A group of commonly used drug categories have a significant impact on the makeup of the gut microbiome, which could increase the risk for infection, obesity and other conditions, according to study results presented at UEG Week.

Arnau Vich Vila, of the department of gastroenterology and hepatology at University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, and colleagues found that 18 common drug categories were associated with changes in the composition or function of the gut microbiome. Their research explored changes in the general population, as well as in patients with disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.