In light of the rise of antibiotic resistance, it is important to understand the intensity of the impact it has on the human microbiome. Antibiotic usage will impose a selective pressure, not just on the target pathogens, but the whole microbiome, and given that many antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are found on mobile genetic elements and are therefore frequently horizontally transmitted, it is vital for us to study not just Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens, but also resistance genes of the commensal microbiota, in the gut, which is the potential reservoir of AMR. Researchers have conducted an extensive and geographically widespread survey of ARG diversity in the human microbiome and its correlations with per capita antibiotic usage rates. Further, the human gut ARG profiles cluster was explored and divided into two types of resistotypes, these act as a reservoir maintaining and transferring resistance between pathogen and commensal species. This article discusses the potential long-term consequences of how effectively changes in antibiotic usage, may eliminate resistance in specific pathogenic organisms.
Link to the article: bit.ly/3ZiujEw
Published On: 04/03/2023
