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Baleivanualala SC, Matanitobua S, Samisoni Y, Soqo V, Smita S, Mailulu J, Nabose I, Lata A, Shayam C, Sharma R, Wilson D, Crump JA, Ussher JE. Environmental contamination with carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in healthcare settings in Fiji: a potential source of infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1429443. [PMID: 39376664 PMCID: PMC11456574 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1429443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are multiple ongoing outbreaks of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) infection in Fiji's hospitals. CRAb is able to colonize and persist on various hospital surfaces for extended periods. We conducted a study to understand the extent of hospital environmental contamination and phylogenetic links with clinical isolates. Methods Swabs were collected from high-touch surfaces at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) September 2021 and December 2022; Lautoka Hospital (LTKH) August 2022; and Labasa Hospital (LBSH) November 2022. All bacterial isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) performed; isolates resistant to carbapenems and producing a carbapenemase underwent whole genome sequencing. Comparison was made to clinical isolates obtained from CWMH in 2016-2017 and 2019-2021 and from LTKH and LBSH from 2020-2021. Results From the 180 environmental samples collected, ten (5.6%) CRAb were isolated; no other carbapenem-resistant gram-negative organisms were isolated. Seven (70%) of the CRAb were isolated from CWMH and three (30%) from LTKH; no CRAb were isolated from LBSH. Of the seven CWMH CRAb, two were sequence type 2 (ST2), three ST25, and two ST499. All LTKH isolates were ST499. The two environmental CRAb ST2 isolates were closely genetically linked to isolates obtained from patients in CWMH, LTKH, and LBSH 2020-2021. Similarly, the three environmental CRAb ST25 isolates were closely genetically linked to isolates obtained from patients admitted to CWMH in 2019-2021 and LBSH in 2020. The environmental CRAb ST499 isolates represented two distinct clones, with clone 1 comprising two genetically identical isolates from CWMH and clone 2 the three isolates from LTKH. Although no genetic linkages were observed when comparing environmental ST499 isolates to those from CWMH patients in 2020-2021, both clone 1 isolates were genetically identical to an isolate obtained from a patient admitted during the sampling period. Conclusion Our study highlights the contamination of high-touch surfaces within Fiji hospitals with CRAb, suggesting that these may serve as important sources for CRAb. Phylogenetic linkages to CRAb isolated from patients since 2019 underscores the persistence of this resistant pathogen in hospital settings and the ongoing risk for hospital-acquired infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiusa C. Baleivanualala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Silivia Matanitobua
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Yvette Samisoni
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Aspen Medical, Lautoka Hospital, Lautoka, Fiji
| | - Vika Soqo
- Microbiology Laboratory, Aspen Medical, Lautoka Hospital, Lautoka, Fiji
| | - Shayal Smita
- Microbiology Laboratory, Labasa Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Labasa, Fiji
| | | | - Ilisapeci Nabose
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Alvina Lata
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Christina Shayam
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Labasa Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Labasa, Fiji
| | - Radhika Sharma
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Labasa Hospital, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Labasa, Fiji
| | - Donald Wilson
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - John A. Crump
- Centre for International Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Otago Global Health Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - James E. Ussher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Microbiology, Awanui Labs, Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Kramer A, Seifert J, Abele-Horn M, Arvand M, Biever P, Blacky A, Buerke M, Ciesek S, Chaberny I, Deja M, Engelhart S, Eschberger D, Gruber B, Hedtmann A, Heider J, Hoyme UB, Jäkel C, Kalbe P, Luckhaupt H, Novotny A, Papan C, Piechota H, Pitten FA, Reinecke V, Schilling D, Schulz-Schaeffer W, Sunderdiek U. S2k-Guideline hand antisepsis and hand hygiene. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc42. [PMID: 39391860 PMCID: PMC11465089 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
The consensus-based guideline "hand antisepsis and hand hygiene" for Germany has the following sections: Prevention of nosocomial infections by hygienic hand antisepsis, prevention of surgical site infections by surgical hand antisepsis, infection prevention in the community by hand antisepsis in epidemic or pandemic situations, hand washing, selection of alcohol-based hand rubs and wash lotions, medical gloves and protective gloves, preconditions for hand hygiene, skin protection and skin care, quality assurance of the implementation of hand hygiene measures and legal aspects. The guideline was developed by the German Society for Hospital Hygiene in cooperation with 22 professional societies, 2 professional organizations, the German Care Council, the Federal Working Group for Self-Help of People with Disabilities and Chronic Illness and their Family Members, the General Accident Insurance Institution Austria and the German-speaking Interest Group of Infection Prevention Experts and Hospital Hygiene Consultants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Kramer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | | - Mardjan Arvand
- Robert Koch Institute, Department Infectious Diseases, Unit Hospital Hygiene, Infection Prevention and Control, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Biever
- German Society for Internal Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Iris Chaberny
- German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology, Münster, Germany
| | - Maria Deja
- German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, München, Germany
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Society of Hygiene, Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Eschberger
