How infant antibiotics affect asthma risk and gut health in children
Official title: Effect of infant antibiotics on the development of the early-life airway and gut microbiome and risk of childhood asthma
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10981764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking antibiotics as a baby might affect the chances of developing asthma and how it changes the good bacteria in the gut, helping us understand when babies are most at risk and what might help protect them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $816,358 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL171731-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants under one year of age who have been prescribed antibiotics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those who have not received antibiotics in infancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of antibiotic use during infancy on the development of asthma and the gut microbiome in children. It aims to identify the critical age when infants are most vulnerable to the negative effects of antibiotics, as well as the specific microbial changes that may contribute to asthma risk. By analyzing bacterial species and their functions, the study seeks to uncover protective factors in the gut and respiratory microbiomes that could mitigate asthma onset. This research employs advanced techniques to accurately assess microbial communities and their interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for antibiotic use in infants, potentially reducing the risk of childhood asthma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a link between antibiotic use in infancy and asthma risk, but this research aims to provide more precise insights into the timing and mechanisms involved.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosas-Salazar, Christian — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rosas-Salazar, Christian
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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.