish cohort study revealed that both prenatal and early-life antibiotic exposure are associated with increased odds of ASD and ADHD. Additional evidence supports the link between antibiotic administration and impaired cognitive performance, executive functioning, and language development. Microbiota-based interventions, including probiotic supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation, have demonstrated improvements in gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Furthermore, environmental exposures – such as to triclosan – may contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These findings underscore the role of early microbial modulation as a potential preventive or therapeutic strategy for neurodevelopmental disorders. From an educational standpoint, integrating microbiome science into medical and pharmaceutical curricula could enhance professionals’ understanding of the gut–brain connection and foster evidence-based approaches to early-life health interventions. Future interdisciplinary research is required to clarify causal mechanisms, optimize microbiota-targeted therapies, and evaluate their long-term effectiveness.
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