1
|
Błaszczyk W, Siatecka A, Tlustoš P, Oleszczuk P. Occurrence and dissipation mechanisms of organic contaminants during sewage sludge anaerobic digestion: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173517. [PMID: 38821290 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Sewage sludge, a complex mixture of contaminants and pathogenic agents, necessitates treatment or stabilization like anaerobic digestion (AD) before safe disposal. AD-derived products (solid digestate and liquid fraction) can be used as fertilizers. During AD, biogas is also produced, and used for energy purposes. All these fractions can be contaminated with various compounds, whose amount depends on the feedstocks used in AD (and their mutual proportions). This paper reviews studies on the distribution of organic contaminants across AD fractions (solid digestate, liquid fraction, and biogas), delving into the mechanisms behind contaminant dissipation and proposing future research directions. AD proves to be a relatively effective method for removing polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance genes and hydrocarbons. Contaminants are predominantly removed through biodegradation, but many compounds, especially hydrophobic (e.g. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are also sorbed onto digestate particles. The process of sorption is suggested to reduce the bioavailability of contaminants. As a result of sorption, contaminants accumulate in the largest amount in the solid digestate, whereas in smaller amounts in the other AD products. Polar pharmaceuticals (e.g. metformin) are particularly leached, while volatile methylsiloxanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characterized by a high Henry's law constant, are volatilized into the biogas. The removal of compounds can be affected by AD operational parameters, the type of sludge, physicochemical properties of contaminants, and the sludge pretreatment used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Błaszczyk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, 15 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Siatecka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, 15 Akademicka Street, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Pavel Tlustoš
- Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 129 Kamýcká Street, Praha 6 - Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 3 Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ares-Arroyo M, Coluzzi C, Moura de Sousa JA, Rocha EPC. Hijackers, hitchhikers, or co-drivers? The mysteries of mobilizable genetic elements. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002796. [PMID: 39208359 PMCID: PMC11389934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mobile genetic elements shape microbial gene repertoires and populations. Recent results reveal that many, possibly most, microbial mobile genetic elements require helpers to transfer between genomes, which we refer to as Hitcher Genetic Elements (hitchers or HGEs). They may be a large fraction of pathogenicity and resistance genomic islands, whose mechanisms of transfer have remained enigmatic for decades. Together with their helper elements and their bacterial hosts, hitchers form tripartite networks of interactions that evolve rapidly within a parasitism-mutualism continuum. In this emerging view of microbial genomes as communities of mobile genetic elements many questions arise. Which elements are being moved, by whom, and how? How often are hitchers costly hyper-parasites or beneficial mutualists? What is the evolutionary origin of hitchers? Are there key advantages associated with hitchers' lifestyle that justify their unexpected abundance? And why are hitchers systematically smaller than their helpers? In this essay, we start answering these questions and point ways ahead for understanding the principles, origin, mechanisms, and impact of hitchers in bacterial ecology and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ares-Arroyo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
| | - Charles Coluzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
| | - Jorge A Moura de Sousa
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
| | - Eduardo P C Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li N, Fan XY, Li X. Unveiling the characteristics of free-living and particle-associated antibiotic resistance genes associated with bacterial communities along different processes in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135194. [PMID: 39003808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as emerging contaminants, often co-occur with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and are prevalent in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). In this study, the characteristics of free-living (FL) and particle-associated (PA) ARGs associated with bacterial communities were investigated along two processes within a full-scale DWTP. A total of 13 ARGs and two MGEs were detected. FL-ARGs with diverse subtypes and PA-ARGs with high abundances displayed significantly different structures. PA-MGEs showed a strong positive correlation with PA-ARGs. Chlorine dioxide disinfection achieved 1.47-log reduction of FL-MGEs in process A and 0.24-log reduction of PA-MGEs in process B. Notably, PA-fraction virtually disappeared after treatment, while blaTEM, sul2, mexE, mexF and IntI1 of FL-fraction remained in the finished water. Moreover, Acinetobacter lwoffii (0.04 % ∼ 45.58 %) and Acinetobacter schindleri (0.00 % ∼ 18.54 %) dominated the 16 pathogens, which were more abundant in FL than PA bacterial communities. PA bacteria exhibited a more complex structure with more keystone species than FL bacteria. MGEs contributed 20.23 % and 19.31 % to the changes of FL-ARGs and PA-ARGs respectively, and water quality was a key driver (21.73 %) for PA-ARGs variation. This study provides novel insights into microbial risk control associated with size-fractionated ARGs in drinking water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- China Architecture Design and Research Group, Beijing 100044, PR China; Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Fan
- Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China.
| | - Xing Li
- Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shi J, Sun C, An T, Jiang C, Mei S, Lv B. Unraveling the effect of micro/nanoplastics on the occurrence and horizontal transfer of environmental antibiotic resistance genes: Advances, mechanisms and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174466. [PMID: 38964386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics can not only serve as vectors of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but also they and even nanoplastics potentially affect the occurrence of ARGs in indigenous environmental microorganisms, which have aroused great concern for the development of antibiotic resistance. This article specifically reviews the effects of micro/nanoplastics (concentration, size, exposure time, chemical additives) and their interactions with other pollutants on environmental ARGs dissemination. The changes of horizontal genes transfer (HGT, i.e., conjugation, transformation and transduction) of ARGs caused by micro/nanoplastics were also summarized. Further, this review systematically sums up the mechanisms of micro/nanoplastics regulating HGT process of ARGs, including reactive oxygen species production, cell membrane permeability, transfer-related genes expression, extracellular polymeric substances production, and ARG donor-recipient adsorption/contaminants adsorption/biofilm formation. The underlying mechanisms in changes of bacterial communities induced by micro/nanoplastics were also discussed as it was an important factor for structuring the profile of ARGs in the actual environment, including causing environmental stress, providing carbon sources, forming biofilms, affecting pollutants distribution and environmental factors. This review contributes to a systematical understanding of the potential risks of antibiotic resistance dissemination caused by micro/nanoplastics and provokes thinking about perspectives for future research and the management of micro/nanoplastics and plastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Shi
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chaoli Sun
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Tingxuan An
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Changhai Jiang
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shenglong Mei
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoyi Lv
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China; International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tsukada M, Miyazaki T, Aoki K, Yoshizawa S, Kondo Y, Sawa T, Murakami H, Sato E, Tomida M, Otani M, Kumade E, Takamori E, Kambe M, Ishii Y, Tateda K. The outbreak of multispecies carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales associated with pediatric ward sinks: IncM1 plasmids act as vehicles for cross-species transmission. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:801-806. [PMID: 38613526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes an outbreak caused by multispecies carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) occurring in a pediatric ward at an academic medical center in Tokyo. METHODS The index case involved a 1-year-old boy with Klebsiella variicola (CPE) detected in anal swabs in June 2016. The second case was Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (CPE) occurred in March 2017 followed by further spread, leading to the declaration of an outbreak in April 2017. Extensive environmental and patient microbiological sampling was performed. The relatedness of the isolates was determined using draft-whole-genome sequencing. RESULTS CPE surveillance cultures of patients and environments were positive in 19 patients and 9 sinks in the ward. The sinks in hospital rooms uninhabited by CPE patients exhibited no positive CPE-positive specimen during the outbreak. All CPE strains analyzed using draft-whole-genome sequencing harbored blaIMP-1, except for one harboring blaIMP-11; these strains harbored identical blaIMP-1-carrying IncM1 plasmids. CPE was detected even after sink replacement; infection-control measures focused on sinks were implemented and the CPE outbreak ended after 7 months. CONCLUSIONS Multiple bacterial species can become CPE via blaIMP-1-carrying IncM1 plasmids of the same origin and spread through sinks in a hospital ward. Thorough infection-control measures implemented as a bundle might be crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Tsukada
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taito Miyazaki
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Aoki
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sadako Yoshizawa
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yoko Kondo
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoka Sawa
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hinako Murakami
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emi Sato
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Tomida
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Otani
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Kumade
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of General Medicine and Emergency Care, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emi Takamori
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masako Kambe
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ishii
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tateda
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li X, Brejnrod A, Trivedi U, Russel J, Thorsen J, Shah SA, Vestergaard GA, Rasmussen MA, Nesme J, Bisgaard H, Stokholm J, Sørensen SJ. Co-localization of antibiotic resistance genes is widespread in the infant gut microbiome and associates with an immature gut microbial composition. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:87. [PMID: 38730321 PMCID: PMC11084089 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In environmental bacteria, the selective advantage of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be increased through co-localization with genes such as other ARGs, biocide resistance genes, metal resistance genes, and virulence genes (VGs). The gut microbiome of infants has been shown to contain numerous ARGs, however, co-localization related to ARGs is unknown during early life despite frequent exposures to biocides and metals from an early age. RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic co-localization of resistance genes in a cohort of 662 Danish children and examined the association between such co-localization and environmental factors as well as gut microbial maturation. Our study showed that co-localization of ARGs with other resistance and virulence genes is common in the early gut microbiome and is associated with gut bacteria that are indicative of low maturity. Statistical models showed that co-localization occurred mainly in the phylum Proteobacteria independent of high ARG content and contig length. We evaluated the stochasticity of co-localization occurrence using enrichment scores. The most common forms of co-localization involved tetracycline and fluoroquinolone resistance genes, and, on plasmids, co-localization predominantly occurred in the form of class 1 integrons. Antibiotic use caused a short-term increase in mobile ARGs, while non-mobile ARGs showed no significant change. Finally, we found that a high abundance of VGs was associated with low gut microbial maturity and that VGs showed even higher potential for mobility than ARGs. CONCLUSIONS We found that the phenomenon of co-localization between ARGs and other resistance and VGs was prevalent in the gut at the beginning of life. It reveals the diversity that sustains antibiotic resistance and therefore indirectly emphasizes the need to apply caution in the use of antimicrobial agents in clinical practice, animal husbandry, and daily life to mitigate the escalation of resistance. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanji Li
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Asker Brejnrod
- Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Urvish Trivedi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gisle Alberg Vestergaard
- Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten Arendt Rasmussen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph Nesme
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang X, Dai Y, Kong N, Cao M, Zhang L, Wei Q. Screening Key Sites of Class 2 Integron Integrase that Impact Recombination Efficiency. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:163. [PMID: 38710822 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
By capturing and expressing exogenous resistance gene cassettes through site-specific recombination, integrons play important roles in the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistant genes among bacteria. The characteristics of integron integrase make it to be a potential gene editing tool enzyme. In this study, a random mutation library using error-prone PCR was constructed, and amino acid residues mutants that impact on attI2 × attC or attC × attC recombination efficiency were screened and analyzed. Thirteen amino acid mutations were identified to be critical impacted on site-specific recombination of IntI2, including the predicted catalyzed site Y301. Nine of 13 mutated amino acid residues that have critically impacted on IntI2 activity were relative concentrated and near the predicted catalyzed site Y301 in the predicted three-dimensional structure indicated the importance of this area in maintain the activity of IntI2. No mutant with obviously increased recombination activity (more than four-fold as high as that of wild IntI2) was found in library screening, except P95S, R100K slightly increased (within two-fold) the excision activity of IntI2, and S243T slightly increased (within two-fold) both excision and integration activity of IntI2. These findings will provide clues for further specific modification of integron integrase to be a tool enzyme as well as establishing a new gene editing system and applied practically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 748 Middle Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 201602, China
