A new study has uncovered evidence of the exchange of antibiotic resistance between Salmonella bacteria in a host’s gut. The findings, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, suggest that the exchange of antibiotic resistance between gut bacteria is more widespread than previously thought.

The research team, led by Dr. Michael Pollack of the University of Arizona, used a technique called whole genome sequencing to track the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between Salmonella bacteria in the gut of healthy mice. They discovered that the exchange of these genes occurs in the same way as it does in other bacteria, such as E. coli.

The study highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms by which antibiotic resistance is spread in the gut and how these genes can be passed on from one bacterial species to another. It also provides insight into how bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, a process that can lead to the development of drug-resistant infections.

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source: Phys.org