Research Now Highlights Where Antibiotic Resistance Comes From

(Newswire.net — October 28, 2021) Orlando, FL — Health organizations have long been warning against antibiotic resistance, which is now globally widespread.

Scientists in Gothenburg, Sweden carried out a study to trace back the evolutionary history of antibiotic resistance genes. It was done by comparing thousands of bacterial genomes.

According to the researchers, in nearly all cases where the origin was identifiable, the gene began to spread from bacteria that, themselves, can trigger the disease. While it is true that human DNA is only passed down from parent to child, bacteria also have the propensity to share some of their genes across species. 

This usually applies to genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Experts have long warned against the use and overuse of antibiotics as they provide advantages to bacteria that have already acquired resistance genes. 

Further, they also promote the spread of resistance and make treating infections more challenging. 

The findings of this interesting research were published in the scientific journal called Communications Biology.  

“Given that the overwhelming majority of bacteria are harmless to us, it was quite surprising that these genes almost exclusively came from bacteria causing disease. On the other hand, it makes some sense since such bacteria often trigger antibiotic use when we become infected, and other pathogens are often nearby, ready to engage in gene transfer,” said Professor Joakim Larsson.

Larsson is the senior author of the study and director of the Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research at the University of Gothenburg, CARe.

“These findings underscore the microbial-rich gut flora humans and domestic animals given antibiotics as arenas for resistance evolution” he added.

Learning about where resistance genes come from can pave the way to developing certain measures to slow the emergence of additional resistance genes in the clinics. 

The authors of this study also note that the origin is still unknown for more than 95 percent of all known resistance genes.

Health authorities have long been strongly warning against antibiotic resistance and recommending some remedies helpful in reducing its rates. It is important to avoid overuse or misuse of antibiotics, which are resorted to by individuals suffering from UTIs.

It is wise to take some measures helpful in lessening the need for antibiotics through UTI prevention. There are supplements like Divine Bounty D-mannose that may be helpful in warding off the infection and reducing the need for antibiotics.

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