Challenging the Traditional View – Researchers Uncover New Factors in Antibiotic Resistance

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have found important hyperlinks between early-life micronutrient deficiencies and intestine microbiome composition, shedding gentle on the growing international situation of antibiotic resistance.

This analysis targeted on understanding the impression of inadequate ranges of key micronutrients, together with vitamin A, B12, folate, iron, and zinc, on the numerous array of micro organism, viruses, fungi, and different microorganisms residing in the digestive tract.

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Antibiotic Resistance

They found that these deficiencies led to important shifts in the intestine microbiome of mice—most notably an alarming enlargement of micro organism and fungi identified to be opportunistic pathogens.

Importantly, mice with micronutrient deficiencies additionally exhibited the next enrichment of genes which were linked to antibiotic resistance.

“Micronutrient deficiency has been an overlooked factor in the conversation about global antibiotic resistance,” stated Dr. Paula Littlejohn, a postdoctoral analysis fellow with UBC’s division of medical genetics and division of pediatrics, and the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. “This is a significant discovery, as it suggests that nutrient deficiencies can make the gut environment more conducive to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a major global health concern.”

Bacteria naturally possess these genes as a protection mechanism. Certain circumstances, reminiscent of antibiotic pressure or nutrient stress, trigger a rise in these mechanisms. This poses a menace that would render many potent antibiotics ineffective and result in a future the place frequent infections might change into lethal.

The ‘Hidden Hunger’ and Its Implications

Antibiotic resistance is commonly attributed to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, however the work of Dr. Littlejohn and her UBC colleagues means that the ‘hidden hunger’ of micronutrient deficiencies is one other necessary issue.

“Globally, around 340 million children under five suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies, which not only affect their growth but also significantly alter their gut microbiomes,” stated Dr. Littlejohn. “Our findings are particularly concerning as these children are often prescribed antibiotics for malnutrition-related illnesses. Ironically, their gut microbiome may be primed for antibiotic resistance due to the underlying micronutrient deficiencies.”

The examine presents important insights into the far-reaching penalties of micronutrient deficiencies in formative years. It underscores the want for complete methods to deal with undernutrition and its ripple results on health. Addressing micronutrient deficiencies is about greater than overcoming malnutrition, it could even be a important step in combating the international scourge of antibiotic resistance.

Reference: “Multiple micronutrient deficiencies in early life cause multi-kingdom alterations in the gut microbiome and intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes in mice” by Paula T. Littlejohn, Avril Metcalfe-Roach, Erick Cardenas Poire, Ravi Holani, Haggai Bar-Yoseph, Yiyun M. Fan, Sarah E. Woodward and B. Brett Finlay, 16 November 2023, Nature Microbiology.
DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01519-3

The examine was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.