| | - Yueru Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Nana Kong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Quhao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Makowska-Zawierucha N, Trzebny A, Zawierucha K, Manthapuri V, Bradley JA, Pruden A. Arctic plasmidome analysis reveals distinct relationships among associated antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes along anthropogenic gradients. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17293. [PMID: 38687495 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Polar regions are relatively isolated from human activity and thus could offer insight into anthropogenic and ecological drivers of the spread of antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are of particular interest in this context given the central role that they are thought to play in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, plasmidomes are challenging to profile in environmental samples. The objective of this study was to compare various aspects of the plasmidome associated with glacial ice and adjacent aquatic environments across the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, representing a gradient of anthropogenic inputs and specific treated and untreated wastewater outflows to the sea. We accessed plasmidomes by applying enrichment cultures, plasmid isolation and shotgun Illumina sequencing of environmental samples. We examined the abundance and diversity of ARGs and other stress-response genes that might be co/cross-selected or co-transported in these environments, including biocide resistance genes (BRGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs), virulence genes (VGs) and integrons. We found striking differences between glacial ice and aquatic environments in terms of the ARGs carried by plasmids. We found a strong correlation between MRGs and ARGs in plasmids in the wastewaters and fjords. Alternatively, in glacial ice, VGs and BRGs genes were dominant, suggesting that glacial ice may be a repository of pathogenic strains. Moreover, ARGs were not found within the cassettes of integrons carried by the plasmids, which is suggestive of unique adaptive features of the microbial communities to their extreme environment. This study provides insight into the role of plasmids in facilitating bacterial adaptation to Arctic ecosystems as well as in shaping corresponding resistomes. Increasing human activity, warming of Arctic regions and associated increases in the meltwater run-off from glaciers could contribute to the release and spread of plasmid-related genes from Svalbard to the broader pool of ARGs in the Arctic Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Makowska-Zawierucha
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Zawierucha
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Vineeth Manthapuri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - James A Bradley
- Aix Marseille University, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Amy Pruden
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ghaly TM, Gillings MR, Rajabal V, Paulsen IT, Tetu SG. Horizontal gene transfer in plant microbiomes: integrons as hotspots for cross-species gene exchange. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338026. [PMID: 38741746 PMCID: PMC11089894 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant microbiomes play important roles in plant health and fitness. Bacterial horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can influence plant health outcomes, driving the spread of both plant growth-promoting and phytopathogenic traits. However, community dynamics, including the range of genetic elements and bacteria involved in this process are still poorly understood. Integrons are genetic elements recently shown to be abundant in plant microbiomes, and are associated with HGT across broad phylogenetic boundaries. They facilitate the spread of gene cassettes, small mobile elements that collectively confer a diverse suite of adaptive functions. Here, we analysed 5,565 plant-associated bacterial genomes to investigate the prevalence and functional diversity of integrons in this niche. We found that integrons are particularly abundant in the genomes of Pseudomonadales, Burkholderiales, and Xanthomonadales. In total, we detected nearly 9,000 gene cassettes, and found that many could be involved in plant growth promotion or phytopathogenicity, suggesting that integrons might play a role in bacterial mutualistic or pathogenic lifestyles. The rhizosphere was enriched in cassettes involved in the transport and metabolism of diverse substrates, suggesting that they may aid in adaptation to this environment, which is rich in root exudates. We also found that integrons facilitate cross-species HGT, which is particularly enhanced in the phyllosphere. This finding may provide an ideal opportunity to promote plant growth by fostering the spread of genes cassettes relevant to leaf health. Together, our findings suggest that integrons are important elements in plant microbiomes that drive HGT, and have the potential to facilitate plant host adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian T. Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Blanco P, Hipólito A, García-Pastor L, Trigo da Roza F, Toribio-Celestino L, Ortega A, Vergara E, San Millán Á, Escudero J. Identification of promoter activity in gene-less cassettes from Vibrionaceae superintegrons. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2961-2976. [PMID: 38214222 PMCID: PMC11014356 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic platforms that acquire new genes encoded in integron cassettes (ICs), building arrays of adaptive functions. ICs generally encode promoterless genes, whose expression relies on the platform-associated Pc promoter, with the cassette array functioning as an operon-like structure regulated by the distance to the Pc. This is relevant in large sedentary chromosomal integrons (SCIs) carrying hundreds of ICs, like those in Vibrio species. We selected 29 gene-less cassettes in four Vibrio SCIs, and explored whether their function could be related to the transcription regulation of adjacent ICs. We show that most gene-less cassettes have promoter activity on the sense strand, enhancing the expression of downstream cassettes. Additionally, we identified the transcription start sites of gene-less ICs through 5'-RACE. Accordingly, we found that most of the superintegron in Vibrio cholerae is not silent. These promoter cassettes can trigger the expression of a silent dfrB9 cassette downstream, increasing trimethoprim resistance >512-fold in V. cholerae and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, one cassette with an antisense promoter can reduce trimethoprim resistance when cloned downstream. Our findings highlight the regulatory role of gene-less cassettes in the expression of adjacent cassettes, emphasizing their significance in SCIs and their clinical importance if captured by mobile integrons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Blanco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alberto Hipólito
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Lucía García-Pastor
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Filipa Trigo da Roza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Laura Toribio-Celestino
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Alba Cristina Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ester Vergara
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Álvaro San Millán
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biológica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28222, Spain
| | - José Antonio Escudero
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Richard E, Darracq B, Littner E, Millot GA, Conte V, Cokelaer T, Engelstädter J, Rocha EPC, Mazel D, Loot C. Belt and braces: Two escape ways to maintain the cassette reservoir of large chromosomal integrons. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011231. [PMID: 38578806 PMCID: PMC11023631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrons are adaptive devices that capture, stockpile, shuffle and express gene cassettes thereby sampling combinatorial phenotypic diversity. Some integrons called sedentary chromosomal integrons (SCIs) can be massive structures containing hundreds of cassettes. Since most of these cassettes are non-expressed, it is not clear how they remain stable over long evolutionary timescales. Recently, it was found that the experimental inversion of the SCI of Vibrio cholerae led to a dramatic increase of the cassette excision rate associated with a fitness defect. Here, we question the evolutionary sustainability of this apparently counter selected genetic context. Through experimental evolution, we find that the integrase is rapidly inactivated and that the inverted SCI can recover its original orientation by homologous recombination between two insertion sequences (ISs) present in the array. These two outcomes of SCI inversion restore the normal growth and prevent the loss of cassettes, enabling SCIs to retain their roles as reservoirs of functions. These results illustrate a nice interplay between gene orientation, genome rearrangement, bacterial fitness and demonstrate how integrons can benefit from their embedded ISs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egill Richard
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, ED515, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Darracq
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, ED515, Paris, France
| | - Eloi Littner
- Sorbonne Université, ED515, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
- DGA CBRN Defence, Vert-le-Petit, France
| | - Gael A. Millot
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Conte
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Cokelaer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Plateforme Technologique Biomics, Paris, France
| | - Jan Engelstädter
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Eduardo P. C. Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Paris, France
| | - Didier Mazel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Paris, France
| | - Céline Loot
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Unité Plasticité du Génome Bactérien, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Afify FA, Shata AH, Aboelnaga N, Osama D, Elsayed SW, Saif NA, Mouftah SF, Shawky SM, Mohamed AA, Loay O, Elhadidy M. Emergence of carbapenem resistant gram-negative pathogens with high rate of colistin resistance in Egypt: A cross sectional study to assess resistance trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2024; 22:100351. [PMID: 38494251 PMCID: PMC10980871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The current study investigated the temporal phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends among multi-drug resistant and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from Egyptian clinical settings between 2020 and 2021. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial sensitivity of 111 clinical isolates against a panel of antibiotics were performed. Molecular screening for antibiotic resistance determinants along with integrons and associated gene cassettes was implemented. An alarming rate (98.2%) of these isolates were found to be phenotypically resistant to carbapenem. Although 23.9 % K. pneumoniae isolates were phenotypically resistant to colistin, no mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes were detected. Among carbapenem-resistant isolates, blaNDM and blaOXA-48-like were the most prevalent genetic determinants and were significantly overrepresented among K. pneumoniae. Furthermore, 84.78% of K. pneumoniae isolates co-produced these two carbapenemase genes. The plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes (qnrS and qnrB) were detected among the bacterial species and were significantly more prevalent among K. pneumoniae. Moreover, Class 1 integron was detected in 82% of the bacterial isolates. This study alarmingly reveals elevated resistance to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems as well as colistin which impose a considerable burden in the health care settings in Egypt. Our future work will implement high throughput sequencing-based antimicrobial resistance surveillance analysis for characterization of novel AMR determinants. This information could be applied as a step forward to establish a robust antibiotic stewardship program in Egyptian clinical settings, thereby addressing the rising challenges of AMR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A Afify
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Shata
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nirmeen Aboelnaga
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina Osama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma W Elsayed
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nehal A Saif
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa F Mouftah
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sherine M Shawky
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Mohamed
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Omar Loay
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elhadidy
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Center for Genomics, Helmy Institute for Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt; Department of Bacteriology, Mycology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pfeifer E, Rocha EPC. Phage-plasmids promote recombination and emergence of phages and plasmids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1545. [PMID: 38378896 PMCID: PMC10879196 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Phages and plasmids are regarded as distinct types of mobile genetic elements that drive bacterial evolution by horizontal gene transfer. However, the distinction between both types is blurred by the existence of elements known as prophage-plasmids or phage-plasmids, which transfer horizontally between cells as viruses and vertically within cellular lineages as plasmids. Here, we study gene flow between the three types of elements. We show that the gene repertoire of phage-plasmids overlaps with those of phages and plasmids. By tracking recent recombination events, we find that phage-plasmids exchange genes more frequently with plasmids than with phages, and that direct gene exchange between plasmids and phages is less frequent in comparison. The results suggest that phage-plasmids can mediate gene flow between plasmids and phages, including exchange of mobile element core functions, defense systems, and antibiotic resistance. Moreover, a combination of gene transfer and gene inactivation may result in the conversion of elements. For example, gene loss turns P1-like phage-plasmids into integrative prophages or into plasmids (that are no longer phages). Remarkably, some of the latter have acquired conjugation-related functions to became mobilisable by conjugation. Thus, our work indicates that phage-plasmids can play a key role in the transfer of genes across mobile elements within their hosts, and can act as intermediates in the conversion of one type of element into another.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Pfeifer
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, 75015, Paris, France.
