Gut Microbiome and Its Association with Antibiotic Resistance: A short review for general public awareness

The gut microbiome, a complex network of microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract, has gained significant interest in recent years in a range of diseases and disorders, particularly in metabolic, immune, and neurological issues concerning human health and well-being. It has now emerged as a critical player in antibiotic resistance, which is a global concern for infectious disease treatment. This review aims to explore the association of the gut microbiome with antibiotic resistance and the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes in the gut through horizontal gene transfer and selective pressure that makes the infections difficult to treat. Some of the novel approaches to fight against antibiotic resistance are phage therapy, faecal microbiota transfer (FMT), and probiotics. This review highlights the necessity for a deeper understanding of this complex interaction between the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will help mitigate risk factors associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.