Early-Life Infection Burden Linked to Increased Risk of Later Infections, Study Finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a significant connection between early-life infection burden and an increased risk for later moderate-to-severe infections and the use of systemic antibiotics in childhood. The findings underscore the importance of early monitoring and intervention for children experiencing frequent infections during their early years.

The study, led by Dr. Nicklas Brustad, M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Copenhagen, tracked 614 children from birth to ages 10 or 13, using data from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) birth cohort. The cohort, which spans from November 2008 to November 2010, was designed to investigate whether early infections could influence the risk of future health complications. Researchers focused on common childhood infections like cold, acute otitis media (ear infections), tonsillitis, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and fever episodes, with data collected from diary records between birth and 3 years.

The study’s findings were striking: children who experienced a high burden of infections in early life showed a significantly increased risk for moderate-to-severe infections and systemic antibiotic treatments up to the age of 10 or 13. Specifically, children with high infection rates had adjusted incidence rate ratios (AIRRs) of 2.39 for later infections and 1.34 for the need for systemic antibiotics compared to those with lower infection burdens. Furthermore, each additional infection episode recorded in the diaries was associated with a greater risk of future infections and antibiotic use.

The research emphasizes the potential long-term health implications for children who face multiple infections in their early years. According to the authors, the results may be crucial for the prognosis and ongoing care of children who suffer from frequent infections during infancy and early childhood.

In conclusion, the study highlights the need for early identification and monitoring of children at high risk for recurrent infections. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this increased vulnerability and to explore preventive measures to improve long-term health outcomes.

For further details, refer to the full study: Burden of Infections in Early Life and Risk of Infections and Systemic Antibiotics Use in Childhood by Nicklas Brustad et al., published in JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53284.