Changes in the Gut Microbiota Can Lead to the Selection and Spread of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
Science / Life Sciences
Antibiotic resistance is a major global concern, with the United Nations estimating that drug-resistant infections could cause around 10 million deaths a year by 2050 and catastrophic damage. Current measures have not been effective in containing the problem, suggesting a knowledge gap on this issue. This project aims to investigate the link between antibiotic resistance and changes in the gut microbiota (a.k.a. intestinal flora) caused by the Western lifestyle. Bacteria in the gut microbiota are an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, which can be disseminated under certain conditions. The hypothesis is that changes in the gut microbiota caused by the Western diet contribute to the selection and spread of antibiotic resistance. If true, this concept could revolutionize the way we deal with antibiotic resistance.
