Multi-layered ecological interactions determine growth of clinical antibiotic-resistant strains within human microbiomes
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Date
2025-11-04
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut depends on their ability to establish within complex microbial communities. However, the role of various ecological factors in modulating this process, particularly in the absence of antibiotic selection, remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that different strains within the same species vary in their ability to colonize due to distinct interactions with resident microbiota. Using human gut-microbiome samples in replicated anaerobic microcosms with and without antibiotics, we test multiple clinically relevant and phylogenetically distinct Escherichia coli strains carrying extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) or carbapenemase plasmids. While antibiotics influence the growth of incoming resistant strains, some are successful even without antibiotics. Growth outcomes depend on a combination of intrinsic growth capacities in relevant abiotic conditions, competition with resident E. coli, and strain-specific shifts in resident community composition. We also detect horizontal transfer of resistance plasmids in some conditions, but transconjugants remain rare across treatments. Here, we show that the success of antibiotic-resistant bacteria depends on strain-specific ecological interactions, helping to explain the spread and persistence of resistance in human microbiomes.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
16 (1)
Pages / Article No.
9733
Publisher
Nature
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Organisational unit
09497 - Hall, Alex / Hall, Alex
Notes
Funding
192428 - The role of community-level microbial interactions in antibiotic resistance evolution (SNF)
Related publications and datasets
Is new version of: