Antidepressants promote the spread of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes via transformation

This study investigated whether commonly prescribed antidepressants accelerate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance by increasing horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Results showed that duloxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, and bupropion, at clinically relevant concentrations, significantly promoted the transformation of extracellular ARGs into *Acinetobacter baylyi* ADP1. This effect was primarily linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, increased cell membrane permeability, and stimulated transcription/translation of competence, SOS response, and stress response genes. The findings highlight the potential risk of antidepressants in spreading antibiotic resistance.

Ji Lu, Pengbo Ding, Yue Wang, Jianhua Guo