Genomic Insights into Antibiotic Resistance Transfer in Fermented Foods

The field of antibiotic resistance is increasingly focusing on unconventional reservoirs such as fermented foods, which are globally consumed for their nutritional benefits and unique taste. Recent studies have shown that these foods can harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes due to their rich microbial diversity. Among these are lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms capable of carrying antibiotic resistance genes. A growing body of evidence suggests that fermented foods can serve as potential hotspots for horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance, which raises concerns for human health and food safety. Despite the recognized potential risk, there is a substantial gap in knowledge concerning the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance transfer within these complex microbial ecosystems. Advanced molecular tools are required to better understand these dynamics.

This Research Topic aims to explore how antibiotic resistance is maintained and potentially disseminated through the diverse microbial communities present in fermented foods. By leveraging genomic approaches, the goal is to elucidate the pathways through which resistance genes are exchanged and spread within these ecosystems. This investigation seeks to uncover critical control points and identify potential interventions to mitigate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance associated with fermented food production and consumption.

To gather further insights into the genomic dynamics of antibiotic resistance in fermented foods, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Prevalence and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in fermented food microbiota
o Horizontal gene transfer and mobile genetic elements within food-associated microbes
o Comparative genomics of resistant strains identified in fermentation processes
o Metagenomic analysis of microbial interactions during food fermentation
o Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for antibiotic resistance in the food chain

We warmly invite researchers and experts to contribute their insights and discoveries, enriching the collective understanding of this vital topic.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, fermented foods, horizontal gene transfer, food microbiome, whole genome sequencing, lactic acid bacteria, AMR surveillance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.