Antibiotic Wars

Overuse of antibiotics may lead to the death of good gut bacteria, according to a study performed on mice by Dr. Vincent Young at the University of Michigan. Dr. Young states that the delicate balance of the flora in the gastrointestinal tract is not well understood and that antibiotics could alter this environment. Mice treated with the antibiotic did not regain a healthy level of gut bacteria, even after six weeks. Similarly, patients treated with powerful antibiotics that destroy intestinal bacteria may be more susceptible to a deadly bacterium called C. diff.The Wall Street Journal online, August 18, 2009 
2009-10-03 18:16:27