A study has revealed that prolonged use of antibiotics may significantly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers from Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea analysed data from 298,379 individuals aged 40 and above who participated in a national health check-up between 2004 and 2005.
The study, published in Neurology Clinical Practice, found that people who were exposed to antibiotics for more than 121 days had a 29% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those who did not use antibiotics. Additionally, those who used antibiotics for over 121 days had a 37% increased risk of Parkinson’s compared to those who were exposed for just 1-14 days.
The study’s authors emphasised that even after adjusting for various risk factors, prolonged antibiotic use was linked to a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease. They called for further research to explore the mechanisms and confirm causality.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder that affects motor function, causing symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and balance problems.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, took to social media to discuss the role of gut health in this connection. He pointed out that antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially influencing the gut-brain axis and contributing to neurological disorders like Parkinson’s. He also mentioned the neurotoxic effects that prolonged antibiotic use could have on the brain.
Dr Kumar cautioned that antibiotics should be used judiciously due to the potential long-term negative effects.
In addition, another study published in Parkinsonism & Related Disorders found that multiple courses of antifungal treatments were linked to a 16% higher risk of Parkinson’s. Interestingly, individuals who had five or more courses of penicillin treatment showed a 15% lower risk of developing the disease.
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