| | - Eduardo P C Rocha
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3525, Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, 75015, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Soni K, Kothamasi D, Chandra R. Municipal wastewater treatment plant showing a potential reservoir for clinically relevant MDR bacterial strains co-occurrence of ESBL genes and integron-integrase genes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119938. [PMID: 38171124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs) are a milieu for co-occurrence of multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This facilitates mixing and genetic exchange; and promotes dissemination of multidrug resistance (MDR) to wastewater bacterial communities which is hazardous for the effluent receiving environment. This study investigated the co-occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes (blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV, blaOXA), and integron-integrase genes (intI1, intI2, intI3) in MDR bacteria isolated from the Bharwara MWWTP in Lucknow, India. Thirty-one MDR bacterial colonies resistant to three or more antibiotics were isolated from three treatment stages of this MWWTP. Six of these: Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Salmonella enterica, Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus sp. Had co-occurrence of ESBL and integron-integrase genes. These six isolates were examined for the occurrence of MDR efflux genes (qacA, acrB) and ARGs (aac(3)-1, qnrA1, tetA, vanA) and tested for resistance against 12 different antibiotics. The highest resistance was against penicillin-G (100%) and lowest for chloramphenicol (16.66%). Bacillus sp. Isolate BWKRC6 had the highest co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance-determining genes and was resistant to all the 12 antibiotics tested. The co-occurrence of ESBL, integron-integrase, antibiotic resistance-determining and MDR efflux genes in bacteria isolated from the Bharwara MWWTP indicates that the wastewaters of this treatment plant may have become a hotspot for MDR bacteria and may present human and environmental health hazards. Therefore, there is need for a rapid action to limit the spread of this threat. Public regulatory authorities must urgently implement measures to prevent MWWTPs becoming reservoirs for evolution of antibiotic resistance genes and development of antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Soni
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - David Kothamasi
- Laboratory of Soil Biology and Microbial Ecology, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India; Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0LT, United Kingdom
| | - Ram Chandra
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School for Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun X, Wang X, Han Q, Yu Q, Wanyan R, Li H. Bibliometric analysis of papers on antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments on a global scale from 2012 to 2022: Evidence from universality, development and harmfulness. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168597. [PMID: 37981129 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), emerging pollutants, are widely distributed in aquatic environments, and are tightly linked to human health. However, the research progress and trends in recent years on ARGs of aquatic environments are still unclear. This paper made a comprehensive understanding of the research advance, study trends and key topics of 1592 ARGs articles from 2012 to 2022 by bibliometrics. Publications on ARGs increased rapidly from 2012 to 2022, and scholars paid closer attention to the field of Environmental Sciences & Ecology. The most influential country and institution was mainly China and Chinese Academy of Sciences, respectively. The most articles (14.64 %) were published in the journal Science of the total environment. China and USA had the most cooperation, and USA was more inclined to international cooperation. PCR-based methods for water ARG research were the most widely used, followed by metagenomics. The most studied ARG types were sulfonamides, tetracyclines. Moreover, ARGs from wastewater and rivers were popularly concerned. Current topics mainly included pollution investigation, characteristics, transmission, reduction and risk identification of ARGs. Additionally, future research directions were proposed. Generally, by bibliometrics, this paper reviews the research hotspots and future directions of ARGs on a global scale, and summarizes the more important categories of ARGs, the pollution degree of ARGs in the relevant water environment and the research methods, which can provide a more comprehensive information for the future breakthrough of resistance mechanism, prevention and control standard formulation of ARGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Sun
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qian Han
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qiaoling Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ruijun Wanyan
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Huan Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jiang B, Zeng Q, Liu Q, Chai H, Xiang J, Li H, Shi S, Yang A, Chen Z, Cui Y, Hu D, Ge H, Yuan C, Dong J, Han F. Impacts of electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor on phenol wastewater treatment: Performance, synergistic mechanism, antibiotic resistance genes, and eco-environmental benefit evaluation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168607. [PMID: 37981150 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
A novel electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor (EM-MBR) was constructed, which was superior on improvement of phenol treatment performance and sludge characteristics, and mitigation of membrane fouling. EM-MBR enhanced the phenol degradation via the improvement activity of phenol degrading enzymes. The EPS contents and SVI of EM-MBR were significantly reduced by 49.3 % and 58.7 % than that of the conventional MBR, respectively. Moreover, EM-MBR successfully reduced fouling rate by 57.0 %, delaying the membrane resistance. The EPS contents were positively correlated with the SVI and fouling rate, implying that the sludge settleability was strengthened by improving the properties of EPS with the assistance of electromagnetic, thus mitigating the membrane fouling. Microbial co-occurrence network demonstrated that EM-MBR enriched phenol-degrading and EPS-degrading genera correlated to Fe redox cycle. Furthermore, the activation of the antioxidant system in the EM-MBR resulted in the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, consequently impeding the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Co-occurrence patterns of MGEs and ARGs revealed that intercellular binding facilitated by ist and Integrase may account for the horizontal transfer of ARGs. The reduction of unit capital costs (15.63 %), running costs (53.00 %), and total average carbon emissions (15.18 %) indicated that EM-MBR was environmentally beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Jiang
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Qianzhi Zeng
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Qiangwei Liu
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Huiying Chai
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Jinxun Xiang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Hongxin Li
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Shengnan Shi
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116081, China
| | - Aifu Yang
- Technology Center of Dalian Customs District, Dalian 116001, China
| | - Zhaobo Chen
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China.
| | - Yubo Cui
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Dongxue Hu
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Hui Ge
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Chang Yuan
- Southwest Guizhou Vocational and Technical College for Nationalities, Xingyi 562400, China
| | - Jian Dong
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Fei Han
- College of Environment and Resources, Dalian Minzu University, 18 Liaohe West Road, Dalian Jinpu New District, Dalian 116600, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Layoun P, López-Pérez M, Haro-Moreno JM, Haber M, Thrash JC, Henson MW, Kavagutti VS, Ghai R, Salcher MM. Flexible genomic island conservation across freshwater and marine Methylophilaceae. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad036. [PMID: 38365254 PMCID: PMC10872708 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The evolutionary trajectory of Methylophilaceae includes habitat transitions from freshwater sediments to freshwater and marine pelagial that resulted in genome reduction (genome-streamlining) of the pelagic taxa. However, the extent of genetic similarities in the genomic structure and microdiversity of the two genome-streamlined pelagic lineages (freshwater "Ca. Methylopumilus" and the marine OM43 lineage) has so far never been compared. Here, we analyzed complete genomes of 91 "Ca. Methylopumilus" strains isolated from 14 lakes in Central Europe and 12 coastal marine OM43 strains. The two lineages showed a remarkable niche differentiation with clear species-specific differences in habitat preference and seasonal distribution. On the other hand, we observed a synteny preservation in their genomes by having similar locations and types of flexible genomic islands (fGIs). Three main fGIs were identified: a replacement fGI acting as phage defense, an additive fGI harboring metabolic and resistance-related functions, and a tycheposon containing nitrogen-, thiamine-, and heme-related functions. The fGIs differed in relative abundances in metagenomic datasets suggesting different levels of variability ranging from strain-specific to population-level adaptations. Moreover, variations in one gene seemed to be responsible for different growth at low substrate concentrations and a potential biogeographic separation within one species. Our study provides a first insight into genomic microdiversity of closely related taxa within the family Methylophilaceae and revealed remarkably similar dynamics involving mobile genetic elements and recombination between freshwater and marine family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Layoun
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Mario López-Pérez
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, División de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Jose M Haro-Moreno
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, División de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Markus Haber
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - J Cameron Thrash
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael W Henson
- Department of Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Vinicius Silva Kavagutti
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Rohit Ghai
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela M Salcher
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre CAS, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qi Q, Ghaly TM, Rajabal V, Gillings MR, Tetu SG. Dissecting molecular evolution of class 1 integron gene cassettes and identifying their bacterial hosts in suburban creeks via epicPCR. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:100-111. [PMID: 37962091 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to sequence class 1 integrons in uncultured environmental bacterial cells in freshwater from suburban creeks and uncover the taxonomy of their bacterial hosts. We also aimed to characterize integron gene cassettes with altered DNA sequences relative to those from databases or literature and identify key signatures of their molecular evolution. METHODS We applied a single-cell fusion PCR-based technique-emulsion, paired isolation and concatenation PCR (epicPCR)-to link class 1 integron gene cassette arrays to the phylogenetic markers of their bacterial hosts. The levels of streptomycin resistance conferred by the WT and altered aadA5 and aadA11 gene cassettes that encode aminoglycoside (3″) adenylyltransferases were experimentally quantified in an Escherichia coli host. RESULTS Class 1 integron gene cassette arrays were detected in Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria hosts. A subset of three gene cassettes displayed signatures of molecular evolution, namely the gain of a regulatory 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), the loss of attC recombination sites between adjacent gene cassettes, and the invasion of a 5'-UTR by an IS element. Notably, our experimental testing of a novel variant of the aadA11 gene cassette demonstrated that gaining the observed 5'-UTR contributed to a 3-fold increase in the MIC of streptomycin relative to the ancestral reference gene cassette in E. coli. CONCLUSIONS Dissecting the observed signatures of molecular evolution of class 1 integrons allowed us to explain their effects on antibiotic resistance phenotypes, while identifying their bacterial hosts enabled us to make better inferences on the likely origins of novel gene cassettes and IS that invade known gene cassettes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy M Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sasha G Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gao Y, Liu J, Fang Y, Xu X, Wang F, Tang Y, Yin D, Cookson AL, Zhu W, Mao S, Zhong R. Straw-based compost cultivation disproportionally contributes to the environmental persistence of antibiotic resistance from raw cattle manure to organic vegetables. Microbiol Res 2024; 278:127540. [PMID: 37976735 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Cattle manure, is a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes, but the mechanisms by which they migrate from farm to table remain obscure. Here, we chose Agaricus bisporus as a model vegetable to examine such migration and characterized the resistome in 112 metagenomes covering samples from raw manure, composting substrates, rhizosphere, and surfaces of mushrooms. A total of 1864 resistance genes, representing 113 unique mechanisms of resistance, were identified. Monensin treatment on beef specifically enriched fecal resistance genes within Moraxellaceae, but this effect did not persist in downstream mushrooms. Interestingly, we found that resistance genes were significantly more enriched on mushroom surfaces when cultivated with corn-based compost compared to rice and wheat, likely a result of the disproportional propagation of Pseudomonadaceae and varied ability of lateral gene transfer. Importantly, our sequence alignment together with genome-centric analysis observed that 89 resistance genes, mainly conferring resistance to drug and biocide (20.22%) and mercury (19.10%), were shared across all types of samples, indicating an efficient transmission of resistance in food production. Moreover, co-occurrence of genes conferring resistance to different compounds frequently occurred in parallel with microbial migration. Together, we present the influences of antibiotic treatment and straw-based composting on resistome along the mushroom production chain (from manure to straw-based compost, rhizosphere of compost cultivated mushroom and surface of mushroom) and highlighted the risks of resistance genes migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Gao
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130102, China
| | - Xinming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130102, China; Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130102, China
| | - Yijun Tang
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Di Yin
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Adrian L Cookson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; AgResearch Ltd, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Shengyong Mao
