Antibiotics Found To Cause Immune System Damage
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published August 02, 2016 | 12:12 PM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Augst,2016) : Harmful side effects have been associated with antibiotics including damage to the immune system and memory problems by a lack of growth in new brain cells, according to a new study. The findings serve as a reminder that while antibiotics can be powerful allies for the human body in the fight against disease, they can also do more harm than good if used in the wrong situations, BBC health reported. Studies found that the way antibiotics kill off microbes in the gut can cause health issues, due to the way the delicate chemical mixes in our bodies can be thrown out of balance by the medication. Study, led by researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, involved 857 patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants - a treatment typically used to tackle blood and bone marrow cancers. Antibiotics are usually given in these cases to prevent or treat infections linked to the transplants, but the researchers found that patient health varied depending on the types of antibiotics used.
They tested 12 of the most common types of antibiotics, finding that two combinations in particular - piperacillin and tazobactam, and imipenem and cilastatin - led to a higher risk of a life-threatening inflammatory condition called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The hypothesis is that the 'mass exodus' these particular antibiotics caused in the patients' gut microbiomes harmed the body's immune system in some way.
Similar results were observed when the researchers tried the same tests on mice. Scientists have emphasised that there's more work to be done, and further tests to be run before we understand exactly what this means for the way we use these antibiotics in the future. For the time being, though, it's a good reminder that these drugs should always be carefully used - and not overused in any circumstances.
Recent Stories
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan visits Rawalpindi ..
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
More Stories From Pakistan
-
RIUJ, NPC jointly organizes seminar on freedom of expression
2 hours ago -
LG&CD deptt appoints Dr Abdullah as Focal Person Media
2 hours ago -
PPP nominates Kundi, Saleem as governors KPK, Punjab respectively
2 hours ago -
Court awards 15-year imprisonment to accused in a rape case
2 hours ago -
PM visits residence of Saira Afzal Tarar, offers condolences over her father's death
3 hours ago -
Police bust gambling gang in Pindigheb area
3 hours ago
-
AJK PM approves Social Protection Ordinance
3 hours ago -
AJK President lauds overseas community for highlighting Kashmir issue
3 hours ago -
BUJ protests murder of KPC President Siddique Mengal
3 hours ago -
AJK PM chairs cabinet meeting
3 hours ago -
Randhawa for completing ongoing projects
4 hours ago -
Bilawal expresses sorrow over bus accident in Diamer
4 hours ago