A survey on antimicrobial resistance genes of frequently used probiotic bacteria, 1901 to 2022

Abstract

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is caused by AMR determinants, mainly genes (ARGs) in the bacterial genome. Bacteriophages, integrative mobile genetic elements (iMGEs) or plasmids can allow ARGs to be exchanged among bacteria by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Bacteria, including bacteria with ARGs, can be found in food. Thus, it is conceivable that in the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria from the gut flora could take up ARGs from food. Aim The study objective was to gain insight into the ARG set carried by commonly used probiotic bacteria that may enter the human body with non-fermented foods, fermented foods, or probiotic dietary supplements (FFPs) and to assess ARG mobility. Methods Next generation sequencing whole genome data from 579 isolates of 12 commonly employed probiotic bacterial species were collected from a public repository. Using bioinformatical tools, ARGs were analysed and linkage with mobile genetic elements assessed. Results Resistance genes were found in eight bacterial species. The ratios of ARG positive/negative samples per species were: Bifidobacterium animalis (65/0), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (18/194), Lactobacillus delbrueckii (1/40), Lactobacillus helveticus (2/64), Lactococcus lactis (74/5), Leucoconstoc mesenteroides (4/8), Levilactobacillus brevis (1/46), Streptococcus thermophilus (4/19). In 66% (112/169) of the ARG-positive samples, at least one ARG could be linked to plasmids or iMGEs. No bacteriophage-linked ARGs were found. Conclusion The finding of potentially mobile ARGs in probiotic strains for human consumption raises awareness of a possibility of ARG HGT in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to existing recommendations, screening FFP bacterial strains for ARG content and mobility characteristics might be considered.

A universe of human gut-derived bacterial prophages: unveiling the hidden viral players in intestinal microecology

“…Thus, our observations from the perspective of bacterial isolates reaffirm the traditional view that ARGs are rarely encoded in phages. 32 Nevertheless, our extensive sampling data revealed that the probability of detecting prophage-associated ARGs exceeded 10% in multiple lactobacilli species, which is opposite to the conclusion (lactobacilli phages never carry ARGs) drawn by Tóth et al 33 using a limited dataset (579 isolates of 12 commonly employed probiotic bacterial species). Continual refinement of the transferable ARG dissemination network within the human gut microbiota is essential to guide research aimed at predicting and constraining the emergence of antibiotic resistance.…”

Gut microbiota research nexus: One Health relationship between human, animal, and environmental resistomes

“…Probiotics, defined as “live microorganisms administered for their host health benefits”, are being increasingly utilized as a strategy to improve the gut microbiome 99 . However, the potential that these probiotics contribute to antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern, and it remains controversial whether probiotics promote or inhibit antimicrobial resistance in the gut microbiome 100 . There is evidence to suggest that probiotics not only harbor ARGs but can also acquire them through genetic mutation and horizontal gene transfer 101 , 102 , 103 .…”

Discovery of benzoxazole–thiazolidinone hybrids as promising antibacterial agents against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species

“…The emerging AMR has become a matter of grave concern as a consequence of excessive and unregulated usage of antibiotics. [1][2][3] Treating contagious infections with antibiotics is becoming a great challenge due to the escalation of AMR in human bacterial pathogens. 4 Divergent surgeries and chemotherapies in hospitals worldwide are facing serious challenges without efficacious antibiotics arising due to AMR for the prevention and treatment of consequent infections in these patients.…”