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 immunity and metabolism. As such, irrational antibiotic use may affect health.
 Objectives: The aim the study was to determine effects prenatal on early postnatal life (90 days) community Ghana.Methodology: retrospective 412 mother-baby pair medical records rural Ghana.
 Results: During ninety-day period, prevalence relative risk neonatal sepsis, respiratory disorders, dermatitis were significantly higher infants treated prenatally with antibiotics compared untreated infants. Prenatal treatment not associated developing jaundice conjunctivitis. However, exposed three times likely visit hospital non-scheduled/non-review within first 90 days unexposed babies.
 Conclusions: Intrapartum poor health. Rationalizing during pregnancy contribute reducing mortality.
 Keywords: antibiotic; microbiome; sub-Sahara Africa; sepsis.