Early life represents a critical window for metabolic, cognitive and immune system development, which is influenced by the maternal microbiome as well as the infant gut microbiome. Antibiotic exposure, mode of delivery and breastfeeding practices modulate the gut microbiome and the reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Vertical and horizontal microbial gene transfer during early life and the mechanisms behind these transfers are being uncovered. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the transfer of antibiotic resistance in the mother–infant dyad through vertical and horizontal transmission and to highlight the main gaps and challenges in this area.

生命早期是代谢、认知和免疫系统发育的关键窗口，受到母体微生物组和婴儿肠道微生物组的影响。抗生素暴露、分娩方式和母乳喂养实践会调节肠道微生物组和抗生素抗性基因 (ARG) 库。生命早期的垂直和水平微生物基因转移以及这些转移背后的机制正在被揭示。在这篇综述中，我们的目的是概述目前关于母婴二人中抗生素耐药性通过垂直和水平传播的转移的知识，并强调该领域的主要差距和挑战。