Genomic Overview of Acquired Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms in Lactobacillus

Abstract

In recent years, the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria prevalent in clinical settings has risen, alarming both scientists and government agencies. Studies on the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance focused mainly on bacteria of clinical importance. However, commensal and environmental bacteria appear as a reservoir of the determinants of resistance to antibiotics found in bacteria of clinical origin. In particular, the food chain was proposed as the main route for the introduction of resistant bacteria associated with animals and the environment. The emergence of antibiotic resistance can be attributed to several factors, such as the overuse of antibiotics both within and outside of a clinical setting, random bacterial mutations leading to increased resistance, not completing the course of an antibiotic prescription, and the use of antibiotics in farming and agricultural. A summary of acquired antibiotic-resistance genes to tetracycline, erythromycin and aminoglycosides and a genomic overview of these resistance genes in Lactobacillus is described in this chapter.