- Ruminant Nutrition and Feed Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Rongzhen Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Grassland Farming, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ross K, Zerillo MM, Chandler M, Varani AM. Annotation and Comparative Genomics of Prokaryotic Transposable Elements. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2802:189-213. [PMID: 38819561 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3838-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The data generated in nearly 30 years of bacterial genome sequencing has revealed the abundance of transposable elements (TE) and their importance in genome and transcript remodeling through the mediation of DNA insertions and deletions, structural rearrangements, and regulation of gene expression. Furthermore, what we have learned from studying transposition mechanisms and their regulation in bacterial TE is fundamental to our current understanding of TE in other organisms because much of what has been observed in bacteria is conserved in all domains of life. However, unlike eukaryotic TE, prokaryotic TE sequester and transmit important classes of genes that impact host fitness, such as resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals and virulence factors affecting animals and plants, among other acquired traits. This provides dynamism and plasticity to bacteria, which would otherwise be propagated clonally. The insertion sequences (IS), the simplest form of prokaryotic TE, are autonomous and compact mobile genetic elements. These can be organized into compound transposons, in which two similar IS can flank any DNA segment and render it transposable. Other more complex structures, called unit transposons, can be grouped into four major families (Tn3, Tn7, Tn402, Tn554) with specific genetic characteristics. This chapter will revisit the prominent structural features of these elements, focusing on a genomic annotation framework and comparative analysis. Relevant aspects of TE will also be presented, stressing their key position in genome impact and evolution, especially in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and other adaptive traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ross
- Protein Information Resource, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Mick Chandler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alessandro M Varani
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Unesp - São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghaly TM, Rajabal V, Penesyan A, Coleman NV, Paulsen IT, Gillings MR, Tetu SG. Functional enrichment of integrons: Facilitators of antimicrobial resistance and niche adaptation. iScience 2023; 26:108301. [PMID: 38026211 PMCID: PMC10661359 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic elements, found among diverse bacteria and archaea, that capture and rearrange gene cassettes to rapidly generate genetic diversity and drive adaptation. Despite their broad taxonomic and geographic prevalence, and their role in microbial adaptation, the functions of gene cassettes remain poorly characterized. Here, using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental analyses, we examined the functional diversity of gene cassettes from different environments. We find that cassettes encode diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, including those conferring resistance to antibiotics currently in the developmental pipeline. Further, we find a subset of cassette functions is universally enriched relative to their broader metagenomes. These are largely involved in (a)biotic interactions, including AMR, phage defense, virulence, biodegradation, and stress tolerance. The remainder of functions are sample-specific, suggesting that they confer localised functions relevant to their microenvironment. Together, they comprise functional profiles different from bulk metagenomes, representing niche-adaptive components of the prokaryotic pangenome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Nicholas V. Coleman
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Ian T. Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kani MM, Alabdali YAJ. Mobile genetic elements profiling, gene flow, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, isolated from Al Muthanna hospitals' wound and burn units in Iraq. Gene 2023; 884:147696. [PMID: 37549857 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence assessment of integrons among multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa receives much-needed attention from this study, as we achieved our desired objective by conducting a thorough analysis on one hundred swabs obtained from burn and clinical cases at the hospitals present in Al Muthanna governorate during November of the year 2021 through to March of the year 2022. By implementing various methodologies encompassing the scrutiny of growth traits and cellular composition as well as executing biochemical assays, a total of 55 isolates were determined to exhibit the existence of P. aeruginosa. When cultured in Hifluoro agar media, Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced diverse hues; particularly noticeable was its blue-green colour. It was discovered through investigation that there were no intI2 and inti3 genes present in those isolated. Findings from this research disclosed that about one-fifth, or precisely twelve out of fifty-five P. aeruginosa strains screened, had an actively expressed Integrase I gene. The association between elevated rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents and the existence of integrons is worth mentioning. Furthermore, the assemblage of isolates that were efficacious in the presence of integrons demonstrated an augmented resistance towards several frequently employed antibiotics like rifampicin and ceftazidime. In conclusion, it can be stated with confidence that a considerable occurrence of integrons can be observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains that display resistance to numerous pharmaceutical agents. Additionally, the discovery of the intI1 gene in a considerable proportion of isolates underscores the effectiveness of integrons in conferring resistance to a variety of antimicrobial agents. These revelations supplement our insight into antibiotic-resistant mechanisms while also underscoring the necessity for viable strategies aimed at halting and preventing bacterial drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Mezher Kani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Al Muthanna University, Al Samawah, Iraq
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shi J, Lv B, Wang B, Xie B. Insight into the responses of antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic biofilms to zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc ions pressures in landfill leachate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132096. [PMID: 37480611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) biofilms are hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill environment. MP biofilms in landfill leachate coexist with heavy metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that considered to be the selective agents of ARGs. However, the effects of these selective pressures on ARGs in MP biofilms and their differences in MP-surrounding leachate have not been well understood. Herein, the changes of ARG abundances in MP biofilms and corresponding leachate under zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and zinc ion (Zn2+) pressures were comparatively analyzed. The presence of ZnO NPs and Zn2+ promoted the enrichment of ARGs in MP biofilms, and the enrichment was more pronounced in ZnO NPs groups. ZnO NPs and especially Zn2+ mainly decreased the abundances of ARGs in leachate. The increase of integron abundances and reactive oxygen species production in MP biofilms implied the enhanced potential for horizontal transfer of ARGs under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures. Meanwhile, the co-occurrence pattern between ARGs and bacterial genera in MP biofilms with more diverse potential ARG hosts was more complex than in leachate, and the enrichment of ARG-hosting bacteria in MP biofilms under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures supported the enrichment of ARGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Shi
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoyi Lv
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Binghan Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China
| | - Bing Xie
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
AL-Muzahmi M, Rizvi M, AL-Quraini M, AL-Muharrmi Z, AL-Jabri Z. Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals the Emergence of ST-231 and ST-395 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Associated with the High Transmissibility of blaKPC Plasmids. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2411. [PMID: 37894068 PMCID: PMC10608898 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative transposons in Gram-negative bacteria have a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance-conferring genes between bacteria. This study aims to genomically characterize plasmids and conjugative transposons carrying integrons in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The genetic composition of conjugative transposons and phenotypic assessment of 50 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from a tertiary-care hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were investigated. Horizontal transferability was investigated by filter mating conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the sequence type (ST), acquired resistome, and plasmidome of integron-carrying strains. Class 1 integrons were detected in 96% of isolates and, among integron-positive isolates, 18 stains contained variable regions. Horizontal transferability by conjugation confirmed the successful transfer of integrons between cells and WGS confirmed their presence in conjugative plasmids. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA14) was the most prevalent (34.8%) gene cassette in class 1 integrons. MLST analysis detected predominantly ST-231 and ST-395. BlaOXA-232 and blaCTX-M-15 were the most frequently detected carbapenemases and beta-lactamases in the sequenced isolates. This study highlighted the high transmissibility of MDR-conferring conjugative plasmids in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Therefore, the wise use of antibiotics and the adherence to effective infection control measures are necessary to limit the further dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meher Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Munawr AL-Quraini
- Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.-Q.); (Z.A.-M.)
| | - Zakariya AL-Muharrmi
- Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.-Q.); (Z.A.-M.)
| | - Zaaima AL-Jabri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Stoikov I, Ivanov IN, Donchev D, Teneva D, Dobreva E, Hristova R, Sabtcheva S. Genomic Characterization of IMP-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Bulgaria Reveals the Emergence of IMP-100, a Novel Plasmid-Mediated Variant Coexisting with a Chromosomal VIM-4. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2270. [PMID: 37764114 PMCID: PMC10537328 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections represent a major public health concern and require comprehensive understanding of their genetic makeup. This study investigated the first occurrence of imipenemase (IMP)-carrying P. aeruginosa strains from Bulgaria. Whole genome sequencing identified a novel plasmid-mediated IMP-100 allele located in a a novel In4886 integron embedded in a putative Tn7700 transposon. Two other closely related chromosomal IMP variants, IMP-13 and IMP-84, were also detected. The IMP-producers were resistant to last-line drugs including cefiderocol (CFDC) (two out of three) and susceptible to colistin. The IMP-13/84 cassettes were situated in a In320 integron inserted in a Tn5051-like transposon as previously reported. Lastly, the p4782-IMP plasmid rendered the PA01 transformant resistant to CFDC, suggesting a transferable CFDC resistance. A variety of virulence factors associated with adhesion, antiphagocytosis, iron uptake, and quorum sensing, as well as secretion systems, toxins, and proteases, were confirmed, suggesting significant pathogenic potential consistent with the observed strong biofilm formation. The emergence of IMP-producing MDR P. aeruginosa is alarming as it remains unsusceptible even to last-generation drugs like CFDC. Newly detected IMP-100 was even located in a CFDC-resistant XDR strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Stoikov
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
- Laboratory for Clinical Microbiology, National Oncology Center, 6 Plovdivsko pole Str., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Ivan N. Ivanov
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
| | - Deyan Donchev
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
| | - Deana Teneva
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
| | - Elina Dobreva
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
| | - Rumyana Hristova
- National Reference Laboratory for Control and Monitoring of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria; (I.N.I.); (D.D.); (D.T.); (E.D.); (R.H.)
| | - Stefana Sabtcheva
- Laboratory for Clinical Microbiology, National Oncology Center, 6 Plovdivsko pole Str., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fadare FT, Fadare TO, Okoh AI. Prevalence, molecular characterization of integrons and its associated gene cassettes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca recovered from diverse environmental matrices. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14373. [PMID: 37658232 PMCID: PMC10474106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of infections arising from Klebsiella species is related to their ability to acquire and disseminate exogenous genes associated with mobile genetic elements such as integrons. We assessed the prevalence, diversity, and associated gene cassettes (GCs) of integrons in Klebsiella species. The isolates recovered from wastewater and hospital effluents, rivers, and animal droppings were identified using the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the gryA, pehX, and 16S-23S genes. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the Extended-Spectrum and Metallo β-lactamases production were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. PCR, DNA sequencing analyses, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, the genotypic relationships between the different isolated K. pneumoniae were determined using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR. About 98% (51/52) of the confirmed isolates harboured an integrase gene, with 80% intI1, while the remaining 20% concurrently harboured intI1 and intI2, with no intI3 observed. About 78% (40/51) of the bacterial strains were positive for a promoter, the P2R2, investigated, while 80% (41/51) harboured at least one of the qacEΔ1 and sul1. Three different GCs arrangements identified were aac(6')-Ib, aadA1-dfrA1, and dfrA1-sat2. At a similarity index of 60%, the ERIC-PCR fingerprints generated were categorized into nine clusters. Our study is the first to reveal the features of integrons in Klebsiella spp. recovered from environmental sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. We conclude that the organisms' sources are repositories of integrons harbouring various gene cassettes, which can be readily mobilized to other microorganisms in similar or varied niches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Folake Temitope Fadare
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.
