Antibiotic resistance propagation through probiotics

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Global probiotic use raises safety concerns.
• The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
• HGT involves opportunistic pathogens, probiotics, and normal microbiota, posing clinical risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential role of probiotics in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
• To analyze data from the past two decades (2000-2020) on probiotic-mediated ARG spread.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov.
• Systematic review of studies focusing on HGT and antibiotic resistance in the GIT.
• Analysis of research published between 2000 and 2020.

Main Results:

• Microorganisms can transfer ARGs to survive antimicrobial pressure.
• HGT in the GIT facilitates ARG transfer between pathogens, probiotics, and microbiota.
• Probiotics are identified as a potential source of ARGs contributing to the antibiotic resistance crisis.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics can act as a reservoir and vehicle for ARGs via HGT.
• The role of probiotics in the antibiotic resistance crisis requires further investigation.
• Understanding probiotic HGT mechanisms may inform personalized medicine and gene therapy strategies.