Microecological Interventions against Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis and Related Resistome Expansion

TL;DR

This paper reviews how gut microbiota disruption from antibiotics promotes antibiotic resistance and explores microecological interventions to restore balance and reduce resistance spread.

Contribution

The paper introduces a comprehensive framework integrating ecological and therapeutic approaches to combat antibiotic resistance through microecological interventions.

Findings

Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis weakens gut barrier function and promotes antimicrobial resistance gene spread.

Microbial metabolites influence resistance through mechanisms like biofilm formation and host-microbe interactions.

Microecological interventions like probiotics and fecal transplants can restore microbial balance and reduce pathogen colonization.

Abstract

Antibiotic exposure and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance are critical global health threats, with antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis contributing to increased mortality, prolonged illness, and significant economic burden. This review introduces the complex interplay between antibiotic exposure, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes, which collectively undermine intestinal barrier function and promote systemic inflammation. It also explores how microbial metabolites influence resistance mechanisms through metabolic regulation, alteration of bacterial communities, antibiotic biotransformation, biofilm formation, and host–microbe interactions. Microecological interventions—including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary modifications, and emerging strategies—have the potential to restore microbial homeostasis, enhance colonization resistance to invading pathogens, and mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens. By integrating ecological and therapeutic perspectives, these approaches offer a sustainable framework for combating antibiotic resistance and improving clinical outcomes.

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