The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications
Zakari, D., Idris, E., Anoze, A., Moyosore, A., Eneye, B., Boniface, M., Mustapha, I., Bashir, A., Okpanachi, M., Amoka, A., Danjuma, S., Omuya, A., Ekeyi, D. (2025). The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications. EKB Journal Management System, (), -. doi: 10.21608/mid.2025.392071.2859
David Adeiza Zakari; EGBEJA Tsobaza Idris; ALIYU Abdulbasit Anoze; ADEFILA Adebimpe Moyosore; BELLO Kizito Eneye; MOMOH Theophilus Boniface; IDRIS Omenesa Mustapha; ALI Bashir; MAJI Ojodumine Okpanachi; AUDU Godwin Amoka; SHUIAB Yusuf Danjuma; ALIYU Godwin Omuya; DAVID Ekeyi. "The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications". EKB Journal Management System, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.21608/mid.2025.392071.2859
Zakari, D., Idris, E., Anoze, A., Moyosore, A., Eneye, B., Boniface, M., Mustapha, I., Bashir, A., Okpanachi, M., Amoka, A., Danjuma, S., Omuya, A., Ekeyi, D. (2025). 'The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications', EKB Journal Management System, (), pp. -. doi: 10.21608/mid.2025.392071.2859
Zakari, D., Idris, E., Anoze, A., Moyosore, A., Eneye, B., Boniface, M., Mustapha, I., Bashir, A., Okpanachi, M., Amoka, A., Danjuma, S., Omuya, A., Ekeyi, D. The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.21608/mid.2025.392071.2859

The human microbiome as a reservoir and modulator of antimicrobial resistance: Emerging therapeutic implications

Microbes and Infectious Diseases
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 August 2025  XML
Document Type: Review Article
DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.392071.2859
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Authors
David Adeiza Zakari email orcid 1, 2; EGBEJA Tsobaza Idris email 3; ALIYU Abdulbasit Anoze* 4; ADEFILA Adebimpe Moyosore* 5; BELLO Kizito Eneye* 1, 6; MOMOH Theophilus Boniface* 7; IDRIS Omenesa Mustapha* 4; ALI Bashir* 7; MAJI Ojodumine Okpanachi* 7; AUDU Godwin Amoka* 8; SHUIAB Yusuf Danjuma* 1; ALIYU Godwin Omuya* 1; DAVID Ekeyi* 1
1Department of Microbiology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, PMB1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
2Department of Microbiology, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
3Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, PMB1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
4Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Prince Abubakar Audu University, PMB1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
5Construction Department, Institute of Technical Training, University of Applied Science Engineering and Technology, The Gambia
6Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains, Malaysia
7Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Prince Abubakar Audu University, PMB1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
8Department of Biochemistry, Prince Abubakar Audu University, PMB1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: The human microbiome represents a complex ecosystem that significantly influences antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns through multiple interconnected mechanisms. This review synthesizes current understanding of microbiome-pathogen interactions in the context of AMR development, persistence, and transmission. The gut microbiome serves as both a reservoir for resistance genes and a protective barrier against pathogen colonization through colonization resistance mechanisms. Horizontal gene transfer within microbial communities facilitates the dissemination of resistance determinants, while microbiome diversity acts as a critical factor in maintaining ecosystem stability. Dysbiosis induced by antibiotic therapy disrupts these protective functions, creating ecological niches that facilitate the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms. The resistome, comprising all resistance genes within the microbiome, demonstrates remarkable plasticity in response to selective pressures. Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed novel therapeutic targets, including fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent infections, selective microbiome modulators that preserve beneficial bacteria, and precision antibiotic strategies guided by microbiome profiling. Postbiotic interventions and engineered probiotics represent emerging frontiers in microbiome-based therapeutics. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing next-generation antimicrobial stewardship programs and innovative therapeutic approaches. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between microbiome composition and AMR, explores emerging therapeutic interventions, and discusses future research directions that may transform our approach to infectious disease management in the era of rising antimicrobial resistance.
Keywords
microbiome; antimicrobial resistance; dysbiosis; colonization resistance; therapeutic modulation
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