New research reveals that doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis raises resistance gene levels in the gut, but leaves the overall balance of the microbiome largely intact, marking a crucial step forward in understanding antibiotic resistance and STI prevention. Study: Impact of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections on the gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistome . Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine , researchers investigated the effects of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) on the gut microbiome and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women.
They found that the use of doxy-PEP increased the proportion and expression of tetracycline ARGs in the gut resistome but did not significantly alter the gut microbiome's diversity or composition. Background Doxy-PEP is known to be effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria in MSM and transgender women. It is now included in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and is expected to be included in the World Health Organization’s upcoming guidelines.
However, concerns exist about doxy-PEP's potential to increase antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Neisseria gonorrhoeae , which could complicate treatment and promote resistance to other antibiotics. The rise of antimicrobial resistance globally is.