Abstract
BackgroundAntibiotic use on animals demonstrates improved growth regardless of whether or not there is clinical evidence of infectious disease. Antibiotics used for trachoma control may play an unintended benefit of improving child growth.MethodologyIn this sub-study of a larger randomized controlled trial, we assess anthropometry of pre-school children in a community-randomized trial of mass oral azithromycin distributions for trachoma in Niger. We measured height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) in 12 communities randomized to receive annual mass azithromycin treatment of everyone versus 12 communities randomized to receive biannual mass azithromycin treatments for children, 3 years after the initial mass treatment. We collected measurements in 1,034 children aged 6–60 months of age.Principal FindingsWe found no difference in the prevalence of wasting among children in the 12 annually treated communities that received three mass azithromycin distributions compared to the 12 biannually treated communities that received six mass azithromycin distributions (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.53 to 1.49).Conclusions/SignificanceWe were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in stunting, underweight, and low MUAC of pre-school children in communities randomized to annual mass azithromycin treatment or biannual mass azithromycin treatment. The role of antibiotics on child growth and nutrition remains unclear, but larger studies and longitudinal trials may help determine any association.
Highlights
Non-specific antibiotic use has been employed to enhance weight gain in livestock since the 1950s [1]
Principal Findings: We found no difference in the prevalence of wasting among children in the 12 annually treated communities that received three mass azithromycin distributions compared to the 12 biannually treated communities that received six mass azithromycin distributions
Recent studies suggest that antibiotic use could have an effect on growth in humans
Summary
Non-specific antibiotic use has been employed to enhance weight gain in livestock since the 1950s [1]. Previous studies have examined the association between antibiotics and livestock [1,2,3,4,5,6]. These studies have identified benefits of using antimicrobials to improve animal growth, prevent and treat infections, and enhance feed efficiency [7]. Anti-parasitic agents have been shown to increase weight in humans, presumably due to their effect on soil-transmitted helminthes [5]. Childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria have been linked to malnutrition [9]. Antibiotics used for trachoma control may play an unintended benefit of improving child growth
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