Open Access
EJMTB
Original Research Article Open Access

Intestinal Dysbiosis and Alterations of Cross-Feeder Bacteria in the Development of Antimicrobial Resistance

Blegina Arapi 1,2✻, Adilta Bejko 2, Melisa Uruci 3, Gjena Dura 2

EJMTB 2026;1(1):39-48 · Published 01 Oct 2026

  • 1 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Imaging, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Western Balkans University, Tirana, Albania; 2 Intermedica Medical Center Laboratory, Tirana, Albania.
  • 2 Intermedica Medical Center Laboratory, Tirana, Albania
  • 3 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Imaging, Faculty of Technical Medical Sciences, Western Balkans University & Regional Hospital of Berat, Albania.

Abstract

Intestinal dysbiosis represents a significant disruption of the gut microbiota and is closely associated with the development of antibiotic resistance. This study aims to evaluate the role of alterations in cross-feeder bacteria in this process. A retrospective analysis was conducted on six dysbiosis tests (GA-map® Dysbiosis Test) performed over the past six months at the Intermedica Medical Center Laboratory. The study included six intestinal microbiota profiles obtained from patients routinely referred for microbiota evaluation at the Intermedica Medical Center Laboratory. The profiles were analyzed retrospectively, without additional study-specific inclusion criteria. Changes in microbiota composition and the presence of key metabolic bacteria were analyzed. A reduction in bacterial diversity and alterations in the commensal flora were observed in most cases. The most significant finding was a decrease in cross-feeder bacteria, which play a crucial role in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This reduction was associated with an increase in opportunistic microorganisms. The observed patterns suggest that antibiotic use creates selective pressure that promotes resistance through mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer and biofilm formation. Intestinal dysbiosis, particularly the disruption of cross-feeder bacteria, plays a key role in the development of antibiotic resistance. Monitoring the gut microbiota and implementing targeted therapeutic interventions—including probiotics, prebiotics, and the rational use of antibiotics—are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords

How to cite

Blegina Arapi 1,2, Adilta Bejko 2, Melisa Uruci 3, Gjena Dura 2. Intestinal Dysbiosis and Alterations of Cross-Feeder Bacteria in the Development of Antimicrobial Resistance. EJMTB. 2026;1(1):39-48.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.