Long-Term Antibiotic Use Linked to Higher Risk of Parkinson’s Disease: Study
New Delhi: A recent study has revealed a significant link between prolonged antibiotic exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea analyzed data from 298,379 individuals aged 40 years and older who participated in a national health examination between 2004 and 2005 to validate the findings in Asian populations.
The study, published in the Neurology Clinical Practice journal, reported a 29% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in individuals exposed to antibiotics for over 121 days compared to those with no antibiotic exposure. Moreover, the risk escalated to 37% when compared to individuals exposed for only 1-14 days.
“Extended usage of antibiotics was linked to a higher incidence of PD, even after controlling for several risk variables,” noted the researchers. They emphasized the need for further investigation to establish causation and underlying mechanisms.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that impairs movement, often presenting in symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and balance difficulties. The study’s findings have drawn attention to the possible role of the gut-brain axis in this association.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, weighed in on the matter via a post on Linkedin. “Antibiotic use can alter the gut microbiota. This alteration can last for several years. Antibiotics can alter the gut-brain axis,” he wrote. Dr. Kumar also pointed out the potential neurotoxic effects of antibiotics on the brain and urged cautious use of these medications, given the risks of long-term exposure.
Adding to the discussion, another recent study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders revealed that treatment with two or more courses of antifungal medications increased the risk of Parkinson’s by 16%.
Conversely, individuals who underwent five or more courses of penicillin antibiotics demonstrated a 15% lower risk of developing the disease.
These findings underscore the complex relationship between antibiotic use and neurological health, highlighting the importance of judicious antibiotic prescribing practices to minimize unintended health risks. Further research is essential to better understand these associations and their implications for public health.