| | - Taiwo Olawole Fadare
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yang T, Wang X, Hui X, Jiang L, Bi X, Ng HY, Zheng X, Huang S, Jiang B, Zhou X. Antibiotic resistome associated with inhalable bioaerosols from wastewater to atmosphere: Mobility, bacterial hosts, source contributions and resistome risk. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120403. [PMID: 37506636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistome can be carried by the bioaerosols and propagate from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the atmosphere, but questions remain regarding their mobility, bacterial hosts, source, and resistome risk. Here, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was collected within and around a large WWTP and analyzed by the metagenomic assembly and binning. PM2.5 was discovered with increasing enrichment of total antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially mobile ARGs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) along the WWTP-downwind-upwind gradient. Some ARGs were found to be flanked by certain mobile genetic elements and generally mediated by plasmids in WWTP-PM2.5. Totally, 198 metagenome assembled genomes assigning to seven phyla were identified as the ARB, and a contig-based analysis indicated that 32 pathogens were revealed harboring at least two ARGs. Despite disparate aerosolization potentials of ARGs or ARB at different WWTP units, high resistome risks were found, along with the dominant contribution of wastewater for airborne ARGs (44.79-62.82%) and ARB (35.03-40.10%). Among the detected WWTP matrices, the sludge dewatering room was characterized by the highest resistome risk associated with PM2.5. This study underscores the dispersion of ARGs and ARB from WWTPs to the atmosphere and provides a reference for managing risks of antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China.
| | - Xuyi Wang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Hui
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Lu Jiang
- College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Xuejun Bi
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - How Yong Ng
- Center for Water Research, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, 519087, PR China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, PR China
| | - Shujuan Huang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bhat BA, Mir RA, Qadri H, Dhiman R, Almilaibary A, Alkhanani M, Mir MA. Integrons in the development of antimicrobial resistance: critical review and perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231938. [PMID: 37720149 PMCID: PMC10500605 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance development and pathogen cross-dissemination are both considered essential risks to human health on a worldwide scale. Antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRs) are acquired, expressed, disseminated, and traded mainly through integrons, the key players capable of transferring genes from bacterial chromosomes to plasmids and their integration by integrase to the target pathogenic host. Moreover, integrons play a central role in disseminating and assembling genes connected with antibiotic resistance in pathogenic and commensal bacterial species. They exhibit a large and concealed diversity in the natural environment, raising concerns about their potential for comprehensive application in bacterial adaptation. They should be viewed as a dangerous pool of resistance determinants from the "One Health approach." Among the three documented classes of integrons reported viz., class-1, 2, and 3, class 1 has been found frequently associated with AMRs in humans and is a critical genetic element to serve as a target for therapeutics to AMRs through gene silencing or combinatorial therapies. The direct method of screening gene cassettes linked to pathogenesis and resistance harbored by integrons is a novel way to assess human health. In the last decade, they have witnessed surveying the integron-associated gene cassettes associated with increased drug tolerance and rising pathogenicity of human pathogenic microbes. Consequently, we aimed to unravel the structure and functions of integrons and their integration mechanism by understanding horizontal gene transfer from one trophic group to another. Many updates for the gene cassettes harbored by integrons related to resistance and pathogenicity are extensively explored. Additionally, an updated account of the assessment of AMRs and prevailing antibiotic resistance by integrons in humans is grossly detailed-lastly, the estimation of AMR dissemination by employing integrons as potential biomarkers are also highlighted. The current review on integrons will pave the way to clinical understanding for devising a roadmap solution to AMR and pathogenicity. Graphical AbstractThe graphical abstract displays how integron-aided AMRs to humans: Transposons capture integron gene cassettes to yield high mobility integrons that target res sites of plasmids. These plasmids, in turn, promote the mobility of acquired integrons into diverse bacterial species. The acquisitions of resistant genes are transferred to humans through horizontal gene transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, India
| | - Hafsa Qadri
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Abdullah Almilaibary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustfa Alkhanani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Hafr Al Batin University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Syed Abu Thahir S, Rajendiran S, Shaharudin R, Veloo Y. Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Species and Their Mobile Genetic Elements from Poultry Farm Environments in Malaysia. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1330. [PMID: 37627750 PMCID: PMC10451245 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and persistent outbreaks of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella in low-income countries have received growing attention among the public and scientific community. Notably, the excessive use of antibiotics in chicken feed for the purpose of treatment or as prophylaxis in the poultry industry have led to a rising rate of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella species and its mobile genetic elements from soil and effluent samples of 33 randomly selected poultry farms in Selangor, Malaysia. Salmonella species were isolated on selective media (CHROMagar™ Salmonella). VITEK® 2 system was used to identify the isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Subsequently, eight isolates were subjected to the whole genome sequencing (WGS). Based on the results, Salmonella spp. was detected in 38.1% (24/63) of samples, with the highest resistance to ampicillin (62.5%), followed by ampicillin/sulbactam (50.0%) and ciprofloxacin (45.8%). Meanwhile, the identified serovars were Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Weltevreden (S. Weltevreden), S. Jedburgh, and S. Brancaster. The most prevalent resistance genes detected include qnrS1, blaTEM-176, dfrA14, and tet(A). The IncX1 plasmid, with encoded resistance genes, was also detected in four isolates. Furthermore, mutations in the quinolone resistant-determining regions (QRDR) were discovered, specifically in the gyrA, gyrB, and parC genes. In short, surveillance such as continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and emerging trends in resistance patterns through farm environmental samples could provide information to formulate public health interventions for effective infection prevention and disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syahidiah Syed Abu Thahir
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40107, Malaysia
| | - Sakshaleni Rajendiran
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40107, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40107, Malaysia
| | - Yuvaneswary Veloo
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Setia Alam, Shah Alam 40107, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Galarce N, Arriagada G, Sánchez F, Escobar B, Miranda M, Matus S, Vilches R, Varela C, Zelaya C, Peralta J, Paredes-Osses E, González-Rocha G, Lapierre L. Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli strains isolated from household dogs in Chile. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1233127. [PMID: 37655259 PMCID: PMC10467275 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1233127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to animal and public health worldwide; consequently, several AMR surveillances programs have been implemented internationally in both human and veterinary medicine, including indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli. However, companion animals are not typically included in these surveillance programs. Nevertheless, there have been reports of increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli strains isolated from dogs worldwide. In Chile, there is limited information available on AMR in E. coli isolated from companion animals, which prevents the establishment of objective prevention and control measures. Methods For this reason, the aim of this study was to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic AMR of E. coli strains isolated from healthy household dogs in Chile. For this purpose, a multi-stage sampling was carried out in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, obtaining samples from 600 healthy dogs. These samples were processed using traditional bacteriology and molecular techniques to isolate E. coli strains. We assessed the minimal inhibitory concentration of 17 antimicrobials and conducted a search of six antimicrobial resistance genes, as well as class 1 and 2 integrons, in the isolated strains. Results Two-hundred and twenty-four strains of E. coli were recovered, and 96.9% (n = 217) showed resistance to at least one drug and only 3.1% (n = 7) were susceptible to all analyzed antimicrobials. Most strains were resistant to cefalexin (91.5%, n = 205, 1st-generation cephalosporin), followed by ampicillin (68.3%, n = 153) and cefpodoxime (31.3%, n = 70, 3rd-generation cephalosporin). Moreover, 24.1% (n = 54) tested positive for extended-spectrum-β-lactamases and 34.4% (n = 77) were multidrug resistant. As for the AMR genes, the most detected was qnrB (28.1%, n = 63), followed by blaCTX-M (22.3%, n = 50), and blaTEM-1 (19.6%, n = 44). Additionally, 16.1% (n = 36) harbored class 1 integrons. Our study shows that E. coli strains isolated from healthy household dogs exhibit resistance to several relevant drugs and also antimicrobial resistance genes considered critical for human health. These results can be used as a starting point for the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance from companion animals. This background should be considered when formulating future resistance surveillance programs or control plans in which companion animals must be included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Galarce
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriel Arriagada
- Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales, Universidad de O’Higgins, San Fernando, Chile
| | - Fernando Sánchez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Beatriz Escobar
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Miranda
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sofía Matus
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rocío Vilches
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Varela
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Zelaya
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Josefa Peralta
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Paredes-Osses
- Departamento de Salud Ambiental, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Providencia, Chile
| | - Gerardo González-Rocha
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Agentes Antibacterianos, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Lisette Lapierre
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mayorga-Ramos A, Zúñiga-Miranda J, Carrera-Pacheco SE, Barba-Ostria C, Guamán LP. CRISPR-Cas-Based Antimicrobials: Design, Challenges, and Bacterial Mechanisms of Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1283-1302. [PMID: 37347230 PMCID: PMC10353011 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is a source of public health concern across the globe. As the discovery of new conventional antibiotics has stalled significantly over the past decade, there is an urgency to develop novel approaches to address drug resistance in infectious diseases. The use of a CRISPR-Cas-based system for the precise elimination of targeted bacterial populations holds promise as an innovative approach for new antimicrobial agent design. The CRISPR-Cas targeting system is celebrated for its high versatility and specificity, offering an excellent opportunity to fight antibiotic resistance in pathogens by selectively inactivating genes involved in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, virulence, or bacterial viability. The CRISPR-Cas strategy can enact antimicrobial effects by two approaches: inactivation of chromosomal genes or curing of plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance. In this Review, we provide an overview of the main CRISPR-Cas systems utilized for the creation of these antimicrobials, as well as highlighting promising studies in the field. We also offer a detailed discussion about the most commonly used mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas delivery: bacteriophages, nanoparticles, and conjugative plasmids. Lastly, we address possible mechanisms of interference that should be considered during the intelligent design of these novel approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mayorga-Ramos
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Johana Zúñiga-Miranda
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela
de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170902, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guamán
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zeng J, Pan Y, Hu R, Liu F, Gu H, Ding J, Liu S, Liu S, Yang X, Peng Y, Tian Y, He Q, Wu Y, Yan Q, Shu L, He Z, Wang C. The vertically-stratified resistomes in mangrove sediments was driven by the bacterial diversity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131974. [PMID: 37406521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Early evidence has elucidated that the spread of antibiotic (ARGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs) are mainly attributed to the selection pressure in human-influenced environments. However, whether and how biotic and abiotic factors mediate the distribution of ARGs and MRGs in mangrove sediments under natural sedimentation is largely unclear. Here, we profiled the abundance and diversity of ARGs and MRGs and their relationships with sedimental microbiomes in 0-100 cm mangrove sediments. Our results identified multidrug-resistance and multimetal-resistance as the most abundant ARG and MRG classes, and their abundances generally decreased with the sediment depth. Instead of abiotic factors such as nutrients and antibiotics, the bacterial diversity was significantly negatively correlated with the abundance and diversity of resistomes. Also, the majority of resistance classes (e.g., multidrug and arsenic) were carried by more diverse bacterial hosts in deep layers with low abundances of resistance genes. Together, our results indicated that bacterial diversity was the most important biotic factor driving the vertical profile of ARGs and MRGs in the mangrove sediment. Given that there is a foreseeable increasing human impact on natural environments, this study emphasizes the important role of biodiversity in driving the abundance and diversity of ARGs and MRGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiong Zeng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ruiwen Hu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hang Gu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jijuan Ding
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Songfeng Liu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shengwei Liu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yisheng Peng
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yun Tian
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Yongjie Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Longfei Shu
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhili He
