Effects of Non-Antibiotic Drugs on Human Gut Bacteria
A human study on intestinal bacteria could have relevance to animal species.

While this study focused on human intestinal bacteria, it may be relevant because of its potential effects on animal species. iStockPhotos.com

A human-based study also considered the effect of non-antibiotic medications on the intestinal microbiome [Maier, L.; Pruteanu, M.; Kuhn, M.; Zeller, G.; et al. Extensive impact of non-antibiotic drugs on human gut bacteria. Nature Mar 29 2018, vol. 555; pp. 623-628]. While this study focused on human intestinal bacteria, it may be relevant because of its potential effects on animal species.

The research was performed at the German-based European Molecular Biology Laboratory. Evaluation of 1,100 marketed drugs and their effects on 40 representative intestinal bacteria demonstrated that 24% (more than 200 species) “inhibited growth of at least one bacterial strain in vitro.” Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormones, and proton pump inhibitors, exerted antibiotic-like effects, which has the potential to promote antibiotic resistance.

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