Antibiotic effects on the gut microbiome across diverse geographies

Antibiotic use can significantly alter the gut microbiome, impacting health outcomes across diverse regions. Geographic differences in baseline microbiome composition, antibiotic-resistance gene (ARG) carriage, antibiotic usage patterns, and dietary habits may shape population responses to treatment. However, most studies and public microbiome datasets are dominated by samples from North America and Europe, limiting understanding of antibiotic impacts in non-Western and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Increasing antibiotic use in LMICs, often coupled with limited regulation and surveillance, highlights the need to monitor gut microbiomes as ARG reservoirs. Additionally, long-term antibiotic effects, including impacts on chronic disease development and vaccine efficacy, remain poorly understood, particularly in underrepresented regions. Mechanistic studies incorporating diverse populations and antibiotic classes are essential to address these gaps and promote microbiome resilience and improve health outcomes globally.