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Environmental Microbiomics Research Center, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Thakur PK, Deb R, Pegu SR, Parihar R, Niharika J, Jyoti Das P, Sengar GS, Sonowal J, Chaudhary P, Selvaradjou A, Raj A, Gupta VK. Characterization of piggery farm waste-borne bacterial transposable elements associated with antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 98:102005. [PMID: 37352625 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Even though there is a link between antibiotic resistance and the presence of transposable elements few research has looked at the prevalence and distribution of transposable elements/ integrons in piggery farm samples. Present study identified the presence of six transposable elements namely Tn6763 (Accession number: OQ565300), Tn6764, (Accession number: OQ565299), Tn6765 (Accession number: OQ409902), Tn2003 (Accession number: OQ503494), Tn6072 (Accession number: OQ565298) and Tn6020 (Accession number: OQ503493) in piggery farm waste from India which are belongs to Enterobacteriaceae family. In a conjugative experiment, Klebsiella isolates carrying Tn6020 having the resistant phenotypes for nalidixic acid was used as donor cells while Escherichia coli DH5α Cells carrying chloramphenicol resistant plasmid was employed as recipient cells. Transconjugant bacterial colonies were shown to carry the Tn6020 transposable elements with both nalidixic acid (donor cell origin) and chloramphenicol (recipient cell origin) resistant antibiotic phenotypes. Given the presence of transposable elements in 21.4% of resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains, preventative measures are vital for avoiding the spread of mobile genetic resistance determinants in the piggery sector and to monitor their emergence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Kumari Thakur
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India; All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Government of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rajib Deb
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Ranjeet Parihar
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India; All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Government of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Jagana Niharika
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India; All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Government of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | | | | | | - Parul Chaudhary
- School of Agriculture, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Atul Raj
- All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Government of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Srednik ME, Morningstar-Shaw BR, Hicks JA, Tong C, Mackie TA, Schlater LK. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis capture the emergence of a multi-drug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis clone from diagnostic animal samples in the United States. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1166908. [PMID: 37333652 PMCID: PMC10272548 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1166908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Salmonella enterica is a major cause of foodborne illness in the United States. A multi-drug resistant (MDR) emergent Salmonella Infantis (ESI) with a megaplasmid (pESI) was first identified in Israel and Italy and subsequently reported worldwide. The ESI clone carrying an extended spectrum β-lactamase blaCTX-M-65 on a pESI-like plasmid and a mutation in the gyrA gene has recently been found in the United States in poultry meat. Methods We analyzed the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance, genomics and phylogeny of 200 S. infantis isolates from animal diagnostic samples. Results Of these, 33.5% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 19.5% were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Eleven isolates from different animal sources were phenotypically and genetically similar to the ESI clone. These isolates had a D87Y mutation in the gyrA gene conferring reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and harbored a combination of 6-10 resistance genes: blaCTX-M-65, aac(3)-IVa, aadA1, aph(4)-Ia, aph(3')-Ia, floR, sul1, dfrA14, tetA, and fosA. These 11 isolates carried class I and class II integrons and three virulence genes: sinH, involved in adhesion and invasion, ybtQ and ybtP, associated with iron transport. These isolates were also closely related to each other (separated by 7 to 27 SNPs) and phylogenetically related to the ESI clone recently found in the U.S. Discussion This dataset captured the emergence of the MDR ESI clone in multiple animal species and the first report of a pESI-like plasmid in isolates from horses in the U.S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariela E. Srednik
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Brenda R. Morningstar-Shaw
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Hicks
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Christopher Tong
- Center for Veterinary Biologics, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tonya A. Mackie
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Linda K. Schlater
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li S, Gao H, Zhang H, Wei G, Shu Q, Li R, Jin S, Na G, Shi Y. The fate of antibiotic resistance genes in the coastal lagoon with multiple functional zones. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 128:93-106. [PMID: 36801045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coastal lagoons provide many important services to human society, but their year-round use for aquaculture introduces large amounts of sewage. The contamination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is therefore of great concern. In this study, 50 ARGs subtypes, two integrase genes (intl1, intl2), and 16S rRNA genes were detected by high-throughput quantitative PCR, and standard curves of all target genes were prepared for quantification. The occurrence and distribution of ARGs in a typical coastal lagoon (XinCun lagoon, China) were comprehensively explored. We detected 44 and 38 subtypes of ARGs in the water and sediment, respectively, and discuss the various factors influencing the fate of ARGs in the coastal lagoon. Macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins B was the primary ARG type, and macB was the predominant subtype. Antibiotic efflux and antibiotic inactivation were the main ARG resistance mechanisms. The XinCun lagoon was divided into eight functional zones. The ARGs showed a distinct spatial distribution owing to the influence of microbial biomass and anthropogenic activity in different functional zones. Fishing rafts, abandoned fish ponds, the town sewage zone, and mangrove wetlands provided a large quantity of ARGs to the XinCun lagoon. Nutrients and heavy metals also significantly correlated with the fate of the ARGs, especially NO2--N and Cu, which cannot be ignored. It is noteworthy that lagoon-barrier systems coupled with persistent pollutant inputs result in coastal lagoons acting as a "buffer pool" for ARGs, which can then accumulate and threaten the offshore environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shisheng Li
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China; College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hui Gao
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Guangke Wei
- Laboratory for coastal marine eco-environment process and carbon sink of Hainan provincet/Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572022, China
| | - Qin Shu
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China; College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ruijing Li
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shuaichen Jin
- National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Guangshui Na
- Laboratory for coastal marine eco-environment process and carbon sink of Hainan provincet/Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, Hainan Tropical Ocean University, Sanya 572022, China; National Marine Environmental Monsitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China; College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Yali Shi
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mitchell SW, Moran RA, Elbourne LDH, Chapman B, Bull M, Muscatello G, Coleman NV. Impacts of Domestication and Veterinary Treatment on Mobile Genetic Elements and Resistance Genes in Equine Fecal Bacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0159022. [PMID: 36988354 PMCID: PMC10057962 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01590-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria is a threat to both human and animal health. We aimed to understand the impact of domestication and antimicrobial treatment on the types and numbers of resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and class 1 integrons (C1I) in the equine gut microbiome. Antibiotic-resistant fecal bacteria were isolated from wild horses, healthy farm horses, and horses undergoing veterinary treatment, and isolates (9,083 colonies) were screened by PCR for C1I; these were found at frequencies of 9.8% (vet horses), 0.31% (farm horses), and 0.05% (wild horses). A collection of 71 unique C1I+ isolates (17 Actinobacteria and 54 Proteobacteria) was subjected to resistance profiling and genome sequencing. Farm horses yielded mostly C1I+ Actinobacteria (Rhodococcus, Micrococcus, Microbacterium, Arthrobacter, Glutamicibacter, Kocuria), while vet horses primarily yielded C1I+ Proteobacteria (Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Acinetobacter, Leclercia, Ochrobactrum); the vet isolates had more extensive resistance and stronger PC promoters in the C1Is. All integrons in Actinobacteria were flanked by copies of IS6100, except in Micrococcus, where a novel IS5 family element (ISMcte1) was implicated in mobilization. In the Proteobacteria, C1Is were predominantly associated with IS26 and also IS1, Tn21, Tn1721, Tn512, and a putative formaldehyde-resistance transposon (Tn7489). Several large C1I-containing plasmid contigs were retrieved; two of these (plasmid types Y and F) also had extensive sets of metal resistance genes, including a novel copper-resistance transposon (Tn7519). Both veterinary treatment and domestication increase the frequency of C1Is in equine gut microflora, and each of these anthropogenic factors selects for a distinct group of integron-containing bacteria. IMPORTANCE There is increasing acknowledgment that a "one health" approach is required to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This requires that the issue is examined from not only the perspective of human medicine but also includes consideration of the roles of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine and agriculture and recognizes the importance of other ecological compartments in the dissemination of ARGs and mobile genetic elements such as C1I. We have shown that domestication and veterinary treatment increase the frequency of occurrence of C1Is in the equine gut microflora and that, in healthy farm horses, the C1I are unexpectedly found in Actinobacteria, while in horses receiving antimicrobial veterinary treatments, a taxonomic shift occurs, and the more typical integron-containing Proteobacteria are found. We identified several new mobile genetic elements (plasmids, insertion sequences [IS], and transposons) on genomic contigs from the integron-containing equine bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott W. Mitchell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert A. Moran
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Liam D. H. Elbourne
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Belinda Chapman
- Quantal Bioscience Pty Ltd, Carlingford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Bull
- Quantal Bioscience Pty Ltd, Carlingford, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gary Muscatello
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas V. Coleman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Casaux ML, D'Alessandro B, Vignoli R, Fraga M. Phenotypic and genotypic survey of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella enterica isolates from dairy farms in Uruguay. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1055432. [PMID: 36968467 PMCID: PMC10033963 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1055432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is an important zoonotic pathogen that is frequently identified in dairy farming systems. An increase in antibiotic resistance has led to inadequate results of treatments, with impacts on animal and human health. Here, the phenotypic and genotypic susceptibility patterns of Salmonella isolates from dairy cattle and dairy farm environments were evaluated and compared. A collection of 75 S. enterica isolates were evaluated, and their phenotypic susceptibility was determined. For genotypic characterization, the whole genomes of the isolates were sequenced, and geno-serotypes, sequence types (STs) and core-genome-sequence types were determined using the EnteroBase pipeline. To characterize antibiotic resistance genes and gene mutations, tools from the Center for Genomic Epidemiology were used. Salmonella Dublin (SDu), S. Typhimurium (STy), S. Anatum (SAn), S. Newport (SNe), S. Agona (Sag), S. Montevideo (SMo) and IIIb 61:i:z53 were included in the collection. A single sequence type was detected per serovar. Phenotypic non-susceptibility to streptomycin and tetracycline was very frequent in the collection, and high non-susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was also observed. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 42 isolates (56.0%), with SAn and STy presenting higher MDR than the other serovars, showing non-susceptibility to up to 6 groups of antibiotics. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of 21 genes associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella isolates. More than 60% of the isolates carried some gene associated with resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. Only one gene associated with beta-lactam resistance was found, in seven isolates. Two different mutations were identified, parC_T57S and acrB_R717Q, which confer resistance to quinolones and azithromycin, respectively. The accuracy of predicting antimicrobial resistance phenotypes based on AMR genotypes was 83.7%. The genomic approach does not replace the phenotypic assay but offers valuable information for the survey of circulating antimicrobial resistance. This work represents one of the first studies evaluating phenotypic and genotypic AMR in Salmonella from dairy cattle in South America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Casaux
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Bruno D'Alessandro
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rafael Vignoli
- Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yang J, Shan G, Yu G, Wei J, Zhang Q, Su W, Lin Q, Zheng Z, Wu G, Li G, Chang Q, Yuan H, He Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Huang H, Hu W, Song R, Weng Y, Li X, Liu S. Whole genome sequencing of multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis strain PM1162 recovered from a urinary tract infection in China. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023; 33:44-50. [PMID: 36870531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Proteus mirabilis is an important opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen. This study reports the whole genome sequence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. mirabilis PM1162 and explores its antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their genetic environments. METHODS P. mirabilis PM1162 was isolated from a urinary tract infection in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. ARGs, insertion sequence (IS) elements, and prophages were identified using ResFinder, ISfinder, and PHASTER software, respectively. Sequence comparisons and map generation were performed using BLAST and Easyfig, respectively. RESULTS On its chromosome, P. mirabilis PM1162 harboured 15 ARGs, including cat, tet(J), blaCTX-M-14 (three copies), aph(3')-Ia, qnrB4, blaDHA-1, qacE, sul1, armA, msr(E), mph(E), aadA1, and dfrA1. We focused our analysis on the four related MDR regions: (1) genetic contexts associated with blaCTX-M-14; (2) the prophage containing blaDHA-1, qnrB4, and aph(3')-Ia; (3) genetic environments associated with mph(E), msr(E), armA, sul, and qacE; and (4) the class II integron harbouring dfrA1, sat2, and aadA1. CONCLUSION This study reported the whole genome sequence of MDR P. mirabilis PM1162 and the genetic context of its ARGs. This comprehensive genomic analysis of MDR P. mirabilis PM1162 provides a deeper understanding of its MDR mechanism and elucidates the horizontal spread of its ARGs, thus providing a basis for the containment and treatment of the bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ge Shan
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guangchao Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qinghuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Wen Su
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qiuping Lin
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhixiong Zheng
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guangliang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Guangtian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Qing Chang
- Medical Department, Hengqin Branch of Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yanju He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yanling Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Haile Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Wan Hu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Rongqing Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuqing Weng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China.
