The MAID Study: Microbiome and Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis in Children

Antibiotics are the most widely prescribed drugs in children and its frequent use presents a real danger to its ongoing effectiveness. Probiotics are bacteria that, when administered in adequate amounts, may replenish âgoodâ bacteria depleted by antibiotics to maintain the normal bacterial composition in the gut. The aim of this study is to determine whether taking probiotics with antibiotics protects against shifts in the bacterial composition of the gut microbiota. By collecting stool samples from children (1 year to 3 years old) on intravenous antibiotics with either a probiotic (BioK+) or a placebo, we can compare the differences in the type of bacteria present in the gut. We suspect that taking probiotics while on antibiotics may potentially protect against antibiotic-related changes in the gut microbiota. The findings will shed light on how probiotics (BioK+) produce their health benefits and if the probiotics can be detected in the fecal samples.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bradley Johnston

Student:

Kim Chau

Partner:

Bio-K Plus International Inc

Discipline:

Epidemiology / Public health and policy

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: