How ampicillin and breast milk affect a baby's gut health and immune system
The impact of ampicillin and breast milk oligosaccharides on the infant microbiome and immune functions
This project explores how antibiotics given to mothers during childbirth and the special sugars in breast milk shape a newborn's gut bacteria and developing immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143902 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When pregnant mothers receive antibiotics like ampicillin to prevent infections in their newborns, it can sometimes change the helpful bacteria in the baby's gut. At the same time, breast milk contains unique sugars that are known to support a healthy gut and immune system in infants. We want to understand how these two factors—antibiotic exposure and breast milk—interact to influence a baby's early health. Our goal is to learn more about these effects to help guide better care for newborns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to newborns who have been exposed to ampicillin during birth and are receiving breast milk.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infants or whose mothers did not receive ampicillin during childbirth would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new recommendations for antibiotic use during childbirth or strategies to enhance the benefits of breast milk, improving infant health.
How similar studies have performed: Research on the infant microbiome and the effects of antibiotics and breast milk is an active and growing field, with many studies highlighting their importance for health.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nizet, Victor — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Nizet, Victor
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.