PhD conferral Dhr. Christian J.H. von Wintersdorff, MSc.

“Metagenomic insights into the reservoirs and dissemination of antibiotic resistance”

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, gut microbiota, travel destinations

The increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is a serious public health concern. This dissertation describes the prevention and spread of antibiotic resistance genes in gut microbiota. Both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria can develop and exchange resistance. This study reveals that, depending on the destination, international travel can pose a significant risk to the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes in gut microbiota. While it can take just a few days to develop this resistance, the effects may persist for a long time. Unravelling the reservoirs and dissemination routes of antibiotic resistance can help us take appropriate precautions.