Gut microbiota ecosystem and gut antibiotic resistome

The gut microbiota ecosystem is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that reside in the human digestive tract and perform essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, vitamin synthesis, and immune system regulation (Fan & Pedersen, 2021, Nature Reviews Microbiology). The gut antibiotic resistome refers to the collective pool of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within this microbial community, which serves as a reservoir for the development and spread of drug resistance (Anthony et al., 2021, Science Translational Medicine). Disruptions to the balance of this ecosystem, often caused by antibiotic use, can lead to dysbiosis, which is associated with diseases such as Clostridioides difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders (Khanna et al., 2022, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology). The resistome is highly dynamic and can expand significantly following antibiotic exposure, facilitating horizontal gene transfer of resistance traits to opportunistic pathogens (Forslund et al., 2013, Genome Medicine). Therapeutic interventions targeting this system include fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), probiotics, and prebiotics, which aim to restore microbial diversity and enhance colonization resistance against pathogens (FDA, 2022). Emerging pharmacological approaches also focus on protecting the gut microbiota from antibiotic-induced damage or directly neutralizing resistance genes within the resistome.

Other names

Human gut microbiomeIntestinal microbiotaGut resistomeHuman intestinal ecosystemMicrobial reservoir of antibiotic resistance

Modulation of microbial community structure to restore colonization resistance and metabolic homeostasis, alongside the use of adsorbents or enzymes to mitigate the collateral effects of antibiotics on the commensal flora and the expansion of the resistome.