| | - Shengming Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Loy JD, Clawson ML, Adkins PRF, Middleton JR. Current and Emerging Diagnostic Approaches to Bacterial Diseases of Ruminants. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2023; 39:93-114. [PMID: 36732002 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic approaches and methods to detect bacterial pathogens in ruminants are discussed, with a focus on cattle. Conventional diagnostic methods using culture, isolation, and characterization are being replaced or supplemented with new methods. These include molecular diagnostics such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole-genome sequencing. In addition, methods such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry enable rapid identification and enhanced pathogen characterization. These emerging diagnostic tools can greatly enhance the ability to detect and characterize pathogens, but performance and interpretation vary greatly across sample and pathogen types, disease syndromes, assay performance, and other factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Dustin Loy
- Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA.
| | - Michael L Clawson
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Pamela R F Adkins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - John R Middleton
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Balasubramanian D, López-Pérez M, Almagro-Moreno S. Cholera Dynamics and the Emergence of Pandemic Vibrio cholerae. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1404:127-147. [PMID: 36792874 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-22997-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease caused by the aquatic bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Interestingly, to date, only one major clade has emerged to cause pandemic disease in humans: the clade that encompasses the strains from the O1 and O139 serogroups. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive perspective on the virulence factors and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) associated with the emergence of pandemic V. cholerae strains and highlight novel findings such as specific genomic background or interactions between MGEs that explain their confined distribution. Finally, we discuss pandemic cholera dynamics contextualizing them within the evolution of the bacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Balasubramanian
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Mario López-Pérez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, División de Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvador Almagro-Moreno
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
- National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Disinfectant Susceptibility of Third-Generation-Cephalosporin/Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from the Oral Cavity of Residents of Long-Term-Care Facilities. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0171222. [PMID: 36515531 PMCID: PMC9888285 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01712-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently reported the isolation of third-generation-cephalosporin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from the oral cavity of residents of a long-term-care facility (LTCF). Since disinfectants are often used in the oral cavity, it is important to investigate the disinfectant susceptibility of oral bacteria. Here, we evaluated the susceptibilities of Gram-negative antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (GN-ARB), including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae, obtained from the oral cavity of residents of LTCFs to povidone-iodine (PVPI), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), benzalkonium chloride (BZK), and chlorhexidine chloride (CHX). We also evaluated the susceptibilities of isolates from the rectum to the same agents to compare the susceptibility profiles of oral and rectal isolates. Next, we investigated the relationship between their susceptibility and disinfectant resistance genes delineated by whole-genome sequencing of the isolates. Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between disinfectant-resistant GN-ARB and clinical information. In oral GN-ARB, the MIC of PVPI showed almost identical values across isolates, while the MICs of CPC, BZK, and CHX showed a wide range of variation among species/strains. In particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited high-level resistance to CPC and BZK. The disinfectant susceptibility of rectal GN-ARB showed a tendency similar to that of oral GN-ARB. The presence of qacEΔ1 was correlated with CPC/BZK resistance in P. aeruginosa, while other species exhibited no correlation between qacEΔ1 and resistance. Multiple analyses showed the correlation between the presence of CPC-resistant bacteria in the oral cavity and tube feeding. In conclusion, we found that some oral GN-ARB isolates showed resistance to not only antibiotics but also disinfectants. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are becoming a serious concern worldwide. We previously reported the isolation of third-generation-cephalosporin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from the oral cavity of residents of a long-term-care facility (LTCF). To prevent infection with ARB in hospitals and eldercare facilities, we must pay more attention to the use of not only antibiotics but also disinfectants. However, the effect of disinfectants on ARB is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of Gram-negative ARB (GN-ARB) from the oral cavity of residents of LTCFs to some disinfectants that are often used for the oral cavity; we found that some isolates showed resistance to several disinfectants. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the disinfectant susceptibility of oral GN-ARB. These results provide some important information for infection control and suggest that disinfectants should be applied carefully.
Collapse
|
42
|
Sanchez-Alonso P, Cobos-Justo E, Avalos-Rangel MA, López-Reyes L, Paniagua-Contreras GL, Vaca-Paniagua F, Anastacio-Marcelino E, López-Ochoa AJ, Pérez Marquez VM, Negrete-Abascal E, Vázquez-Cruz C. A Maverick-like cluster in the genome of a pathogenic, moderately virulent strain of Gallibacterium anatis, ESV200, a transient biofilm producer. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1084766. [PMID: 36778889 PMCID: PMC9909271 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1084766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gallibacterium anatis causes gallibacteriosis in birds. These bacteria produce biofilms and secrete several fimbrial appendages as tools to cause disease in animals. G. anatis strains contain up to three types of fimbriae. Complete genome sequencing is the strategy currently used to determine variations in the gene content of G. anatis, although today only the completely circularized genome of G. anatis UMN179 is available. Methods The appearance of growth of various strains of G. anatis in liquid culture medium was studied. Biofilm production and how the amount of biofilm was affected by DNase, Proteinase K, and Pronase E enzymes were analyzed. Fimbrial gene expression was performed by protein analysis and qRT-PCR. In an avian model, the pathogenesis generated by the strains G. anatis ESV200 and 12656-12 was investigated. Using bioinformatic tools, the complete genome of G. anatis ESV200 was comparatively studied to search for virulence factors that would help explain the pathogenic behavior of this strain. Results and Discussion G. anatis ESV200 strain differs from the 12656-12 strain because it produces a biofilm at 20%. G. anatis ESV200 strain express fimbrial genes and produces biofilm but with a different structure than that observed for strain 12656-12. ESV200 and 12656-12 strains are pathogenic for chickens, although the latter is the most virulent. Here, we show that the complete genome of the ESV200 strain is similar to that of the UNM179 strain. However, these strains have evolved with many structural rearrangements; the most striking chromosomal arrangement is a Maverick-like element present in the ESV200 strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Sanchez-Alonso
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico,*Correspondence: Patricia Sanchez-Alonso,
| | - Elena Cobos-Justo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Avalos-Rangel
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Lucía López-Reyes
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Gloria Luz Paniagua-Contreras
- Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores de Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Estado de, México, Mexico
| | - Felipe Vaca-Paniagua
- Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores de Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Estado de, México, Mexico,Subdirección de Investigación Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, CDMX, México
| | - Estela Anastacio-Marcelino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ana Jaqueline López-Ochoa
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Victor M. Pérez Marquez
- Diagnóstico y Patobiología Aviar, Biotecnología Veterinaria S.A.-Biovetsa, BIOVETSA, Tehuacán, Mexico
| | - Erasmo Negrete-Abascal
- Carrera de Biología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores de Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Estado de, México, Mexico
| | - Candelario Vázquez-Cruz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico,Candelario Vázquez-Cruz,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Haenelt S, Wang G, Kasmanas JC, Musat F, Richnow HH, da Rocha UN, Müller JA, Musat N. The fate of sulfonamide resistance genes and anthropogenic pollution marker intI1 after discharge of wastewater into a pristine river stream. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1058350. [PMID: 36760511 PMCID: PMC9907086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1058350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently there are sparse regulations regarding the discharge of antibiotics from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) into river systems, making surface waters a latent reservoir for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). To better understand factors that influence the fate of ARGs in the environment and to foster surveillance of antibiotic resistance spreading in such habitats, several indicator genes have been proposed, including the integrase gene intI1 and the sulfonamide resistance genes sul1 and sul2. Methods Here we used quantitative PCR and long-read nanopore sequencing to monitor the abundance of these indicator genes and ARGs present as class 1 integron gene cassettes in a river system from pristine source to WWTP-impacted water. ARG abundance was compared with the dynamics of the microbial communities determined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, conventional water parameters and the concentration of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfamethazine (SMZ) and sulfadiazine (SDZ). Results Our results show that WWTP effluent was the principal source of all three sulfonamides with highest concentrations for SMX (median 8.6 ng/l), and of the indicator genes sul1, sul2 and intI1 with median relative abundance to 16S rRNA gene of 0.55, 0.77 and 0.65%, respectively. Downstream from the WWTP, water quality improved constantly, including lower sulfonamide concentrations, decreasing abundances of sul1 and sul2 and lower numbers and diversity of ARGs in the class 1 integron. The riverine microbial community partially recovered after receiving WWTP effluent, which was consolidated by a microbiome recovery model. Surprisingly, the relative abundance of intI1 increased 3-fold over 13 km of the river stretch, suggesting an internal gene multiplication. Discussion We found no evidence that low amounts of sulfonamides in the aquatic environment stimulate the maintenance or even spread of corresponding ARGs. Nevertheless, class 1 integrons carrying various ARGs were still present 13 km downstream from the WWTP. Therefore, limiting the release of ARG-harboring microorganisms may be more crucial for restricting the environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance than attenuating ng/L concentrations of antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Haenelt
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gangan Wang
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jonas Coelho Kasmanas
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florin Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany,Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Hans Hermann Richnow
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany,Isodetect Umweltmonitoring GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulisses Nunes da Rocha
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen A. Müller
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany,Institute for Biological Interfaces (IBG 5), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Niculina Musat
