🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 93 (from laksa007)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa093.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics","crawl_time":1776420890,"first_indexed_time":1656592907,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"sg,com,singhealth!www,\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics s443","src_root_hash":"12117085593994098693","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Diarrhoea after antibiotics?","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"29 Jun 2022 | Singapore Health\nBy Goh Bee Lian\nTummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic\nbrings on diarrhoea in some people.\nAmoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections.\nHowever, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance.\n“Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr\nShirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)\n.\nDr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience.\nIn 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given.\nThe study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the\nFaecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii)\nbacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria).\nF Prausnitzii\nis the most abundant species within the\nRuminococcaceae\nbacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health.\n“Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group.\nThe team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of\nF Prausnitzii\nin the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment.\nAlthough currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice.\n“This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether\nRuminococcaceae\nas a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin.\nBeyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria.\n“Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm.\nOne in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus.\nGet the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.","attrs_markdown":"SingHealth Institutions will NEVER ask you to transfer money over a call. If in doubt, call the 24\/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799, or visit the ScamShield website at [www.scamshield.gov.sg](https:\/\/www.scamshield.gov.sg\/).\n\n[![Close Icon](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/etc.clientlibs\/singhealth\/clientlibs\/clientlib-site\/resources\/images\/icons\/close.png)]()\n\n- [Arabic](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n- [Chinese (Traditional)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n- [Hindi](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n- [Chinese (Simplified)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n- [English](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n- [Indonesian](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n\nNon-English translations are machine-generated; verify independently for potential inaccuracies.\n\n[Education](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/education.html)\n\n[Research & Innovation](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/research-innovation.html)\n\n[Giving](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/giving.html)\n\n[Subscribe Enews](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/647ea0620583e30011498bec)\n\n[Appointments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/appointments.html)\n\n[Subscribe Enews](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/647ea0620583e30011498bec)\n\n[Appointments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/appointments.html)\n\n[![SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k2Pcrr2O3A-qra-95FOG1q8uv_zI2pZzk2YzH8CwUkfWA\/singhealth.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/)\n\n[Symptoms & Treatments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/symptoms-treatments.html)\n\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/doctor.html)\n\n[Our Institutions]()\n\n[Our Specialties](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-specialties.html)\n\n[Patient Services](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services.html)\n\n[Community Care]()\n\nI Want To…\n\nBack to All Menu Options\n\n[General Hospitals]()\n\n- [![Singapore General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/singapore-general-hospital.png) Singapore General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#sgh)\n- [![Changi General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/changi-general-hospital.png) Changi General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#cgh)\n- [![Sengkang General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/sengkang-general-hospital.png) Sengkang General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#skh)\n- [![Eastern General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/eastern-general-hospital.png) Eastern General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#egh)\n- [![KK Women’s and Children Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/kk-womens-and-childrens-hospital.png) KK Women’s and Children Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#kkh)\n\n[National Specialty Centres]()\n\n- [![National Cancer Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/national-cancer-centre-singapore.png) National Cancer Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#nccs)\n- [![National Dental Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/national-dental-centre-singapore.png) National Dental Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#ndcs)\n- [![National Heart Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/national-heart-centre-singapore.png) National Heart Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#nhcs)\n- [![National Neuroscience Institute](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/national-neuroscience-institute.png) National Neuroscience Institute](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#nni)\n- [![Singapore National Eye Centre](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/singapore-national-eye-centre.png) Singapore National Eye Centre](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#snec)\n\n[Community Hospitals]()\n\n- [![SingHealth Community Hospitals](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/sch-icon.png) SingHealth