The Human Gut Resistome up to Extreme Longevity

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a significant global health concern.
• The gut microbiome harbors AR genes, posing a risk for transfer to pathogens.
• Understanding the gut resistome's changes with aging is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in the human gut resistome throughout the aging process, including extreme longevity.
• To identify age-associated changes in AR gene abundance and types within the gut microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of shotgun metagenomics data from fecal samples of 62 urban individuals.
• Stratification of participants into four age groups: young adults, elderly, centenarians, and semisupercentenarians (up to 109 years).

Main Results:

• A core resistome of AR genes is present across all age groups.
• Aging is associated with an increased burden of certain AR genes, notably proteobacterial multidrug efflux pumps.
• Distinct AR gene profiles and microbial communities characterize the gut resistome at different life stages.

Conclusions:

• Aging influences the composition and abundance of AR genes in the human gut.
• The findings highlight potential health implications of AR gene accumulation during aging.
• Further research is needed to mitigate AR accumulation and promote healthy aging.