Effects of prenatal antibiotic treatment on early infant health: a retrospective study in a rural health facility in Ghana

BACKGROUND: Infant mortality remains a major developmental challenge in many low-income countries. Epidemiological evidence suggests that infant acquisition of maternal microbiome is essential for programming of immunity and metabolism. As such, irrational maternal antibiotic use may affect infant health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of prenatal antibiotic use on early postnatal life (90 days) in a low-income community in Ghana. METHODOLOGY: The study was a retrospective study of 412 mother-baby pair medical records in a low-income community in rural Ghana. RESULTS: During the ninety-day period, the prevalence and relative risk of neonatal sepsis, respiratory disorders, and dermatitis were significantly higher in infants treated prenatally with antibiotics compared to untreated infants. Prenatal antibiotic treatment was not significantly associated with the risk of developing neonatal jaundice and conjunctivitis. However, prenatally antibiotic exposed infants were three times likely to visit the hospital for a non-scheduled/non-review treatment within the first 90 days compared to unexposed babies. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum antibiotic treatment is associated with poor early infant health. Rationalizing antibiotic use during pregnancy may contribute to reducing infant mortality.