title: Possible mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agent-associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
abstract: Gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly diarrhoea, are a relatively common side effect of antibiotic usage. In the vast majority of cases the mechanisms involved in these side effects are not understood. Proposed mechanisms include the direct action of antibiotics on intestinal function, inducing predisposition to infection with an enteric pathogen, and factors secondary to disturbance of the normal intestinal flora that do not involve infection with a known pathogen. There is some evidence for all three potential scenarios.
authors.affiliation: Microbial Pathogenicity Research Group, Clinical Research Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Borriello
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007419:Intestinal Secretions / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents