The Gut as a Reservoir of Antibiotic Resistance: Microbial Diversity of Tetracycline Resistance in Mother and Infant
Author Information
Author(s): de Vries Lisbeth E., Vallès Yvonne, Agersø Yvonne, Vaishampayan Parag A., García-Montaner Andrea, Kuehl Jennifer V., Christensen Henrik, Barlow Miriam, Francino M. Pilar
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Centre Superior d'Investigació en Salut Pública/Universitat de València-Institut Cavanilles, Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, University of California Merced
Hypothesis
This study investigates the diversity of microorganisms conferring tetracycline resistance in the guts of a healthy mother-infant pair and the potential for horizontal transfer and maternal transmission of tetracycline resistance genes.
Conclusion
The study reveals that tetracycline resistance genes can be transmitted from mother to infant, indicating the human gut as a significant environment for the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Supporting Evidence
- The infant's gut contained tetracycline resistance genes that were distinct from those found in the mother.
- Tetracycline resistance genes were detected in both the mother and infant, indicating potential transmission.
- Identical tetracycline resistance gene sequences were found in different bacterial families, suggesting horizontal gene transfer.
Takeaway
This study shows that both mothers and their babies can have bacteria that resist antibiotics, and some of these bacteria can be passed from the mother to the baby.
Methodology
The study used a metagenomic approach to analyze fecal samples from a mother and her infant, screening for tetracycline resistance genes using PCR and sequencing.
Limitations
The study's findings are based on a single mother-infant pair, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
One healthy mother and her infant, one month after childbirth.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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