Assessing antibiotic resistance gene load in vegan, vegetarian and omnivore human gut microbiota

Bacteria are transmitted between humans, animals and vegetables in a bidirectional way: from animals and vegetables to humans directly through food, from animals and humans to vegetables through manure and faeces dispersed in water and soil, and indirectly to human from vegetables through animals that feed on them [1]. The connection between human and environmental microflora through food increases the possibility of genetic exchange between their associated microbiomes (the collective genome of these microbial communities), thereby allowing for the transfer and selection of potentially novel genes to human gut, including those carrying antibiotic resistance (AR) determinants.

Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - August 3, 2018 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Losasso Carmen, Di Cesare Andrea, Mastrorilli Eleonora, Patuzzi Ilaria, Cibin Veronica, Eckert Ester M, Fontaneto Diego, Vanzo Angiola, Ricci Antonia, Corno Gianluca Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research