Organoides como modelos experimentales para estudiar la resistencia a los antibióticos: hallazgos prácticos y perspectivas futuras

Antibiotic resistance remains a major global health challenge, demanding advanced models to study microbial dynamics and host responses. This study explores the use of intestinal and pulmonary organoids as experimental systems to evaluate the effects of ciprofloxacin exposure on Escherichia coli infection. We assessed viability, bacterial load, resistance gene expression, host inflammatory markers, and structural morphology across six treatment conditions. The results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in viability and bacterial burden, accompanied by significant upregulation of resistance genes (gyrA, marA, acrA, blaCTX-M) and host cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α). Morphological deterioration was evident, with decreased lumen integrity and organoid roundness under high antibiotic pressure. A strong correlation was observed between resistance expression, inflammation, and tissue damage. These findings support the relevance of organoids as high-resolution platforms that mirror complex host-pathogen interactions. While limitations exist—such as the absence of immune components—organoids provide a promising alternative for translational research and personalized antimicrobial testing. Further integration with co-culture or organ-on-chip systems is recommended to enhance physiological relevance.