From the Research
A high resistome occurrence index from a stool test is a significant indicator of an elevated presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiome, suggesting that the gut bacteria have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, and this condition requires immediate attention to prevent potential infections and further resistance development. This finding is supported by a study published in 2021, which found that antibiotic treatment can lead to a persistent expansion of antibiotic resistance genes in the human gut microbiota 1. The study used a combination of omic approaches to comprehensively assess the effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota and particularly the gut resistome of a small cohort of healthy adults.
The high resistome index can be developed through previous antibiotic exposures, consumption of antibiotic-containing foods, or transfer of resistant bacteria through food or environment. Addressing this condition is important because antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause difficult-to-treat infections and may transfer resistance genes to other bacteria. A study published in 2020 found that the human gut microbiome is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes, and that characterizing resistome distribution and potential disease markers can help manage antibiotics at the clinical level 2.
Treatment for a high resistome occurrence index typically involves a personalized approach rather than specific medications, focusing on restoring gut microbiome balance. This may include:
- A temporary elimination diet removing processed foods and added sugars
- Increasing fiber-rich foods
- Taking specific probiotics (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains)
- Possibly prebiotics like inulin or fructooligosaccharides It is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotics, as they can worsen resistance issues. A study published in 2020 found that antibiotic administration can shape the antibiotic resistomes and bacterial communities in the patient guts, and that antibiotic concentration in human guts was positively correlated with ARG total abundance, but was negatively related to the diversity of both ARGs and bacterial communities 3.
In summary, a high resistome occurrence index is a significant indicator of antibiotic resistance in the gut microbiome, and addressing this condition is crucial to prevent potential infections and further resistance development. A personalized approach to treatment, focusing on restoring gut microbiome balance, is recommended, and unnecessary antibiotics should be avoided. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2021, provides evidence for the persistent expansion of antibiotic resistance genes in the human gut microbiota following antibiotic treatment 1.