Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs used to suppress gastric acid production and treat gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux. Recent studies have identified an increased risk of enteric infections. Some studies have also identified possible associations between PPI use and gastrointestinal microbiota. We investigated the association between PPI use and the gut microbiome using 16S ribosomal RNA amplification from fecal samples of 1827 healthy twins and replicated the results in unpublished data from an interventional study file. We found significantly lower abundance of gut commensals and lower microbial diversity in patients taking PPIs with a significant increase in oral and upper gastrointestinal commensals. We propose that the observed changes result from removal of the low pH barrier. Caution should therefore be exercised with excessive PPI use.
Year: 2016
Nationality: UK
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