Intestinal microbiome analysis demonstrates azithromycin post-treatment effects improve when combined with lactulose.

Background: Next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our perspective on the gut microbiome composition, revealing the true extent of the adverse effects of antibiotics. The impact of antibiotic treatment on gut microbiota must be considered and researched to provide grounds for establishing new treatment strategies that are less devastating on commensal bacteria. This study investigates the impact on gut microbiome when a commonly used antibiotic, azithromycin is administered, as well as uncovers the benefits induced when it is used in combination with lactulose, a prebiotic known to enhance the proliferation of commensal microbes.