Community Hospitals](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#sch)\n\n[Polyclinic]()\n\n- [![SingHealth Polyclinics](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/polyclinics.jpg) SingHealth Polyclinics](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html#shp)\n\n[View All Institutions](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-institutions.html)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/icon\/google_maps.png)\n\n[Locations via Google Map](https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/edit?mid=1K7_ZT0G6pgUAFlIulu8Kw6EOp7SCGww&usp=sharing)\n\n[Manage Your Health]()\n\n- [Know about HealthUp\\!](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/level-up-with-healthup\/about-healthup.html)\n- [Get Support from SingHealth Healthier SG Team](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/supporting-healthier-sg.html)\n- [Health Screening](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/level-up-with-healthup\/health-screening.html)\n\n[Connect to Community Resources]()\n\n- [Find a Community Health Post](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team\/find-a-community-health-posts.html)\n- [Find a GP Clinic](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team\/find-a-gp.html)\n- [Find Family Services @ Family Nexus](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team\/family-nexus.html)\n- [Community Partnerships](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/community-partnership-council.html)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care.html)\n\n[Other Useful Resources]()\n\n- [What is GPFirst?](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/find-resources-in-your-community\/what-is-gpfirst.html)\n- [Advance Care Planning](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/find-resources-in-your-community\/acp.html)\n- [CareLine](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/find-resources-in-your-community\/careline.html)\n- [Connect Your Patients with Us](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/find-resources-in-your-community\/what-is-gpfirst.html)\n\n[About Community & Population Health]()\n\n- [Population Health](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/population-health.html)\n- [Supporting Healthier SG](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/supporting-healthier-sg.html)\n- [Supporting Person Centred Care](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/esther-network.html)\n- [Population Health Research](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health\/population-health-research.html)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/who-we-are\/community-population-health.html)\n\n[HealthUp! ![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--6fc49d7b-012b-4ccf-a8bd-f988965871ca\/level-up-with-health-up-194px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/level-up-with-healthup\/about-healthup.html)   [Connect with Our Care Team ![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--0a672961-98bb-4fa6-ab77-a2b7e727d6df\/connect-with-our-care-team-190px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team.html)   [Find Resources in Your Community ![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--9c093d40-91ba-479d-bad9-859d55e8261e\/find-resources-in-your-community-584px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/community-care\/find-resources-in-your-community.html)\n\n[For Patients]()\n\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/doctor.html)\n- [Symptoms & Treatments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/symptoms-treatments\/symptoms-treatments-medical-conditions.html)\n- [Book\/Change Appointment](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/appointments.html)\n- [Browse Patient Services](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services.html)\n\n[For Doctors]()\n\n- [Find A Researcher](https:\/\/www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg\/research\/our-researchers.html)\n- [See Events](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/events.html)\n- [Apply for Residency](https:\/\/www.singhealthacademy.edu.sg\/residency.html)\n\n[For Students]()\n\n- [Browse SingHealth Academy](https:\/\/www.singhealthacademy.edu.sg\/)\n\n[For Job Seekers]()\n\n- [See Job Offerings](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/careers\/career-opportunities.html)\n- [Working at SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/careers\/why-choose-us.html)\n- [Learn about our People](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/careers\/singhealth-hq\/our-people.html)\n\nLet us help you find what you’re looking for.\n\n*Your input contains markup or script. Please proceed with a valid query.*\n\n- [Symptoms & Treatments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/symptoms-treatments.html)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/doctor.html)\n- [Our Institutions]()\n- [Our Specialties](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-specialties.html)\n- [Patient Services](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services.html)\n- [Community Care]()\n- [I Want To…]()\n\n[Education](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/education.html) [Research & Innovation](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/research-innovation.html) [Giving](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/giving.html)\n\n[SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth)   [News](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/about-singhealth\/news)   [Diarrhoea after antibiotics?]()\n\n[![WhatsApp](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/whatsapp%20icon.svg)](https:\/\/wa.me\/?text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:%20https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics.html)\n\n[![Facebook](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Facebook%20Icon.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics.html)\n\n[![Twitter](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Twitter%20Icon.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics&text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:)\n\n[![Email](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Email%20Icon.svg)](mailto:example@example.com?body=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics)\n\n[![Copy-To-Clipboard](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/link%20icon.svg)]()\n\n# Diarrhoea after antibiotics?