Microbiome Stewardship: re-defining high-risk antibiotics

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• One Health
• Systems Biology

Background:

• Healthy gut microbiomes are vital for overall wellness.
• The understanding of microbial communities has shifted from single pathogens to complex networks.
• Microbiome Stewardship is essential for preserving microbial homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the disruptive effects of antimicrobial use on the microbiome.
• To advocate for Microbiome Stewardship in clinical practice and drug development.
• To underscore the link between microbiome perturbation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The abstract discusses the impact of antimicrobial use on microbiome structure and function.
• It emphasizes the role of systems biology in evaluating microbiome during drug development.
• The concept of Microbiome Stewardship is presented as a framework for clinical decision-making.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial use significantly disrupts the microbiome and promotes antimicrobial-resistant gene (ARG) generation.
• Microbiome perturbation negatively affects both short- and long-term patient outcomes.
• Incorporating Microbiome Stewardship can lead to optimized antimicrobial strategies.

Conclusions:

• Microbiome Stewardship is a critical approach for safeguarding gut health and combating AMR.
• Integrating microbiome evaluation into antimicrobial drug development should become standard practice.
• This approach will advance patient outcomes and AMR prevention at individual and public health levels.