Mobile genetic elements of the human gastrointestinal tract: Potential for spread of antibiotic resistance genes

Broaders, Eileen, Gahan, Cormac and Marchesi, Julian Roberto ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-5239 2013. Mobile genetic elements of the human gastrointestinal tract: Potential for spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Gut Microbes 4 (4) , pp. 271-280. 10.4161/gmic.24627

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Abstract

The human intestine is an important location for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) due to the presence of a densely populated community of microorganisms which are essential to the health of the human superorganism. HGT in this niche has the potential to influence the evolution of members of this microbial community and to mediate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from commensal organisms to potential pathogens. Recent culture-independent techniques and metagenomic studies have provided an insight into the distribution of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and the extent of HGT in the human gastrointestinal tract. In this mini-review, we explore the current knowledge of mobile genetic elements in the gastrointestinal tract, the progress of research into the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut and the potential role of MGEs in the spread of antibiotic resistance. In the face of reduced treatment options for many clinical infections, understanding environmental and commensal antibiotic resistance and spread is critical to the future development of meaningful and long lasting anti-microbial therapies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI)
Subjects:	Q Science > QR Microbiology
Publisher:	Landes Bioscience
ISSN:	1949-0976
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2022 11:58
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/49880

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