\n29 Jun 2022 \\| Singapore Health\n\nBy Goh Bee Lian\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--d3e59b72-67a4-4712-a2bc-ae32584aac7f\/antibiotics-and-tummy.jpg?preferwebp=true)\n\n## Tummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic brings on diarrhoea in some people.\nAmoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections.\n\nHowever, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance.\n\n“Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr [Shirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)](https:\/\/www.sgh.com.sg\/doctor\/infectious-diseases\/kalimuddin-shirin).\n\nDr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience.\n\nIn 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given.\n\nThe study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the *Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii)* bacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria). *F Prausnitzii* is the most abundant species within the *Ruminococcaceae* bacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health.\n\n“Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group.\n\nThe team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of *F Prausnitzii* in the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment.\n\nAlthough currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice.\n\n“This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether *Ruminococcaceae* as a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin.\n\nBeyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria.\n\n“Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm.\n\nOne in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus.\n\n[Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205)\n\nTags\n\n[News Article](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/search.html?keyword=news+article) [Singapore Health](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/search.html?keyword=singapore+health) [SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/search.html?keyword=singhealth) [Singapore General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/search.html?keyword=singapore%20general%20hospital) [Singapore Health](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/search.html?keyword=singapore+health)\n\nHealth Made Easier with ![Health Made Easier](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--254219d4-c713-44eb-a925-54faa52cdeb8\/healthbuddy.png?preferwebp=true)\n\nManage your appointments, refill your medicine and more with our Health Buddy App today\\!\n\n![Download](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--34432ff3-a09b-429a-a9de-eb56c750026a\/health-buddy-banner-promo-phone-only-new.png?preferwebp=true)\n\nStay Healthy The Easy Way\n\n![Stay Healthy The Easy Way ](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/newsletter-subscription-icon\/newsletter-icon1.svg)\n\nGet trusted health advice, offers and more.\n\n[Sign up today\\!](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/647ea0620583e30011498bec)\n\nPlease provide a valid email address.\n\nStay Ahead in Healthcare Industry\n\n![Stay Ahead in Healthcare Industry](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/newsletter-subscription-icon\/newsletter-icon2.svg)\n\nSubscribe to our exclusive updates for healthcare professionals.\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/6422b9a272f469001147f915)\n\nPlease provide a valid email address.\n\n[![SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QUmpZmzXWS-RgQpv-3wFFUPwdoxZXZ_LXhA9B5n9NPxA\/singhealth-logo.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/)\n\n[![Singapore General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QnICqXaSq46KkrJG8b8_PgVSCuqPkM0Q4m3bBVhiH1-C5BwzVav2nqIF0f3WDZydc\/ico-singapore-general-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.sgh.com.sg\/)\n\n[![Changi General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8T8HP0Bt7BT8cDfet6vLaqt3ifoWP-hYvT4bEnWbNFei-miKYPcD6r7gSXJ8EsvcSU\/ico-changi-general-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.cgh.com.sg\/)\n\n[![Sengkang General Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Rk441ywEIAxvl7l0Gmo8MTM03GLHbYcii5I_TbUv122A\/ico-skh-without-sh-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.skh.com.sg\/)\n\n[![Eastern General Hospital ](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--69218966-1812-47f0-b173-63802ae25a07\/egh-logo.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.egh.com.sg\/)\n\n[![KK Women's and Children's Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QtQvYwd_pAOMwwJWt90t9CHdSaNIwV30wEct7rQkBUZQ\/ico-kkwch-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.kkh.com.sg\/)\n\n[![National Cancer Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8RiA6bkwokV-i0iEK0fHa8KNxs81_7xT0pFDA286kZbAw\/ico-nccs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.nccs.com.sg\/)\n\n[![ National Dental Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Th6GECwolxLjIAJD3VYX61wIJppSqt8iAKbLXro1ZrYQ\/ico-ndcs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.ndcs.com.sg\/)\n\n[![National Heart Centre Singapore](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8TWtTflhdIS4Xsjq33H4Ys2puBrFdOZG8oYnn2n-Zptbg\/ico-nhcs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.nhcs.com.sg\/)\n\n[![National Neuroscience Institute](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8SkeBgAYRRw_sgJwiEwuw9Fu38Z3hzZGdaEv_7hzMZcow\/ico-nni-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.nni.com.sg\/)\n\n[![Singapore National Eye Centre](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QzY8cJZahqKOcj_vwdo5V7wgcKoFAwdLkHn8k21F8oUA\/ico-snec-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.snec.com.sg\/)\n\n[![ SingHealth Community Hospital](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QUUjXm0oSWulLjTeBcSlBmJcIuXkR91rbJxrgbLnEe4efuTLdV4PfLAW4oTy5nWUo\/ico-shcommunity-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/sch)\n\n[![SingHealth Polyclinics](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Qx4A9w9xr0NSNx5k2s1cuA7HG7OuSVqUwmW2IVYYWYTw\/ico-polyclinics-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg\/)\n\n[![SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8RzrIWbhHHhd6pHKXc0vUwrSXd99xSKYLzcqy6TbFeRPQ\/ico-singhealth-dnus.png?preferwebp=true)](https:\/\/www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg\/)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth.html \"About Us\")\n\n[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services\/contact-us.html \"Contact Us\")\n\n[Events](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/events.html \"Events\")\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/news.html \"News\")\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/careers.html \"Careers\")\n\n[FAQs](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services\/health-buddy\/faqs.html \"FAQs\")\n\nKeep Healthy With\n\n[![HealthXchange](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/images\/site-initial-content-image\/footer\/footer-icons\/hxc.png) HealthXchange](https:\/\/www.healthxchange.sg\/)   [![Health Videos](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/images\/site-initial-content-image\/footer\/footer-icons\/Follow%20Container%20-%20Singhealth.png) Health Videos](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@SingaporeHealth)\n\nFollow SingHealth\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/footer\/Facebook%20Icon%20-SH.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singhealth \"Facebook\")   [![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/footer\/Tiktok%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@singhealth?_t=8ohAFy7fToO&_r=1 \"TikTok\")   [![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/footer\/linkedin%20icon%20-SH.png)](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singhealth\/ \"Linkedin\")   [![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/footer\/Instagram%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/SingHealth.SG \"Instagram\")   [![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/footer\/Youtube%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SingaporeHealth \"YouTube\")\n\n10 Hospital Boulevard, \\#19-01 SingHealth Tower. Singapore 168582\n\n![award 1](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award21.png)   ![award 2](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award31.png)   ![award 3](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award41.png)   ![award 4](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award51.png)\n\n© 2026 Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/corporate-governance\/terms-of-use.html \"Terms of Use\")\n\n[Sitemap](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/sitemap.html \"Sitemap\")\n\n[PDPA](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/corporate-governance\/personal-data-protection-act.html \"PDPA\")\n\n[Rate Our Website](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/6433702091f2a60011669e68 \"Rate Our Website\")\n\n[Report Vulnerability](https:\/\/www.synapxe.sg\/report-vulnerability \"Report Vulnerability\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"29 Jun 2022 \\| Singapore Health\n\nBy Goh Bee Lian ![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--d3e59b72-67a4-4712-a2bc-ae32584aac7f\/antibiotics-and-tummy.jpg?preferwebp=true) Tummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic brings on diarrhoea in some people. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections. However, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance. “Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr [Shirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)](https:\/\/www.sgh.com.sg\/doctor\/infectious-diseases\/kalimuddin-shirin). Dr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience. In 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given. The study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the *Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii)* bacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria). *F Prausnitzii* is the most abundant species within the *Ruminococcaceae* bacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health. “Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group. The team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of *F Prausnitzii* in the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment. Although currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice. “This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether *Ruminococcaceae* as a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin. Beyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria. “Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm. One in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus. [Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205)","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 day ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics
Last Crawled	2026-04-17 10:14:50 (1 day ago)
First Indexed	2022-06-30 12:41:47 (3 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Diarrhoea after antibiotics?
Meta Description	null
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	29 Jun 2022 \| Singapore Health By Goh Bee Lian Tummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic brings on diarrhoea in some people. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections. However, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance. “Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr Shirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) . Dr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience. In 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given. The study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii) bacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria). F Prausnitzii is the most abundant species within the Ruminococcaceae bacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health. “Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group. The team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of F Prausnitzii in the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment. Although currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice. “This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether Ruminococcaceae as a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin. Beyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria. “Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm. One in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus. Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.
