Temporal dynamics and microbial interactions shaping the gut resistome in early infancy

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• The gut resistome plays a crucial role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Strategies to reduce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in infant gut microbiota are underexplored.
• Early life is a critical window for gut microbiota development and AMR establishment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of ARGs in infant gut microbiota during early development.
• To identify factors influencing ARG abundance and composition in infants.
• To explore potential interventions for curbing AMR in early life.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal quantitative metagenomic analysis of infant gut microbiota.
• Tracking ARG abundance and richness over time.
• Correlation analysis between bacterial taxa, ARGs, and metabolites.

Main Results:

• ARGs are detected in infant gut microbiota from the first week of life, peaking at 6 months.
• Infant delivery mode influences early ARG dynamics, with vaginal delivery associated with higher ARG abundance.
• Maternal transmission of Escherichia coli strains contributes to infant ARG load.
• Aromatic lactic acid-producing bifidobacteria inversely correlate with ARG-rich taxa like E. coli.
• Aromatic lactic acids inhibit the in vitro growth of E. coli and other opportunistic ARG-rich bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Temporal microbial interactions significantly shape the infant gut resistome.
• Promoting colonization of aromatic lactic acid-producing bifidobacteria is a potential intervention strategy to reduce ARGs in early infancy.
• Targeting early life microbial development can help curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance.