1
|
Morales-Cortés S, Sala-Comorera L, Gómez-Gómez C, Muniesa M, García-Aljaro C. CrAss-like phages are suitable indicators of antibiotic resistance genes found in abundance in fecally polluted samples. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124713. [PMID: 39134166 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124713] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been extensively observed in bacterial DNA, and more recently, in phage particles from various water sources and food items. The pivotal role played by ARG transmission in the proliferation of antibiotic resistance and emergence of new resistant strains calls for a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the prototypical p-crAssphage, a proposed indicator of human fecal contamination, and the recently isolated crAssBcn phages, both belonging to the Crassvirales group, as potential indicators of ARGs. These crAss-like phages were evaluated alongside specific ARGs (blaTEM, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-9, blaVIM, blaOXA-48, qnrA, qnrS, tetW and sul1) within the total DNA and phage DNA fractions in water and food samples containing different levels of fecal pollution. In samples with high fecal load (>103 CFU/g or ml of E. coli or somatic coliphages), such as wastewater and sludge, positive correlations were found between both types of crAss-like phages and ARGs in both DNA fractions. The strongest correlation was observed between sul1 and crAssBcn phages (rho = 0.90) in sludge samples, followed by blaCTX-M-9 and p-crAssphage (rho = 0.86) in sewage samples, both in the phage DNA fraction. The use of crAssphage and crAssBcn as indicators of ARGs, considered to be emerging environmental contaminants of anthropogenic origin, is supported by their close association with the human gut. Monitoring ARGs can help to mitigate their dissemination and prevent the emergence of new resistant bacterial strains, thus safeguarding public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Morales-Cortés
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Prevosti Building Floor 0, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Sala-Comorera
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Prevosti Building Floor 0, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Clara Gómez-Gómez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Prevosti Building Floor 0, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maite Muniesa
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Prevosti Building Floor 0, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina García-Aljaro
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, Prevosti Building Floor 0, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reyneke B, Havenga B, Waso-Reyneke M, Khan S, Khan W. Benefits and Challenges of Applying Bacteriophage Biocontrol in the Consumer Water Cycle. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1163. [PMID: 38930545 PMCID: PMC11205630 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061163] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria (including disinfection- and antibiotic-resistant bacteria) are abundant in the consumer water cycle, where they may cause disease, and lead to biofouling and infrastructure damage in distributions systems, subsequently resulting in significant economic losses. Bacteriophages and their associated enzymes may then offer a biological control solution for application within the water sector. Lytic bacteriophages are of particular interest as biocontrol agents as their narrow host range can be exploited for the targeted removal of specific bacteria in a designated environment. Bacteriophages can also be used to improve processes such as wastewater treatment, while bacteriophage-derived enzymes can be applied to combat biofouling based on their effectiveness against preformed biofilms. However, the host range, environmental stability, bacteriophage resistance and biosafety risks are some of the factors that need to be considered prior to the large-scale application of these bacterial viruses. Characteristics of bacteriophages that highlight their potential as biocontrol agents are thus outlined in this review, as well as the potential application of bacteriophage biocontrol throughout the consumer water cycle. Additionally, the limitations of bacteriophage biocontrol and corresponding mitigation strategies are outlined, including the use of engineered bacteriophages for improved host ranges, environmental stability and the antimicrobial re-sensitisation of bacteria. Finally, the potential public and environmental risks associated with large-scale bacteriophage biocontrol application are considered, and alternative applications of bacteriophages to enhance the functioning of the consumer water cycle, including their use as water quality or treatment indicators and microbial source tracking markers, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Reyneke
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Havenga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Monique Waso-Reyneke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Sehaam Khan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Podlacha M, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophages-Dangerous Viruses Acting Incognito or Underestimated Saviors in the Fight against Bacteria? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2107. [PMID: 38396784 PMCID: PMC10889324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042107] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The steadily increasing number of drug-resistant bacterial species has prompted the search for alternative treatments, resulting in a growing interest in bacteriophages. Although they are viruses infecting bacterial cells, bacteriophages are an extremely important part of the human microbiota. By interacting with eukaryotic cells, they are able to modulate the functioning of many systems, including the immune and nervous systems, affecting not only the homeostasis of the organism, but potentially also the regulation of pathological processes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to answer the questions of (i) how animal/human immune systems respond to bacteriophages under physiological conditions and under conditions of reduced immunity, especially during bacterial infection; (ii) whether bacteriophages can induce negative changes in brain functioning after crossing the blood-brain barrier, which could result in various disorders or in an increase in the risk of neurodegenerative diseases; and (iii) how bacteriophages can modify gut microbiota. The crucial dilemma is whether administration of bacteriophages is always beneficial or rather if it may involve any risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Podlacha
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (M.P.); (G.W.)
