Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the foremost threats hindering the treatment of infectious diseases worldwide. AMR can be acquired by bacteria via gene mutations or horizontal gene transfer. When bacteria with mobile Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are consumed through few fermented, non-fermented or supplements, the ARGs can enter the digestive tract, where it is conceivable that they may be transferred to non-pathogenic bacteria and facultative pathogenic bacteria. Since probiotic bacteria are expected to colonise the gut, their AMR determinants can contribute to the gut resistome.
In this study, all fermented food products or probiotic samples was obtained between 1901 and 2022, and using next generation sequencing data the authors researched to gain insights into the set of ARGs and their mobility potential in prominent probiotic bacterial strains. The results further suggested that some probiotic bacterial species may contain a higher proportion of ARGs, with a considerable proportion being mobile. While acquiring mobile ARGs does not always confer AMR, extending current recommendations to detect potential functional traits of concern in bacteria used for food might be considered, with screening for mobile ARGs in probiotic bacteria.
Link to the article: bit.ly/3KnRh6W
Published On: /04/2023
