Clindamycin-Induced Alterations in Intestinal Microflora-Associated Characteristics in Rats

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Abstract
Conventional Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with [the antibacterial drug] clindamycin, 40 mg/kg per day and 0.04 mg/kg per day, for 5 days. At a dose of 40 mg/kg per day, microflora-associated characteristics (MAC), such as shape, color and consistency of feces, proteolytic activity, electrophoretic pattern, and cholesterol and bilirubin metabolism were transformed into values like those found in germfree rats: germfree animal characteristics (GAC). The effect on the proteolytic activity lasted longest. It did not disappear until 1 or 2 enemas with cecal contents from intact conventional rats were administered. At a dose of 0.04 mg/kg per day, effects on the proteolytic activity and cholesterol metabolism were seen. With the exception of 1 rat, the effect on proteolytic activity did not disappear until 1 or 2 enemas were given. Clindamycin, even in very small daily doses, has a profound and long-lasting influence on many intestinal MAC in rats.