Antibiotic resistome (ARG)

The antibiotic resistome is the global collection of all genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance within a specific environment, organism, or population (Wright, 2007). This concept encompasses not only the resistance genes found in pathogenic bacteria but also cryptic genes that do not currently confer resistance but have the potential to do so, as well as precursor genes in non-pathogenic environmental bacteria (D'Costa et al., 2006). The resistome serves as a reservoir from which pathogens can acquire resistance through horizontal gene transfer, significantly complicating the treatment of infectious diseases (Surette & Wright, 2017). While the resistome itself is not a single therapeutic target, it provides a framework for identifying specific enzymes or pathways, such as beta-lactamases or efflux pumps, that can be targeted by adjuvant therapies to restore antibiotic efficacy. Understanding the resistome is critical for surveillance of emerging drug resistance and for the development of next-generation antimicrobial strategies.

Other names

ResistomeAntimicrobial resistomeAntibiotic resistance genesARGs

The resistome represents a collection of mechanisms including enzymatic inactivation, efflux pump over-expression, and target site modification.