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One Earth: The Equilibrium between the Human and the Bacterial Worlds.
Alicia Bravo1, Ana Moreno-Blanco1, Manuel Espinosa1
1Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 28, 2023
Summary
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat, leading to untreatable infections. Understanding the Resistome, Mobilome, and Nichome, alongside promoting coexistence with bacteria, can help combat superbugs and preserve microbial biodiversity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotic misuse in humans, livestock, and agriculture drives the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, termed 'superbugs'.
- Superbug infections are increasingly difficult to treat, leading to a projected 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
- Understanding the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance is critical for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key concepts related to antibiotic resistance: the Resistome, Mobilome, and Nichome.
- To discuss strategies for combating bacterial infections caused by resistant pathogens.
- To propose a paradigm shift towards coexistence with the bacterial world to preserve microbial biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific concepts and strategies.
- Analysis of the genetic and mobile elements contributing to antibiotic resistance.
- Discussion of ecological and evolutionary perspectives on human-bacterial interactions.
Main Results:
- The Resistome encompasses all bacterial genes conferring antibiotic resistance.
- The Mobilome includes mobile genetic elements that facilitate the spread of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer.
- The Nichome comprises genes expressed by bacteria during niche colonization.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of the Resistome, Mobilome, and Nichome is essential for addressing antibiotic resistance.
- Strategies beyond eradication, focusing on coexistence and microbial biodiversity, are proposed for a sustainable approach.
- Promoting microbial biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
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