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany,*Correspondence: Niculina Musat,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Qi Q, Rajabal V, Ghaly TM, Tetu SG, Gillings MR. Identification of integrons and gene cassette-associated recombination sites in bacteriophage genomes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1091391. [PMID: 36744093 PMCID: PMC9892861 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are versatile mobile genetic elements that play key roles in driving the evolution of their bacterial hosts through horizontal gene transfer. Phages co-evolve with their bacterial hosts and have plastic genomes with extensive mosaicism. In this study, we present bioinformatic and experimental evidence that temperate and virulent (lytic) phages carry integrons, including integron-integrase genes, attC/attI recombination sites and gene cassettes. Integrons are normally found in Bacteria, where they capture, express and re-arrange mobile gene cassettes via integron-integrase activity. We demonstrate experimentally that a panel of attC sites carried in virulent phage can be recognized by the bacterial class 1 integron-integrase (IntI1) and then integrated into the paradigmatic attI1 recombination site using an attC x attI recombination assay. With an increasing number of phage genomes projected to become available, more phage-associated integrons and their components will likely be identified in the future. The discovery of integron components in bacteriophages establishes a new route for lateral transfer of these elements and their cargo genes between bacterial host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Qin Qi, ✉
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia,ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bitar I, Papagiannitsis CC, Kraftova L, Marchetti VM, Petinaki E, Finianos M, Chudejova K, Zemlickova H, Hrabak J. Implication of different replicons in the spread of the VIM-1-encoding integron, In110, in Enterobacterales from Czech hospitals. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:993240. [PMID: 36687644 PMCID: PMC9845580 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.993240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background VIM metallo-β-lactamases are enzymes characterized by the ability to hydrolyze all β-lactams. Usually, bla VIM-like genes are carried by class 1 integrons. In the Czech Republic, only sporadic cases of VIM-producing Enterobacterales have been reported in which those isolates carried the VIM-1 carbapenemase-encoding integron In110. However, during 2019-2020, an increased number was reported. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to characterize the genetic elements involved in the increased spread of bla VIM genes. Materials and methods 32 VIM-producing Enterobacterales collected between 2019 and 2020 were subjected to: antimicrobial susceptibility testing, integron analysis, and short reads sequencing. Based on the results, 19 isolates were selected as representative and sequenced using Sequel I platform. Results The 32 VIM-producing isolates exhibited variations in the MICs of carbapenems. Based on short-read data, 26 of the 32 sequenced isolates harbored the bla VIM-1 allele while six isolates carried the bla VIM-4 gene. The most prevalent was the In110 integron (n = 24) and two isolates carried the In4873 class 1 integron. The bla VIM-4 allele was identified in class 1 integrons In1174 (n = 3), In416 (n = 1), In2143 (n = 1) and In2150. Long reads sequencing revealed that the bla VIM was carried by: pKPC-CAV1193-like (n = 6), HI1 (pNDM-CIT; n = 4), HI2 (n = 3), FIB (pECLA; n = 2) and N (n = 1) incompatibility groups. Two bla VIM-carrying plasmids could not be typed by the database, while another one was integrated into the chromosome. Conclusion We observed the spread of VIM-encoding integrons, mainly of In110, among Enterobacterales isolated from Czech hospitals, but also an increased number of novel elements underlining the ongoing evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bitar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,*Correspondence: Ibrahim Bitar, ✉
| | | | - Lucie Kraftova
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Vittoria Mattioni Marchetti
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Marc Finianos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Katerina Chudejova
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Helena Zemlickova
- National Reference Laboratory for Antibiotics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czechia,Department of Medical Microbiology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav Hrabak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia,Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
LOEZA-LARA PD, MEDINA-ESTRADA RI, BRAVO-MONZÓN ÁE, JIMÉNEZ-MEJÍA R. Frequency and characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolated from Mexican fresh cheese. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.108222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
|
47
|
Wang L, Zhu M, Yan C, Zhang Y, He X, Wu L, Xu J, Lu J, Bao Q, Hu Y, Xu T, Liang J. Class 1 integrons and multiple mobile genetic elements in clinical isolates of the Klebsiella pneumoniae complex from a tertiary hospital in eastern China. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:985102. [PMID: 36950157 PMCID: PMC10026359 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.985102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence of highly drug-resistant K. pneumoniae, has become a major public health challenge. In this work, we aim to investigate the diversity of species and sequence types (STs) of clinical Klebsiella isolates and to characterize the prevalence and structure of class 1 integrons. Methods Based on the whole genome sequencing, species identification was performed by 16S rRNA gene homology and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. STs were determined in accordance with the international MLST schemes for K. pneumoniae and K. variicola. Integron characterization and comparative genomic analysis were performed using various bioinformatic tools. Results Species identification showed that the 167 isolates belonged to four species: K. pneumoniae, K. variicola subsp. variicola, K. quasipneumoniae and K. aerogenes. Thirty-six known and 5 novel STs were identified in K. pneumoniae, and 10 novel STs were identified in K. variicola subsp. variicola. Class 1 integrons were found in 57.49% (96/167) of the isolates, and a total of 169 resistance gene cassettes encoding 19 types of resistance genes, including carbapenem resistance gene (bla IPM-4) and class D β-lactamases gene (bla OXA-1 and bla OXA-10), were identified. Among the 17 complete genomes, 29 class 1 integrons from 12 groups were found, only 1 group was encoded on chromosomes. Interestingly, one plasmid (pKP167-261) carrying two copies of approximately 19-kb IS26-Int1 complex resistance region that contains an integron and a multidrug resistance gene fragment. Conclusion The results of this work demonstrated that the species and STs of the clinical Klebsiella isolates were more complex by the whole genome sequence analysis than by the traditional laboratory methods. Finding of the new structure of MGEs related to the resistance genes indicates the great importance of deeply exploring the molecular mechanisms of bacterial multidrug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Mei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunxia Yan
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Yanfang Zhang
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Xuying He
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Jiefeng Xu
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Junwan Lu
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
| | - Qiyu Bao
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yunliang Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Teng Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, China
- *Correspondence: Teng Xu,
| | - Jialei Liang
- Medical Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Jinhua Polytechnic, Jinhua, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Jialei Liang,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Liu H, Zhai L, Wang P, Li Y, Gu Y. Ti/PbO 2 Electrode Efficiency in Catalytic Chloramphenicol Degradation and Its Effect on Antibiotic Resistance Genes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15632. [PMID: 36497705 PMCID: PMC9741302 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Livestock farming has led to the rapid accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. Chloramphenicol (CAP) was chosen as a model compound to investigate its degradation during electrochemical treatment. Ti/PbO2 electrodes were prepared using electrodeposition. The prepared Ti/PbO2-La electrodes had a denser surface and a more complete PbO2 crystal structure. Ti/PbO2-Co electrodes exhibited improved electrochemical catalytic activity and lifetime in practice. The impact of different conditions on the effectiveness of CAP electrochemical degradation was investigated, and the most favorable conditions were identified (current density: I = 15.0 mA/cm, electrolyte concentration: c = 0.125 mol/L, solution pH = 5). Most importantly, we investigated the effects of the different stages of treatment with CAP solutions on the abundance of resistance genes in natural river substrates (intI1, cmlA, cmle3, and cata2). When CAP was completely degraded (100% TOC removal), no effect on resistance gene abundance was observed in the river substrate; incomplete CAP degradation significantly increased the absolute abundance of resistance genes. This suggests that when treating solutions with antibiotics, they must be completely degraded (100% TOC removal) before discharge into the environment to reduce secondary pollution. This study provides insights into the deep treatment of wastewater containing antibiotics and assesses the environmental impact of the resulting treated wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Shandong Tiantai Environmental Technology Co., Jinan 250101, China
| | - Luwei Zhai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Pengqi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Yanfeng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Yawei Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Rehabilitation Technology, Henan University of Urban Construction, Pingdingshan 467036, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jeamsripong S, Thaotumpitak V, Anuntawirun S, Roongrojmongkhon N, Atwill ER, Hinthong W. Molecular Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio spp. Isolated from Coastal Seawater for Aquaculture. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1688. [PMID: 36551345 PMCID: PMC9774326 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of waterborne antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in areas of high-density oyster cultivation is an ongoing environmental and public health threat given the popularity of shellfish consumption, water-related human recreation throughout coastal Thailand, and the geographical expansion of Thailand's shellfish industry. This study characterized the association of phenotypic and genotypic AMR, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production, and virulence genes isolated from waterborne Escherichia coli (E. coli) (n = 84), Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) subsp. enterica (n = 12), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) (n = 249), and Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) (n = 39) from Thailand's coastal aquaculture regions. All Salmonella (100.0%) and half of V. cholerae (51.3%) isolates harbored their unique virulence gene, invA and ompW, respectively. The majority of isolates of V. parahaemolyticus and E. coli, ~25% of S. enterica subsp. enterica, and ~12% of V. cholerae, exhibited phenotypic AMR to multiple antimicrobials, with 8.9% of all coastal water isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Taken together, we recommend that coastal water quality surveillance programs include monitoring for bacterial AMR for food safety and recreational water exposure to water for Thailand's coastal water resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saharuetai Jeamsripong
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Varangkana Thaotumpitak
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Saran Anuntawirun
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nawaphorn Roongrojmongkhon
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Edward R. Atwill
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Woranich Hinthong
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ghaly TM, Tetu SG, Penesyan A, Qi Q, Rajabal V, Gillings MR. Discovery of integrons in Archaea: Platforms for cross-domain gene transfer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq6376. [PMID: 36383678 PMCID: PMC9668308 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq6376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer between different domains of life is increasingly being recognized as an important evolutionary driver, with the potential to increase the pace of biochemical innovation and environmental adaptation. However, the mechanisms underlying the recruitment of exogenous genes from foreign domains are mostly unknown. Integrons are a family of genetic elements that facilitate this process within Bacteria. However, they have not been reported outside Bacteria, and thus their potential role in cross-domain gene transfer has not been investigated. Here, we discover that integrons are also present in 75 archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes from nine phyla, and are particularly enriched among Asgard archaea. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence that integrons can facilitate the recruitment of archaeal genes by bacteria. Our findings establish a previously unknown mechanism of cross-domain gene transfer whereby bacteria can incorporate archaeal genes from their surrounding environment via integron activity. These findings have important implications for prokaryotic ecology and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|