How can antibiotic use disrupt the gut microbiome?

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Microbiology Photomicrograph of *Streptococcus pyogenes*, a bacterium that can cause scarlet fever. (Magnified about 900×.)

Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome by eliminating beneficial bacteria alongside the disease-causing pathogens they are intended to target.1

This process can lead to a decrease in microbial diversity or a state of imbalance known as dysbiosis. While the gut microbiota is often resilient and capable of recovery, repeated or prolonged exposure to antibiotics can disrupt the microbial community's balance, potentially contributing to digestive disorders and chronic diseases. Because these medications do not always distinguish between harmful and helpful microorganisms, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use is recommended to help maintain a healthy, balanced microbial community.1