The Interplay of Antibiotic Resistance and the Human Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review

The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem crucial for host health, faces significant disruption from antibiotic use. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the dual crisis arising from this interaction, the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the induction of persistent microbiome dysbiosis. We examine how antibiotics, while life-saving, act as a powerful selective pressure, enriching antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer and reducing microbial diversity. Early-life exposure is highlighted as a critical window, with dysbiosis linked to long-term disease risks including asthma, metabolic disorders, and immune-mediated conditions. The mechanisms, ranging from direct killing and metabolic shift to immune modulation, are discussed. We explore geographical and lifestyle variations in ARG distribution, underscoring the role of diet and industrialization. Finally, emerging microbiome-based therapeutics like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and next-generation probiotics are evaluated as strategies to restore ecological balance and combat AMR. We conclude that integrating rigorous antibiotic stewardship with advanced microbiome science is paramount for preserving microbial resilience and global health. The review underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to navigate the challenges of the post-antibiotic era.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antibiotic resistance ، Gut microbiome ، Dysbiosis ، Antimicrobial stewardship ، Probiotics ، Microbial ecology