- Vienna Regional Office of the Austrian Workers' Compensation Insurance, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Achim Hedtmann
- Professional Association of Orthopaedic and Trauma Specialists (BVOU), German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Heider
- German Society for Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Surgery, Hofheim am Taunus, Germany
| | - Udo B. Hoyme
- Working Group for Infections and Infectious Immunology in the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Jäkel
- Dr. Jäkel, Medical Law, Pharmaceuticals Law, Medical Devices Law, Luebben, Germany
| | - Peter Kalbe
- Professional Association of German Surgery, Berlin, Germany
| | - Horst Luckhaupt
- German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Cihan Papan
- German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Veronika Reinecke
- German-speaking Interest Group of Experts for Infection Prevention and Consultants for Hospital Hygiene, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Schilling
- German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Berlin, Germany
| | - Walter Schulz-Schaeffer
- Department of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty of the Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sunderdiek
- German X-ray Society and German Society for Interventional Radiology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Berlin. Germany
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Bechtel TD, Hershelman J, Ghoshal M, McLandsborough L, Gibbons JG. Chemical mutagenesis of Listeria monocytogenes for increased tolerance to benzalkonium chloride shows independent genetic underpinnings and off-target antibiotic resistance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305663. [PMID: 39028728 PMCID: PMC11259264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305663] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially fatal foodborne pathogen commonly found in food processing facilities, creates a significant economic burden that totals more than $2 billion annually in the United States due to outbreaks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), are among the most widely used sanitizers to inhibit the growth and spread of L. monocytogenes from food processing facilities. However, resistance to QACs has been increasing in L. monocytogenes and different genetic mechanisms conferring resistance have been discovered. Here, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) to chemically mutagenize the BAC-susceptible strain, L. monocytogenes FSL-N1-304. We isolated two mutants with increased tolerance to BAC compared to the parental strain. Next, we assessed the off-target effect of increased tolerance to BAC by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a diverse set of antibiotics, revealing that mut-1 and mut-2 displayed significantly increased resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics compared to the parental strain. A hemolysis assay was then used to investigate a potential correlation between BAC tolerance and virulence. Interestingly, mut-1 and mut-2 both exhibited significantly higher hemolysis percentage than the parental strain. We then sequenced the genomes of the parental strain and both mutants to identify mutations that may be involved in the increased resistance to BAC. We identified 3 and 29 mutations in mut-1 and mut-2, respectively. mut-1 contained nonsynonymous mutations in dagK (a diacylglycerol kinase), lmo2768 (a permease-encoding gene), and lmo0186 (resuscitation promoting factor). mut-2 contained a nonsense mutation in the nucleotide excision repair enzyme UvrABC system protein B encoding gene, uvrB, which likely accounts for the higher number of mutations observed. Transcriptome analysis in the presence of BAC revealed that genes related to the phosphotransferase system and internalins were up-regulated in both mutants, suggesting their significance in the BAC stress response. These two mutants provide insights into alternative mechanisms for increased BAC tolerance and could further our understanding of how L. monocytogenes persists in the food processing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D. Bechtel
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Julia Hershelman
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Mrinalini Ghoshal
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Lynne McLandsborough
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - John G. Gibbons
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Organismic & Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
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Kang H, Kim S, Song K, Kwon MJ, Lee J. Intermediate Disturbances Enhance Microbial Enzyme Activities in Soil Ecosystems. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1401. [PMID: 39065169 PMCID: PMC11278743 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071401] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) posits that maximal plant biodiversity is attained in environments characterized by moderate ecological disturbances. Although the applicability of the IDH to microbial diversity has been explored in a limited number of studies, there is a notable absence of experimental reports on whether soil microbial 'activity' demonstrates a similar response to the frequency or intensity of environmental disturbances. In this investigation, we conducted five distinct experiments employing soils or wetland sediments exposed to varying intensities or frequencies of disturbances, with a specific emphasis on disturbances associated with human activity, such as chemical contamination, hydrologic changes, and forest thinning. Specifically, we examined the effects of bactericide and heavy metal contamination, long-term drainage, tidal flow, and thinning management on microbial enzyme activities in soils. Our findings revealed that microbial enzyme activities were highest at intermediate disturbance levels. Despite the diversity in experiment conditions, each trial consistently demonstrated analogous patterns, suggesting the robustness of the IDH in elucidating microbial activities alongside diversity in soils. These outcomes bear significant implications for ecological restoration and management, as intermediate disturbance may expedite organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycles, crucial for sustaining ecosystem services in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojeong Kang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sunghyun Kim