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Phage Therapy Center, University Center for Applied and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Gdansk, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Blanco-Picazo P, Gómez-Gómez C, Tormo M, Ramos-Barbero MD, Rodríguez-Rubio L, Muniesa M. Prevalence of bacterial genes in the phage fraction of food viromes. Food Res Int 2022; 156:111342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|
5
|
Zhong C, Zhou Y, Fu J, Qi X, Wang Z, Li J, Zhang P, Zong G, Cao G. Cadmium stress efficiently enhanced meropenem degradation by the meropenem- and cadmium-resistant strain Pseudomonas putida R51. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128354. [PMID: 35123130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128354] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The β-lactam antibiotic meropenem (MEM) is widely used in infectious disease treatment and consequently can be released into the environment, causing environmental pollution. In this study, Pseudomonas putida strain R51 was isolated from the wastewater of a poultry farm and found to efficiently degrade MEM. The genome of strain R51 contains a variety of heavy metal and antibiotic resistance genes, including the metallo-β-lactamase gene (JQN61_03315) and cadmium resistance gene cadA (JQN61_19995). Under cadmium stress, the degradation rate of MEM increased significantly in strain R51. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of JQN61_03315 and cadA significantly increased under cadmium stress and that the expression of many genes associated with heavy metal and antibiotic resistance also changed significantly. Molecular docking analysis suggested that metallo-β-lactamase JQN61_03315 binds to MEM. In addition, no plasmid was found in strain R51, and no mobile genetic elements were found nearby JQN61_03315. In conclusion. we proposed that JQN61_03315 was responsible for the degradation of MEM, that the expression of this gene was induced under cadmium stress, and that strain R51 can be used for bioremediation of MEM without the risk for the transmission of the MEM resistance gene. These findings will have importance for studying the microbial degradation of MEM in the presence of heavy metal pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqing Zhong
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Yingping Zhou
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Jiafang Fu
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qi
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Gongli Zong
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Guangxiang Cao
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Węgrzyn G. Should Bacteriophages Be Classified as Parasites or Predators? Pol J Microbiol 2022; 71:3-9. [PMID: 35635166 PMCID: PMC9152906 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2022-005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses infecting bacteria and propagating in bacterial cells. They were discovered over 100 years ago, and for decades they played crucial roles as models in genetics and molecular biology and as tools in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Now we also recognize their huge role in natural environment and their importance in human health and disease. Despite our understanding of bacteriophage mechanisms of development, these viruses are described as parasites or predators in the literature. From the biological point of view, there are fundamental differences between parasites and predators. Therefore, in this article, I asked whether bacteriophages should be classified as former or latter biological entities. Analysis of the literature and biological definitions led me to conclude that bacteriophages are parasites rather than predators and should be classified and described as such. If even more precise ecological classification is needed, bacteriophages can perhaps be included in the group of parasitoids. It might be the most appropriate formal classification of these viruses, especially if strictly virulent phages are considered, contrary to phages which lysogenize host cells and those which develop according to the permanent infection mode (or chronic cycle, like filamentous phages) revealing features of classical parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology , University of Gdańsk , Gdańsk , Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jian Z, Zeng L, Xu T, Sun S, Yan S, Yang L, Huang Y, Jia J, Dou T. Antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria: Occurrence, spread, and control. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:1049-1070. [PMID: 34651331 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The production and use of antibiotics are becoming increasingly common worldwide, and the problem of antibiotic resistance is increasing alarmingly. Drug-resistant infections threaten human life and health and impose a heavy burden on the global economy. The origin and molecular basis of bacterial resistance is the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Investigations on ARGs mostly focus on the environments in which antibiotics are frequently used, such as hospitals and farms. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge of the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in nonclinical environments, such as air, aircraft wastewater, migratory bird feces, and sea areas in-depth, which have rarely been involved in previous studies. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of plasmid and phage during horizontal gene transfer was analyzed, and the transmission mechanism of ARGs was summarized. This review highlights the new mechanisms that enhance antibiotic resistance and the evolutionary background of multidrug resistance; in addition, some promising points for controlling or reducing the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance are also proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Jian
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Zeng
- The Chenggong Department, Kunming Medical University Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Taojie Xu
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shuai Sun
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shixiong Yan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Junjing Jia
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Tengfei Dou
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|