Biomedical engineers at Duke University have unveiled a crucial connection between the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes and the evolution of resistance to new drugs in certain pathogens. Their research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that bacteria exposed to higher levels of antibiotics tend to harbour multiple identical copies of protective antibiotic resistance genes, often associated with transposons that facilitate gene movement between strains. This mechanism not only spreads resistance but also provides a foundation for the evolution of resistance to new drugs.
The study, led by Rohan Maddamsetti and the laboratory of Lingchong You, utilized advanced genome sequencing technology to identify high levels of genetic repetition in bacterial pathogens, particularly in environments with elevated antibiotic use such as humans and livestock. Clinical datasets further underscored the correlation between antibiotic consumption and increased resistance duplication, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient antibiotic usage to combat the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
The findings prompt reflection on strategies beyond developing new antibiotics, emphasizing the importance of using existing antibiotics more judiciously and effectively. With the majority of antibiotics used in agriculture, the study underscores the critical role of the livestock industry in mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance.
How can we implement more efficient and effective antibiotic usage practices to address the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance?