Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota in Antibiotic Resistance Reservoirs

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a growing global health crisis, complicating the treatment of common infections and leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. While the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine and agriculture have been identified as primary drivers of AMR, the role of the human gut microbiota as a reservoir for resistant bacteria has gained increasing attention. The gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining health but can act as a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant pathogens when disrupted by antibiotic use. This disruption leads to dysbiosis, fostering the growth of resistant bacteria, which can harbor and share resistance genes, further perpetuating AMR. Additionally, horizontal gene transfer within the gut microbiota allows resistant traits to spread across different bacterial species, compounding the problem. This paper explores the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota contributes to the development and transmission of AMR, emphasizing the role of antibiotics in altering microbial composition. Furthermore, it highlights potential strategies for mitigating AMR, including microbiota-modulating therapies such as probiotics and prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and alternative treatments like bacteriophage therapy. The paper concludes by advocating for a multifaceted approach to combat AMR, with a focus on preserving gut microbiota health and implementing stricter antibiotic stewardship practices.