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Review
. 2024 Jun 12;32(6):786-793.
doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.05.009.

Response, resistance, and recovery of gut bacteria to human-targeted drug exposure

Jacobo de la Cuesta-Zuluaga  1 , Leonardo Boldt  1 , Lisa Maier  2
Affiliations
Free article
Review

Response, resistance, and recovery of gut bacteria to human-targeted drug exposure

Jacobo de la Cuesta-Zuluaga et al. Cell Host Microbe. .
Free article

Abstract

Survival strategies of human-associated microbes to drug exposure have been mainly studied in the context of bona fide pathogens exposed to antibiotics. Less well understood are the survival strategies of non-pathogenic microbes and host-associated commensal communities to the variety of drugs and xenobiotics to which humans are exposed. The lifestyle of microbial commensals within complex communities offers a variety of ways to adapt to different drug-induced stresses. Here, we review the responses and survival strategies employed by gut commensals when exposed to drugs-antibiotics and non-antibiotics-at the individual and community level. We also discuss the factors influencing the recovery and establishment of a new community structure following drug exposure. These survival strategies are key to the stability and resilience of the gut microbiome, ultimately influencing the overall health and well-being of the host.

Keywords: antibiotic; drug; ecosystem process; gut microbiome; microbial ecology; pharmaceutical; resilience; resistance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interests L.M. is listed as a co-inventor on the following patents (or patent applications): EP3838269A (published 23.06.2021) Compounds & Pharmaceutical Compositions for Prevention-Treatment of Dysbiosis, Antidotes for Microbiome Prevention; WO/2019/158559 (published 22.08.2019) Repurposing compounds for the treatment of infections and for modulating the composition of the gut microbiome; and WO/2019/154823 (published in 15.08.2019) In vitro model of the human gut microbiome and uses thereof in the analysis of the impact of xenobiotics.

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