THE PLACE OF PREBIOTICS IN ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
Keywords:
antibiotic therapy, prebiotics, dysbacteriosis, intestinal microbiota, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, companion animals, synbiotics, immune function, health of the gastrointestinal tract.Abstract
Antibiotic therapy is a fundamental component of veterinary medicine, necessary for the treatment of bacterial infections of various animal species. However, the use of antibiotics often leads to unintentional disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiota, leading to dysbiosis and related health problems. Prebiotics, which are indigestible dietary fibers that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, have become a valuable aid in combating these side effects. This article explores the role of prebiotics in maintaining gut health during veterinary antibiotic therapy. It discusses the mechanisms by which prebiotics promote the restoration of beneficial microbial populations, the benefits seen in livestock and companion animals, and the potential of synbiotics — a combination of prebiotics and probiotics — to improve therapeutic outcomes. Integrating prebiotics into antibiotic regimens offers a promising strategy to mitigate the negative effects of antibiotics, support immune function, and improve overall treatment effectiveness. Future research should focus on optimizing the use of prebiotics, including identifying species-specific effects, appropriate doses, and timing of administration to maximize benefits in different veterinary contexts.
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