Understanding the transfer and persistence of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture using a model teleost gut system

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious health risk due to human, animal, and environmental factors. It is primarily driven by conjugative plasmid transfer among bacteria. To combat AMR, understanding its dynamics and the role of different microbial taxa as reservoirs is crucial. A study using Hi-C and qPCR monitored the transfer of a multidrug-resistent plasmid within an Atlantic salmon gut model during florfenicol treatment. The results showed that the teleost gut flora continues to act as a reservoir for AMR, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.