Implications of antibiotic resistance in probiotics

Abstract

Collectively, many lactobacilli form a major group of health-promoting micro-organisms. A subset of which are generally known as probiotics. Emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is challenging human health and well-being, particularly antibiotic therapy for the treatment of bacterial infections. Lactobacilli may prevent gastrointestinal disruption during antibiotic therapy by helping to reestablish or maintain the normal microbiota of the intestine. To achieve this, lactobacilli must survive in the presence of coadministered antibiotics. Hence, antibiotic resistance of probiotics is an essential criterion for their screening and selection, provided of course that they do not pose a threat by way of the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to other bacteria. This article addresses the types of antibiotic resistance and transfer mechanisms, the antibiotic resistance profile of probiotic lactobacilli, as well as the benefits associated and concerns raised with antibiotic resistance of probiotic bacteria.