Resistome and microbiome-immune interactions in an Eastern European population with high antibiotic use
We present a metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiome in a healthy Romanian cohort, previously unprofiled at high resolution. This population, characterized by historically high antibiotic use, shows microbiome features shared with other European populations and an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, likely reflecting widespread antibiotic exposure. We also find increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes associated with commonly used antibiotics in Romania, including beta-lactams, macrolides, and quinolones.  Finally, we explore links between the microbial profile and systemic immune responses inferred from in vitro cytokine production. Notably, Collinsella species may have an immune-priming role, and the Prevotella enterotype associates with cytokine production capacity.