Characterization of antibiotic-resistance traits in Akkermansia muciniphila strains of human origin Original paper
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
-
Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
-
Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigated the antibiotic resistance profile of Akkermansia muciniphila strains of human origin to address safety concerns surrounding its use as a next-generation probiotic and novel food ingredient. The authors combined whole-genome sequencing with phenotypic minimum inhibitory concentration testing to distinguish intrinsic from acquired antimicrobial resistance and to determine whether resistance genes translated into functional resistance. The study directly addressed regulatory gaps identified by EFSA regarding antimicrobial susceptibility data for A. muciniphila.
Who was studied?
The researchers isolated A. muciniphila strains from fecal samples of healthy adult human volunteers aged 26–50 years and compared these isolates with the well-characterized type strain DSM 22959T. Five genetically distinct human strains were selected for detailed analysis, allowing assessment of intra-species variability in antibiotic resistance traits. No patient populations or disease cohorts were included, as the focus was microbial safety rather than clinical outcomes.
What were the most important findings?
The study demonstrated that Akkermansia muciniphila exhibits a largely conserved antibiotic susceptibility profile across human-derived strains, supporting its classification as a low-risk commensal. Genomic analysis identified several antimicrobial resistance genes commonly found in gut anaerobes, including adeF, aph(6)-Id, sul2, and tetW, but phenotypic testing revealed that most of these genes did not confer functional resistance. Only one strain showed true tetracycline resistance due to the tetW gene. All strains displayed low sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and aminoglycosides, a pattern attributed to intrinsic properties of anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria rather than transferable resistance. Importantly, efflux pump activity was confirmed but did not explain fluoroquinolone resistance, and mobile genetic elements were rare, with only one strain carrying resistance genes linked to a transposon. From a microbiome signatures perspective, A. muciniphila remained aligned with beneficial major microbial associations such as metabolic health and barrier integrity, without evidence that it serves as a significant reservoir for transmissible antimicrobial resistance.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study provides critical safety validation for Akkermansia muciniphila as a therapeutic and nutritional intervention. For clinicians, the findings indicate that reduced abundance of A. muciniphila in patients is unlikely to reflect antibiotic resistance–driven persistence, while supplementation poses minimal risk of contributing to the gut resistome. The work also reinforces the need to interpret resistance genes within functional context rather than assuming phenotypic risk based on genomics alone, supporting more accurate microbiome-based clinical decision making.
Akkermansia muciniphila
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucus-layer specialist that has shifted from “odd gut commensal” to one of the most mechanistically characterized next-generation probiotic candidates. First isolated from human feces using gastric mucin as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, it is adapted to life at the mucus–epithelium interface, where it converts host mucins into metabolites (notably acetate and propionate) that can feed other microbes and influence host physiology. Its genome encodes an unusually rich secretome for mucin foraging, dozens of predicted glycoside hydrolases, sulfatases, proteases, and sialidases, supporting stepwise dismantling of complex O-glycans and the mucin backbone.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer significant health benefits when administered in adequate amounts. They primarily work by modulating the gut microbiome, supporting a balanced microbial ecosystem. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, modulate immune responses, and even influence metabolic and mental health disorders. With growing evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their role in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety through their impact on the gut-brain axis.