Gut resistome plasticity in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Sci Rep. 2019 Apr 4;9(1):5649. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-42222-w.

Abstract

The gut microbiome of pediatric patients undergoing allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has recently been considered as a potential reservoir of antimicrobial resistance, with important implications in terms of patient mortality rate. By means of shotgun metagenomics, here we explored the dynamics of the gut resistome - i.e. the pattern of antibiotic resistance genes provided by the gut microbiome - in eight pediatric patients undergoing HSCT, half of whom developed acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD). According to our findings, the patients developing aGvHD are characterized by post-HSCT expansion of their gut resistome, involving the acquisition of new resistances, as well as the consolidation of those already present before HSCT. Interestingly, the aGvHD-associated bloom in resistome diversity is not limited to genes coding for resistance to the antibiotics administered along the therapeutic course, but rather involves a broad pattern of different resistance classes, including multidrug resistance, as well as resistance to macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and beta-lactams. Our data stress the relevance of mapping the gut resistome in HSCT pediatric patients to define the most appropriate anti-infective treatment post HSCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / genetics
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metagenomics / methods
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents