Non-antibiotic compounds associated with humans and the environment can promote horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes.

ABSTRACT: Horizontal gene transfer plays a key role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR genes are often carried on self-transmissible plasmids, which are shared amongst bacteria primarily by conjugation. Antibiotic use has been a well-established driver of the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the impact of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants on AMR spread has been largely overlooked. Recent studies found common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and environmental pollutants, can increase the conjugative transfer of AMR plasmids. The potential mechanisms by which these compounds promote plasmid transmission include increased membrane permeability, upregulation of plasmid transfer genes

SUBMITTER: Alav I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11523920 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature