Distribution of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Intestines of Infants and Influencing Factors.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in the intestines of infants and the factors affecting their distribution. Breast milk and infant stool samples were collected from nine full-term, healthy mother-infant pairs. The bacterial distribution and various types of ARGs present in the samples were analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Over a period spanning from 2 to 240 d after birth, a total of 273 types of ARGs were identified in both infant feces and breast milk, exhibiting a trend of increasing prevalence over time. High concentrations of representative ARG populations were identified in the intestines of infants, especially at 12-15 d after birth. These populations included APH3-Ib, tetW/N/W, mphA, and Haemophilus influenzae PBP3, and multiple ARG Escherichia coli soxS that were resistant to common clinically used aminoglycoside, tetracycline, macrolide, and beta-lactam antibiotics. Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli, especially Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Streptococcus, and Escherichia were among the identified ARG carriers. Maternal age and body mass index (present and before pregnancy), infant sex, maternal consumption of probiotic yogurt during pregnancy, and lactation might be substantial factors influencing the occurrence of ARG-carrying bacteria and ARG distribution in the infant feces. These results indicate that environmental factors may influence the distribution of ARG-carrying bacteria and ARGs themselves in infants during early life. Providing appropriate recommendations regarding maternal age, body mass index during pregnancy, and use of probiotic products could potentially mitigate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant microbiota and ARGs, thereby diminishing the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections and safeguarding children's health.