How ampicillin and breast milk oligosaccharides affect infant gut health and immunity
The impact of ampicillin and breast milk oligosaccharides on the infant microbiome and immune functions
This study is looking at how giving the antibiotic ampicillin to pregnant women during labor might affect the gut health and immune system of their newborns, while also checking how breast milk can help support healthy bacteria in babies.
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-10907653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of ampicillin, an antibiotic given to pregnant women during labor, on the gut microbiome and immune system of newborns. It explores how exposure to this antibiotic may disrupt the natural development of beneficial gut bacteria in infants, while also examining the positive role of breast milk oligosaccharides in promoting a healthy microbiome. By using experimental mouse models, the study aims to understand the balance between the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis against group B Streptococcus and the potential negative impacts on infant health. The findings could inform guidelines for antibiotic use and breastfeeding practices in newborn care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns aged 0-4 weeks who are exposed to ampicillin during delivery.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who do not receive ampicillin during labor may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for antibiotic use during childbirth, enhancing infant gut health and immune function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the impact of antibiotics on the microbiome can lead to significant improvements in infant health outcomes.
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.