Sampling the Antibiotic Resistome

TLDR

Antibiotic resistance now spans all known classes of compounds, impeding infection treatment and reshaping drug discovery, yet its origins remain poorly understood. Studying this soil bacterial reservoir could serve as an early warning system for future clinically relevant antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Abstract

Microbial resistance to antibiotics currently spans all known classes of natural and synthetic compounds. It has not only hindered our treatment of infections but also dramatically reshaped drug discovery, yet its origins have not been systematically studied. Soil-dwelling bacteria produce and encounter a myriad of antibiotics, evolving corresponding sensing and evading strategies. They are a reservoir of resistance determinants that can be mobilized into the microbial community. Study of this reservoir could provide an early warning system for future clinically relevant antibiotic resistance mechanisms.