Broad-spectrum antimicrobials—considering 'holobiont' welfare
The discovery of antibiotics (also referred to as antimicrobials) is perhaps the most revolutionary outcome in the medical sciences during the twentieth century, and has allowed medical practitioners to treat a wide range of bacterial infections; and therefore, antimicrobials are the most commonly prescribed drug in many types of illness all over the world. However, antibiotics may cause some adverse effects in the host body, yet it is often difficult to determine the long-term health effects of antimicrobials. However, different types of abnormalities that are common manifestations after antimicrobial therapy include: pathogen-induced colitis, cholera, atopic dermatitis, asthma, eczema, allergic sensitization, candidiasis, autoimmune encephalitis, and diabetes. A recent study out of the Center for Diabetes Research in Denmark showed that antibiotics exposure increases risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.