Antibiotics may increase the risk of pneumonia

reduce antibodies possible side effects of antibiotics in the lungs

Antibiotics can weaken the lungs and thus increase the risk of pneumonia, the defense system. By the administration of the drug of antibodies, this risk can be reduced obviously. German researchers have discovered. Drugs with unwanted side effects

Although the use of antibiotics in the treatment of many diseases is clinically necessary, but it is often seen critical. Finally, studies have shown that these drugs are often prescribed only on suspicion, and often badociated with serious side effects. One of these unwanted side effects is the weakening of the body's natural bacterial flora. This reduces the risk of infection can increase, for example in the lungs. It is known that one of the main causes of pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

Disruption of bacterial flora by antibiotics

Scientists of Charity – Universitätsmedizin Berlin now have the investigated mechanisms that promote Pseudomonas infections after antibiotic treatments

L & # 39 research team led by the professor. Bastian Opitz of the Medical Department, Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology at Charity has demonstrated that the disruption of bacterial flora by antibiotics in the reduced production of certain antibodies in the lungs.

As it is said in a statement, these IgA antibodies as a result, an important defense option of the immune system against infections.

Antibiotics weaken the immune system of the lungs and make it easier for Pseudomonas bacteria to infect the lungs.

According to information could this effect in the context of an observational study with ICU patients detect.

risk can be mitigated with specially produced antibodies

scientists have successfully modeled animal models already to reduce susceptibility to Pseudomonas lung infection with specially produced IgA-type antibodies.

"We want to understand r, the influence of antibiotics on the natural bacterial flora and how it affects the body's defense mechanisms and especially the effect of the lungs" Professor Opitz explains the other objectives from research, adding:

"And we want to examine how and in what form IgA antibodies can and preventably be used therapeutically. "

study researchers was recently in the journal" published the Journal of Clinical Investigation ". (Ad)