Prophages as a source of antimicrobial resistance genes in the human microbiome

Prophages, viruses that integrate into bacterial genomes, play a crucial role in horizontal gene transfer, including the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. A study analyzed 15,000 bacterial genomes from diverse human body sites and regions, finding AMR genes in 6.6% of bacterial genomes. The study also identified AMR genes previously associated with plasmids or found in unidentified species. Asia showed the highest diversity of AMR genes.