Microbial interactions in facilitating antibiotic activity and resistance evolution

In polymicrobial communities, microorganisms do not exist in isolation but engage in complex and dynamic interactions. Emerging evidence indicates that these microbial interactions can profoundly influence key aspects of antibiotic action, including antibiotic activity and the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This mini-review examines the mechanistic pathways through which intra- and inter-specific interactions facilitate both individual and community-level responses to antibiotic treatment. Such interactions can also reshape the selective pressures imposed by antibiotics, thereby altering evolutionary trajectories toward resistance. We emphasize the importance of considering the ecological context of microbial communities as essential for advancing our understanding of antibiotic resistance and for developing more effective and sustainable antibiotic strategies.