Multiple penicillin courses may modestly lower risk for Parkinson disease, reveals research
Researchers have reported that early exposure to a few antimicrobials, like penicillins and antifungals, could impact the risk for Parkinson's disease (PD) in later life. A new study of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) data reported an association where people exposed to higher courses of penicillins had reduced PD risk but those who had multiple antifungal prescriptions had a minor increase in PD risk. The study was conducted by Gian Pal and colleagues and was published in the journal Parkinsonism and Related Disorders.
Parkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors, but its relationship with prior antimicrobial exposure remains unclear. This study, conducted using a UK-representative population, analyzed whether exposure to different antimicrobials affected the likelihood of developing PD.
The nested case-control study design was carried out with a sample sourced from CPRD. For this study, researchers analyzed data sourced from CPRD for 12,557 cases of PD and controls matched to them, 80,804 controls. Controls and PD cases were matched one to one based on age, sex, and year of diagnosis, the index date. It reviewed prescribed courses of antimicrobials up to 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15 years before diagnosis. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations were applied in order to compute ORs and consider false discovery.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.