Newborn gut harbors antibiotic-resistance genes within hours of birth

A study of 105 infants in NICU within 72 hours of birth found antibiotic resistance genes in the babies’ gut microbiomes, suggesting early exposure to resistant bacteria and implicating maternal and hospital factors in shaping this resistome. Researchers say the presence of ARGs so soon could affect treatment and long-term microbiome development, highlighting the need for vigilant infection control and surveillance in neonatal care. The work was presented at the ESPID Global 2026 conference.