Investigating the Gut Microbiome's Role in Antibiotic Resistance in Companion Animals

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance poses a growing concern in veterinary medicine, jeopardizing animal health and public health. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of bacteria resistant to these medications, rendering them ineffective. This overview screening article explores the potential link between disruptions in the gut microbiome and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in companion animals. The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining health. However, antibiotic use can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to microbiome dysbiosis. This imbalance creates an opportunity for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to flourish. These resistant bacteria, often harboring genes allowing them to evade antibiotic effects, can then spread within the gut and potentially pose a threat to the effectiveness of future antibiotic treatments. Understanding the microbiome-resistance connection is essential for developing strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. Outlining a research approach to investigate this link, employing methods like animal models, microbiome analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and antibiotic resistance profiling would be reviewed. By elucidating the mechanisms by which microbiome disruptions contribute to the emergence of resistant bacteria, we can pave the way for novel interventions. These interventions could include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation to restore a healthy gut microbiome and limit the selection and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By harnessing the power of the gut microbiome, we can ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections in companion animals and safeguard animal health and well-being.