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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance on the Human Microbiome
Lauren Brinkac1,2, Alexander Voorhies3, Andres Gomez3
1J. Craig Venter Institute|, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA. lbrinkac@jcvi.org.
Abstract:
Ubiquitous in nature, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has existed long before the golden age of antimicrobials. While antimicrobial agents are beneficial to combat infection, their widespread use contributes to the increase in and emergence of novel resistant microbes in virtually all environmental niches. The human microbiome is an important reservoir of AMR with initial exposure occurring in early life. Once seeded with AMR, commensal organisms may be key contributors to the dissemination of resistance due to the interconnectedness of microbial communities. When acquired by pathogens however, AMR becomes a serious public health threat worldwide. Our ability to combat the threat of emerging resistance relies on accurate AMR detection methods and the development of therapeutics that function despite the presence of antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon exacerbated by widespread antimicrobial use. Understanding AMR reservoirs like the human microbiome is crucial for combating this growing public health threat.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon predating modern antimicrobials.
- Widespread antimicrobial use accelerates the emergence and dissemination of resistant microbes across environmental niches.
- The human microbiome serves as a significant reservoir for AMR, with early-life exposure seeding resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the natural occurrence and environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- To emphasize the role of the human microbiome as a reservoir for AMR.
- To underscore the public health implications of AMR and the need for effective countermeasures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the natural history and environmental dissemination of AMR.
- Analysis of the human microbiome's role in AMR reservoirs.
- Discussion of public health threats posed by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
Main Results:
- AMR is ubiquitous and its prevalence is increased by antimicrobial agent usage.
- Commensal organisms in the human microbiome can disseminate AMR due to interconnected microbial communities.
- Acquisition of AMR by pathogens presents a significant global public health challenge.
Conclusions:
- Accurate AMR detection methods are essential for combating emerging resistance.
- Development of therapeutics effective against resistant microbes is critical.
- Addressing AMR requires a multi-faceted approach considering environmental and human reservoirs.
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