Microbial interactions as the key to understanding and controlling environmental spread of antibiotic resistance genes

Abstract

Beyond abiotic factors, microbial interactions are critical yet understudied regulators of environmental antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) spread, whose neglect hinders control efforts. We synthesize their dual roles in ARG dissemination and advocate for integrated advanced methodologies combining tracking, modeling, and validation to decode interaction networks. Moreover, we propose novel interventions strategies that range from molecular disruption to network re-engineering, leveraging ecological insights to mitigate resistance spread across environmental compartments.