Studying low-dose antibiotic effects on the gut microbiome

Antibiotics at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs), which are commonly present in food and the environment, can reach the human gut microbiome and silently disrupt the balance of microbes, contributing to the emergence and persistence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The gastrointestinal (GI) tract presents spatially heterogeneous antibiotic exposures, making it challenging to assess their full impact with conventional experimental approaches. Although in vitro and in vivo models provide some insight, they often lack physiological relevance or scalability. This highlights the need to reconsider the criteria used to determine 'safe' upper concentration limits in food, as current standards may underestimate the risks of sub-MIC exposures. Therefore, better integrative modeling approaches are essential to uncover hidden drivers of resistance and guide effective interventions.