Targeted (PCR-based) screening of antibiotic resistance genes' prevalence in the gut microbiota of tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. The gut microbiota harbours multiple antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that contribute to the existing and future microbial population in a community or ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of the tribal people of Nabarangpur, Odisha, India. A total of 83 faecal samples were collected from three different tribes (Bhatra, Gond, and Paraja). Total faecal DNA was extracted, and the simplex polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect selected ARGs. Further analysis was done to estimate the incidence of these ARGs across these tribes based on alcohol consumption habits. We identified a higher prevalence of tetracycline resistance genes (tetW, tetQ and tetM) in the gut microbiota among three populations. Furthermore, a significant (P = 0 center dot 024) difference in ARG prevalence against vancomycin in individuals with and without alcohol consumption habits was noticed. The overall distribution of ARGs among the three major tribes of this location was found to be very similar. Together, irrespective of the tribes, the people of this location have gut microbiota harbouring different kinds of ARGs and tetracycline-resistant genes are the most commonly found ARGs.

Automated summary

The study investigated the prevalence of 35 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of tribal people in Nabarangpur, Odisha, India. There was a similarity in the distribution of ARGs among the three major tribes, with tetracycline-resistant genes being the most commonly found. Additionally, a significant difference in the prevalence of vancomycin resistance genes was observed between individuals with and without alcohol consumption habits.