Markdown	SingHealth Institutions will NEVER ask you to transfer money over a call. If in doubt, call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799, or visit the ScamShield website at [www.scamshield.gov.sg](https://www.scamshield.gov.sg/). [![Close Icon](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/etc.clientlibs/singhealth/clientlibs/clientlib-site/resources/images/icons/close.png)]() - [Arabic](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) - [Chinese (Traditional)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) - [Hindi](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) - [Chinese (Simplified)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) - [English](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) - [Indonesian](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) Non-English translations are machine-generated; verify independently for potential inaccuracies. [Education](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/education.html) [Research & Innovation](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/research-innovation.html) [Giving](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/giving.html) [Subscribe Enews](https://form.gov.sg/647ea0620583e30011498bec) [Appointments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/appointments.html) [Subscribe Enews](https://form.gov.sg/647ea0620583e30011498bec) [Appointments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/appointments.html) [![SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k2Pcrr2O3A-qra-95FOG1q8uv_zI2pZzk2YzH8CwUkfWA/singhealth.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/) [Symptoms & Treatments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments.html) [Find a Doctor](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/doctor.html) [Our Institutions]() [Our Specialties](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-specialties.html) [Patient Services](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services.html) [Community Care]() I Want To… Back to All Menu Options [General Hospitals]() - [![Singapore General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/singapore-general-hospital.png) Singapore General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#sgh) - [![Changi General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/changi-general-hospital.png) Changi General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#cgh) - [![Sengkang General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/sengkang-general-hospital.png) Sengkang General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#skh) - [![Eastern General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/eastern-general-hospital.png) Eastern General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#egh) - [![KK Women’s and Children Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/kk-womens-and-childrens-hospital.png) KK Women’s and Children Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#kkh) [National Specialty Centres]() - [![National Cancer Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/national-cancer-centre-singapore.png) National Cancer Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#nccs) - [![National Dental Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/national-dental-centre-singapore.png) National Dental Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#ndcs) - [![National Heart Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/national-heart-centre-singapore.png) National Heart Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#nhcs) - [![National Neuroscience Institute](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/national-neuroscience-institute.png) National Neuroscience Institute](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#nni) - [![Singapore National Eye Centre](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/singapore-national-eye-centre.png) Singapore National Eye Centre](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#snec) [Community Hospitals]() - [![SingHealth Community Hospitals](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/sch-icon.png) SingHealth Community Hospitals](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#sch) [Polyclinic]() - [![SingHealth Polyclinics](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/polyclinics.jpg) SingHealth Polyclinics](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html#shp) [View All Institutions](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-institutions.html) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/icon/google_maps.png) [Locations via Google Map](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1K7_ZT0G6pgUAFlIulu8Kw6EOp7SCGww&usp=sharing) [Manage Your Health]() - [Know about HealthUp\!](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/level-up-with-healthup/about-healthup.html) - [Get Support from SingHealth Healthier SG Team](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/supporting-healthier-sg.html) - [Health Screening](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/level-up-with-healthup/health-screening.html) [Connect to Community Resources]() - [Find a Community Health Post](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team/find-a-community-health-posts.html) - [Find a GP Clinic](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team/find-a-gp.html) - [Find Family Services @ Family Nexus](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team/family-nexus.html) - [Community Partnerships](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/community-partnership-council.html) [View More](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care.html) [Other Useful Resources]() - [What is GPFirst?](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/find-resources-in-your-community/what-is-gpfirst.html) - [Advance Care Planning](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/find-resources-in-your-community/acp.html) - [CareLine](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/find-resources-in-your-community/careline.html) - [Connect Your Patients with Us](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/find-resources-in-your-community/what-is-gpfirst.html) [About Community & Population Health]() - [Population Health](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/population-health.html) - [Supporting Healthier SG](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/supporting-healthier-sg.html) - [Supporting Person Centred Care](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/esther-network.html) - [Population Health Research](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health/population-health-research.html) [View More](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/who-we-are/community-population-health.html) [HealthUp! ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--6fc49d7b-012b-4ccf-a8bd-f988965871ca/level-up-with-health-up-194px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/level-up-with-healthup/about-healthup.html) [Connect with Our Care Team ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--0a672961-98bb-4fa6-ab77-a2b7e727d6df/connect-with-our-care-team-190px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/connect-with-our-place-based-care-team.html) [Find Resources in Your Community ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--9c093d40-91ba-479d-bad9-859d55e8261e/find-resources-in-your-community-584px.jpg?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/community-care/find-resources-in-your-community.html) [For Patients]() - [Find a Doctor](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/doctor.html) - [Symptoms & Treatments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments/symptoms-treatments-medical-conditions.html) - [Book/Change Appointment](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/appointments.html) - [Browse Patient Services](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services.html) [For Doctors]() - [Find A Researcher](https://www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg/research/our-researchers.html) - [See Events](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/events.html) - [Apply for Residency](https://www.singhealthacademy.edu.sg/residency.html) [For Students]() - [Browse SingHealth Academy](https://www.singhealthacademy.edu.sg/) [For Job Seekers]() - [See Job Offerings](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/careers/career-opportunities.html) - [Working at SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/careers/why-choose-us.html) - [Learn about our People](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/careers/singhealth-hq/our-people.html) Let us help you find what you’re looking for. Your input contains markup or script. Please proceed with a valid query. - [Symptoms & Treatments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments.html) - [Find a Doctor](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/doctor.html) - [Our Institutions]() - [Our Specialties](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-specialties.html) - [Patient Services](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services.html) - [Community Care]() - [I Want To…]() [Education](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/education.html) [Research & Innovation](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/research-innovation.html) [Giving](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/giving.html) [SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth) [News](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/about-singhealth/news) [Diarrhoea after antibiotics?]() [![WhatsApp](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/whatsapp%20icon.svg)](https://wa.me/?text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:%20https://www.singhealth.com.sg//news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics.html) [![Facebook](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Facebook%20Icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.singhealth.com.sg//news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics.html) [![Twitter](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Twitter%20Icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics&text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:) [![Email](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Email%20Icon.svg)](mailto:example@example.com?body=https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics) [![Copy-To-Clipboard](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/link%20icon.svg)]() # Diarrhoea after antibiotics? 29 Jun 2022 \\| Singapore Health By Goh Bee Lian ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--d3e59b72-67a4-4712-a2bc-ae32584aac7f/antibiotics-and-tummy.jpg?preferwebp=true) ## Tummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic brings on diarrhoea in some people. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections. However, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance. “Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr [Shirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)](https://www.sgh.com.sg/doctor/infectious-diseases/kalimuddin-shirin). Dr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience. In 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given. The study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii) bacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria). F Prausnitzii is the most abundant species within the Ruminococcaceae bacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health. “Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group. The team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of F Prausnitzii in the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment. Although currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice. “This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether Ruminococcaceae as a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin. Beyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria. “Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm. One