Overview
- Researchers presenting at ESCMID Global 2026 reported detecting antibiotic resistance genes in newborns’ first stools within hours of birth.
- The team analyzed meconium from 105 infants admitted to a NICU and screened for 56 resistance genes, finding a median of eight per sample.
- Two genes linked to reduced antibiotic susceptibility were widespread, with oqxA found in 98% of samples and qnrS in 96%.
- Several beta-lactamase genes were common, and carbapenem-resistance markers appeared in 21% of samples, raising concern for last-line treatments.
- Gene patterns tracked with maternal or very early hospital factors, including links to maternal hospitalization and central line placement, and the authors called for stronger NICU surveillance.