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Zeng X, Gao H, Wang R, Majcher BM, Woon JS, Wenda C, Eggleton P, Griffiths HM, Ashton LA. Global contribution of invertebrates to forest litter decomposition. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14423. [PMID: 38584578 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14423] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Forest litter decomposition is an essential component of global carbon and nutrient turnover. Invertebrates play important roles in litter decomposition, but the regional pattern of their effects is poorly understood. We examined 476 case studies across 93 sites and performed a meta-analysis to estimate regional effects of invertebrates on forest litter decomposition. We then assessed how invertebrate diversity, climate and soil pH drive regional variations in invertebrate-mediated decomposition. We found that (1) invertebrate contributions to litter decomposition are 1.4 times higher in tropical and subtropical forests than in forests elsewhere, with an overall contribution of 31% to global forest litter decomposition; and (2) termite diversity, together with warm, humid and acidic environments in the tropics and subtropics are positively associated with forest litter decomposition by invertebrates. Our results demonstrate the significant difference in invertebrate effects on mediating forest litter decomposition among regions. We demonstrate, also, the significance of termites in driving litter mass loss in the tropics and subtropics. These results are particularly pertinent in the tropics and subtropics where climate change and human disturbance threaten invertebrate biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zeng
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huilin Gao
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Runxi Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bartosz M Majcher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joel S Woon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Cheng Wenda
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | | | - Louise A Ashton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Bogri A, Jensen EEB, Borchert AV, Brinch C, Otani S, Aarestrup FM. Transmission of antimicrobial resistance in the gut microbiome of gregarious cockroaches: the importance of interaction between antibiotic exposed and non-exposed populations. mSystems 2024; 9:e0101823. [PMID: 38095429 PMCID: PMC10805027 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01018-23] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern, further complicated by its spread via the microbiome bacterial members. While mathematical models discuss AMR transmission through the symbiotic microbiome, experimental studies are scarce. Herein, we used a gregarious cockroach, Pycnoscelus surinamensis, as an in vivo animal model for AMR transmission investigations. We explored whether the effect of antimicrobial treatment is detectable with metagenomic sequencing, and whether AMR genes can be spread and established in unchallenged (not treated with antibiotics) individuals following contact with treated donors, and under various frequencies of interaction. Gut and soil substrate microbiomes were investigated by metagenomic sequencing for bacterial community composition and resistome profiling. We found that tetracycline treatment altered the treated gut microbiome by decreasing bacterial diversity and increasing the abundance of tetracycline resistance genes. Untreated cockroaches that interacted with treated donors also had elevated tetracycline resistance. The levels of resistance differed depending on the magnitude and frequency of donor transfer. Additionally, treated donors showed signs of microbiome recovery due to their interaction with the untreated ones. Similar patterns were also recorded in the soil substrate microbiomes. Our results shed light on how interacting microbiomes facilitate AMR gene transmission to previously unchallenged hosts, a dynamic influenced by the interaction frequencies, using an in vivo model to validate theoretical AMR transmission models.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial resistance is a rising threat to human and animal health. The spread of resistance through the transmission of the symbiotic gut microbiome is of concern and has been explored in theoretical modeling studies. In this study, we employ gregarious insect populations to examine the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial resistance in vivo and validate modeling hypotheses. We find that antimicrobial treatment increases the levels of resistance in treated populations. Most importantly, we show that resistance increased in untreated populations after interacting with the treated ones. The level of resistance transmission was affected by the magnitude and frequency of population mixing. Our results highlight the importance of microbial transmission in the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Bogri
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Asbjørn Vedel Borchert
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christian Brinch
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Saria Otani
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Frank M. Aarestrup
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
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Li P, Hong J, Yuan Z, Huang Y, Wu M, Ding T, Wu Z, Sun X, Lin D. Gut microbiota in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:105. [PMID: 38001502 PMCID: PMC10668521 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host-parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives. METHODS A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed. CONCLUSIONS This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinni Hong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Yuan
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingrou Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Datao Lin
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Chinese Atomic Energy Agency Center of Excellence on Nuclear Technology Applications for Insect Control, Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Diseases-Vectors Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhang X, Zhang F, Lu X. Diversity and Functional Roles of the Gut Microbiota in Lepidopteran Insects. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061234. [PMID: 35744751 PMCID: PMC9231115 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lepidopteran insects are one of the most widespread and speciose lineages on Earth, with many common pests and beneficial insect species. The evolutionary success of their diversification depends on the essential functions of gut microorganisms. This diverse gut microbiota of lepidopteran insects provides benefits in nutrition and reproductive regulation and plays an important role in the defence against pathogens, enhancing host immune homeostasis. In addition, gut symbionts have shown promising applications in the development of novel tools for biological control, biodegradation of waste, and blocking the transmission of insect-borne diseases. Even though most microbial symbionts are unculturable, the rapidly expanding catalogue of microbial genomes and the application of modern genetic techniques offer a viable alternative for studying these microbes. Here, we discuss the gut structure and microbial diversity of lepidopteran insects, as well as advances in the understanding of symbiotic relationships and interactions between hosts and symbionts. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the function of the gut microbiota, including in host nutrition and metabolism, immune defence, and potential mechanisms of detoxification. Due to the relevance of lepidopteran pests in agricultural production, it can be expected that the research on the interactions between lepidopteran insects and their gut microbiota will be used for biological pest control and protection of beneficial insects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancui Zhang
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China;
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xingmeng Lu
- Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China;
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (X.L.)
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From Domestic Sewage to Potable Water Quality: New Approach in Organic Matter Removal Using Natural Treatment Systems for Wastewater. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14121909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural treatment systems for wastewater (NTSW) allow us to not only reduce environmental pollution with sewage, but also to facilitate the reuse of water. This study presents almost 2.5 years of operation of a NTSW pilot plant, where the purpose of which was to purify domestic sewage from the building of the Institute of Applied Ecology (with three permanent residents and up to five employees) to the quality of drinking water. The NTSW consists of a septic tank, compost beds, and denitrification, phosphorus, and active carbon beds. With an active area of 3 m2 per person and a hydraulic residence time (HRT) of 6 days (excluding the HRT of the tank of 8 days), the NTSW allowed for a mean reduction of 99%, 95%, and 98% for the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSSs), respectively. The renewed water was characterized by average concentrations of 2.2 mg O2/dm3, 17.8 mg O2/dm3, 2.1 mg/dm3, 4.9 mg O2/dm3, and 0.6 nephelometric turbidity units for BOD, COD, TSS, oxidation, and turbidity, respectively. Thus, it met Polish and European drinking water requirements in terms of oxidation and turbidity. This water can be reused for toilet flushing and irrigation.
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