in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus. [Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https://form.gov.sg/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205) Tags [News Article](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/search.html?keyword=news+article) [Singapore Health](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/search.html?keyword=singapore+health) [SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/search.html?keyword=singhealth) [Singapore General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/search.html?keyword=singapore%20general%20hospital) [Singapore Health](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/search.html?keyword=singapore+health) Health Made Easier with ![Health Made Easier](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--254219d4-c713-44eb-a925-54faa52cdeb8/healthbuddy.png?preferwebp=true) Manage your appointments, refill your medicine and more with our Health Buddy App today\! ![Download](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--34432ff3-a09b-429a-a9de-eb56c750026a/health-buddy-banner-promo-phone-only-new.png?preferwebp=true) Stay Healthy The Easy Way ![Stay Healthy The Easy Way ](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/newsletter-subscription-icon/newsletter-icon1.svg) Get trusted health advice, offers and more. [Sign up today\!](https://form.gov.sg/647ea0620583e30011498bec) Please provide a valid email address. Stay Ahead in Healthcare Industry ![Stay Ahead in Healthcare Industry](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/newsletter-subscription-icon/newsletter-icon2.svg) Subscribe to our exclusive updates for healthcare professionals. [Subscribe](https://form.gov.sg/6422b9a272f469001147f915) Please provide a valid email address. [![SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QUmpZmzXWS-RgQpv-3wFFUPwdoxZXZ_LXhA9B5n9NPxA/singhealth-logo.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/) [![Singapore General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QnICqXaSq46KkrJG8b8_PgVSCuqPkM0Q4m3bBVhiH1-C5BwzVav2nqIF0f3WDZydc/ico-singapore-general-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.sgh.com.sg/) [![Changi General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8T8HP0Bt7BT8cDfet6vLaqt3ifoWP-hYvT4bEnWbNFei-miKYPcD6r7gSXJ8EsvcSU/ico-changi-general-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.cgh.com.sg/) [![Sengkang General Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Rk441ywEIAxvl7l0Gmo8MTM03GLHbYcii5I_TbUv122A/ico-skh-without-sh-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.skh.com.sg/) [![Eastern General Hospital ](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--69218966-1812-47f0-b173-63802ae25a07/egh-logo.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.egh.com.sg/) [![KK Women's and Children's Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QtQvYwd_pAOMwwJWt90t9CHdSaNIwV30wEct7rQkBUZQ/ico-kkwch-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.kkh.com.sg/) [![National Cancer Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8RiA6bkwokV-i0iEK0fHa8KNxs81_7xT0pFDA286kZbAw/ico-nccs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.nccs.com.sg/) [![ National Dental Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Th6GECwolxLjIAJD3VYX61wIJppSqt8iAKbLXro1ZrYQ/ico-ndcs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.ndcs.com.sg/) [![National Heart Centre Singapore](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8TWtTflhdIS4Xsjq33H4Ys2puBrFdOZG8oYnn2n-Zptbg/ico-nhcs-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.nhcs.com.sg/) [![National Neuroscience Institute](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8SkeBgAYRRw_sgJwiEwuw9Fu38Z3hzZGdaEv_7hzMZcow/ico-nni-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.nni.com.sg/) [![Singapore National Eye Centre](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QzY8cJZahqKOcj_vwdo5V7wgcKoFAwdLkHn8k21F8oUA/ico-snec-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.snec.com.sg/) [![ SingHealth Community Hospital](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8QUUjXm0oSWulLjTeBcSlBmJcIuXkR91rbJxrgbLnEe4efuTLdV4PfLAW4oTy5nWUo/ico-shcommunity-hospital-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/sch) [![SingHealth Polyclinics](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8Qx4A9w9xr0NSNx5k2s1cuA7HG7OuSVqUwmW2IVYYWYTw/ico-polyclinics-full.png?preferwebp=true)](https://polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg/) [![SingHealth Duke-NUS AMC](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-p-oid--JqCZpr4gmYKfeMnlqRVD8oOf_e248huXQTjXYCcI8k1uSp-cJhQpzmoCZcP8BsW3koppbJXk5tMVBnByC2Fqk9ix8opQzY-VOD2tPWgRL8RzrIWbhHHhd6pHKXc0vUwrSXd99xSKYLzcqy6TbFeRPQ/ico-singhealth-dnus.png?preferwebp=true)](https://www.singhealthdukenus.com.sg/) [About Us](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth.html "About Us") [Contact Us](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services/contact-us.html "Contact Us") [Events](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/events.html "Events") [News](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/news.html "News") [Careers](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/careers.html "Careers") [FAQs](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services/health-buddy/faqs.html "FAQs") Keep Healthy With [![HealthXchange](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/images/site-initial-content-image/footer/footer-icons/hxc.png) HealthXchange](https://www.healthxchange.sg/) [![Health Videos](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/images/site-initial-content-image/footer/footer-icons/Follow%20Container%20-%20Singhealth.png) Health Videos](https://www.youtube.com/@SingaporeHealth) Follow SingHealth [![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/singhealth/footer/Facebook%20Icon%20-SH.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/singhealth "Facebook") [![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/singhealth/footer/Tiktok%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https://www.tiktok.com/@singhealth?