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Colonization resistance against multi-drug-resistant bacteria: a narrative review
R Le Guern1, S Stabler2, P Gosset3
1Univ. Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Centre for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France; Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène, CHU Lille, Lille, France.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|September 7, 2021
Summary
The gut microbiota provides colonization resistance against multi-drug-resistant bacteria, acting as a crucial defense when hygiene fails. Maintaining gut health through antimicrobial stewardship and supportive strategies enhances infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gut microbiota's colonization resistance is vital for preventing infections.
- Hospitalized patients face risks from multi-drug-resistant bacteria due to potential hygiene lapses.
- The gut microbiome offers a secondary defense against exogenous bacterial threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of gut microbiota in colonization resistance against multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
- To explore mechanisms, resilience, and therapeutic strategies for enhancing this defense.
- To discuss implications for infection control in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of mechanisms of colonization resistance (direct and indirect).
- Discussion of gut microbiota resilience and its relationship with antimicrobial use.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota actively clears exogenous bacteria, providing a safety net.
- Antimicrobial therapy can disrupt gut microbiota, creating opportunities for multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
- Spontaneous resilience of the gut microbiota often occurs post-antimicrobial therapy.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial stewardship is essential to preserve gut microbiota function and enhance colonization resistance.
- Strategies like high-fiber diets or precision probiotics may support gut microbiota resilience.
- Optimizing gut health is a key component of comprehensive infection control strategies.
Keywords:
Carbapenemase-producing EnterobacteralesCross-infectionExtended-spectrum beta-lactamaseGastrointestinal microbiomeKlebsiella pneumoniaeMicrobiotaVancomycin-resistant enterococciMore Related Videos
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