Tetracycline-like resistome of ancient human guts. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez, Tasha M.; Fornaciari, Gino; Luciani, Stefania; Toranzos, Gary A.; Marota, Isolina; Giuffra, Valentina; Sangwan, Naseer; Cano, Raul J.
• Is Part Of: Human microbiome journal. Volume 10(2018)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Ancient microbiome -- Gut microbiome -- Mummies -- Resistome -- Tetracycline-resistance
• DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2018.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2317

Abstract

Abstract: Tetracyclines were discovered over 70 years ago and their use resulted in the emergence of tetracycline-resistance microorganisms; however, it has been hypothesized that tetracycline-resistance may have originated in the environment, and that determinants were transferred to the human gut microbiota. Ancient microbiomes represent an opportunity to explore the transmission of tetracycline-resistance determinants from the environment to humans. In the present study, tetracycline-like resistomes of three pre-Inca/Inca (10–15th centuries), and five Italian nobility (15–16th centuries) mummies were characterized using high-throughput sequencing. Sequences exhibited low homology to present-day determinants. Results may aid in the understanding of the evolution of tetracycline-resistance.