_t=8ohAFy7fToO&_r=1 "TikTok") [![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/singhealth/footer/linkedin%20icon%20-SH.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/singhealth/ "Linkedin") [![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/singhealth/footer/Instagram%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https://www.instagram.com/SingHealth.SG "Instagram") [![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/singhealth/footer/Youtube%20Icon%20-SH.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/SingaporeHealth "YouTube") 10 Hospital Boulevard, \#19-01 SingHealth Tower. Singapore 168582 ![award 1](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/footer-icon/footer-award21.png) ![award 2](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/footer-icon/footer-award31.png) ![award 3](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/footer-icon/footer-award41.png) ![award 4](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/image/footer/footer-icon/footer-award51.png) © 2026 Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. [Terms of Use](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/corporate-governance/terms-of-use.html "Terms of Use") [Sitemap](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/sitemap.html "Sitemap") [PDPA](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/about-singhealth/corporate-governance/personal-data-protection-act.html "PDPA") [Rate Our Website](https://form.gov.sg/6433702091f2a60011669e68 "Rate Our Website") [Report Vulnerability](https://www.synapxe.sg/report-vulnerability "Report Vulnerability")
Readable Markdown	29 Jun 2022 \\| Singapore Health By Goh Bee Lian ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--d3e59b72-67a4-4712-a2bc-ae32584aac7f/antibiotics-and-tummy.jpg?preferwebp=true) Tummy bacteria may explain why a common antibiotic brings on diarrhoea in some people. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a common and affordable antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, from severe conditions such as pneumonia to relatively minor issues like urinary tract and skin infections. However, the antibiotic (also known by its trade name Augmentin) can cause diarrhoea in some patients. This is a problem as these patients may then be prescribed a more expensive drug, or a stronger antibiotic that may otherwise be used for more resistant bacteria or more severe infections. This in turn drives the problem of antimicrobial resistance. “Knowing why it causes diarrhoea may help us identify those at risk of antibioticassociated diarrhoea, and devise treatment strategies to minimise or avoid such adverse effects,” said Dr [Shirin Kalimuddin, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH)](https://www.sgh.com.sg/doctor/infectious-diseases/kalimuddin-shirin). Dr Shirin and a team from SGH and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, embarked on a study to look into antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The study was published in January 2022 in scientific journal iScience. In 2019, the study recruited 30 healthy, young volunteers who were given the antibiotic twice a day for three days. This is the standard treatment for bacterial infections, said Dr Shirin, the study’s Principal Investigator. The participants’ stool samples were collected and analysed before and up to four weeks after the antibiotic was given. The study found that 13, or 43 per cent, of the participants had diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics. This group also had significantly lower levels of the Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii (F Prausnitzii) bacteria in their stool samples throughout the study (on average, they had a mean 7.5 per cent of the bacteria), compared to those who did not experience diarrhoea (15 per cent of the bacteria). F Prausnitzii is the most abundant species within the Ruminococcaceae bacterial family, which is the most important in maintaining gut health. “Our findings provide evidence that a person’s gut microbial composition can influence the risk of developing antibioticassociated diarrhoea,” said Professor Eric Alm, co-author of the study, and Principal Investigator in SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interdisciplinary research group. The team further devised a simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to determine the levels of F Prausnitzii in the stool samples, and the tendency of patients to develop diarrhoea with amoxicillinclavulanate treatment. Although currently a preliminary research study, its ability to detect certain types of gut bacteria with the PCR test provides a springboard for the development of a point-of-care test. A larger scale study would need to be done before the findings can be incorporated into clinical practice. “This study gives us a platform to go on to do more therapeutic focus studies — for example, whether Ruminococcaceae as a probiotic would actually help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. I think this gives us a window into what the possibilities are,” said Dr Shirin. Beyond detecting the presence of healthy bacteria that are less susceptible to being killed by certain antibiotics, point-of-care tests could be developed to help doctors prescribe an antibiotic that not only kills pathogens, but also saves healthy bacteria. “Imagine being able to see what types of bacteria a patient has, and then figure out which antibiotics are compatible with those healthy bacteria,” said Prof Alm. One in three patients experiences diarrhoea after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. As an indication of how commonly used the antibiotic is, Dr Shirin said that half a ton of the medication is used yearly at the hospitals on SGH Campus. [Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https://form.gov.sg/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205)
Shard	93 (laksa)
Root Hash	12117085593994098693
Unparsed URL	sg,com,singhealth!www,/news/singapore-health/diarrhoea-after-antibiotics s443