Global study reveals gender-linked patterns in antimicrobial resistance

A landmark international study [1] led by the University of Turku, Finland, has uncovered striking differences in antibiotic resistance genes between men and women, with significant implications for tackling one of the world’s most urgent health crises.

Antibiotic resistance, which undermines the effectiveness of life-saving drugs, currently contributes to over 1.3 million deaths each year worldwide. Yet, until now, little was known about how resistance gene patterns differ between genders on a global scale.

The research team analysed DNA data from more than 14,000 human gut microbiomes spanning 32 countries, drawing on a vast international repository of public datasets. Their analysis revealed that women in high-income countries carry around 9% more antibiotic resistance genes than men, suggesting greater exposure to antibiotics or resistant bacteria.

Conversely, in low- and middle-income countries, men tended to have higher resistance gene loads, although this difference diminished after accounting for age and living conditions.

“Our findings highlight how gender, geography, and lifestyle intersect to shape antimicrobial resistance in the human gut,” explains Professor Leo Lahti, head of the data science group leading the research.

The study also found that resistance gene diversity varied with age, peaking in infants and the elderly, and was generally higher in populations with elevated antibiotic use.

“This is the first large-scale study to reveal such complex gender-based patterns in antimicrobial resistance globally,” notes postdoctoral researcher Katariina Pärnänen. “Understanding these differences is critical for designing targeted interventions that ensure equitable healthcare outcomes.”

More information online

1.    ‘Gender differences in global antimicrobial resistance’ published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes on 19 May 2025