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA;
| | - Keunyea Song
- Department of Ecology, State of Washington, Lacey, WA 98504, USA;
| | - Min-Jung Kwon
- Institute of Soil Science, Universität Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Jaehyun Lee
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
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Su W, Li P, Zhong L, Liang W, Li T, Liu J, Ruan T, Jiang G. Occurrence and Distribution of Antibacterial Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Chinese Estuaries Revealed by Machine Learning-Assisted Mass Spectrometric Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:11707-11717. [PMID: 38871667 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02380] [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: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) undermines the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of good health and well-being. Antibiotics are known to exacerbate AMR, but nonantibiotic antimicrobials, such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), are now emerging as another significant driver of AMR. However, assessing the AMR risks of QACs in complex environmental matrices remains challenging due to the ambiguity in their chemical structures and antibacterial activity. By machine learning prediction and high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis, a list of antibacterial QACs (n = 856) from industrial chemical inventories is compiled, and it leads to the identification of 50 structurally diverse antibacterial QACs in sediments, including traditional hydrocarbon-based compounds and new subclasses that bear additional functional groups, such as choline, ester, betaine, aryl ether, and pyridine. Urban wastewater, aquaculture, and hospital discharges are the main factors influencing QAC distribution patterns in estuarine sediments. Toxic unit calculations and metagenomic analysis revealed that these QACs can influence antibiotic resistance genes (particularly sulfonamide resistance genes) through cross- and coresistances. The potential to influence the AMR is related to their environmental persistence. These results suggest that controlling the source, preventing the co-use of QACs and sulfonamides, and prioritizing control of highly persistent molecules will lead to global stewardship and sustainable use of QACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pengyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Laijin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenqing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Xiao X, Li J, Wang X, Ding L, Shen S, Liu T, Ren Z, Luo X. Salinity-mediated enhancement of quaternary ammonium compounds resistance and removal in endophytic bacteria LSE01. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118688. [PMID: 38493855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118688] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The widespread usage of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic poses significant environmental risks, such as toxicity to organisms and the emergence of superbugs. In this study, different inorganic salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2) were used to induce endophytes LSE01 isolated from hyperaccumulating plants. After five generations of cultivation under 80 g/L NaCl, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LSE01 to QACs increased by about 3-fold, while its degradation extent increased from 8% to 84% for C12BDMA-Cl and 5%-89% for C14BDMA-Cl. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra indicated that the cells induced by high concentration of salt caused plasmolysis and secreted more bound extracellular polymeric substances (B-EPS); these changes are likely to be an important reason for the observed increased resistance and enhanced degradation extent of LSE01 to QACs. Our findings suggest that salt-induction could be an effective way to enhance the resistance and removal of toxic organic pollutants by functional microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Junjie Li
- The School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China; China National Gold Group Jiangxi Mining Co., Ltd, Shangrao 334213, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Lin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
| | - Shengju Shen
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Zhong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xubiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
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Baleivanualala SC, Matanitobua S, Soqo V, Smita S, Limaono J, Sharma SC, Devi SV, Boseiwaqa LV, Vera N, Kumar S, Lalibuli A, Mailulu J, Wilson D, Samisoni Y, Crump JA, Ussher JE. Molecular and clinical epidemiology of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacterales in Fiji: a multicentre prospective observational study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 47:101095. [PMID: 38867891 PMCID: PMC11166881 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Carbapenem resistant organisms (CROs) such as Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPa), Escherichia coli (CREc), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp) have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as global priority pathogens. The dissemination of these pathogens and clonal outbreaks within healthcare facilities are of serious concern, particularly in regions with limited resources. In Fiji, where healthcare services are primarily provided by public hospitals, understanding the extent and nature of this problem is essential for the development of effective patient management, prevention interventions and control strategies. Methods CROs isolated from 211 (77.3%) non-sterile (urinary catheters, urine, sputum, wound swab, and endotracheal tube) and 62 (22.7%) normally sterile (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, intravascular catheter, and aspirates) body sites of 272 patients treated at the three major hospitals in Fiji, the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), Lautoka Hospital (LTKH), and Labasa Hospital (LBSH), and outer peripheral health centres around Fiji, were analysed. Clinical and demographic patient data such as age, sex, admission diagnosis, admission and discharge dates, patient outcomes, date of death, start and end date of meropenem and colistin treatment were reviewed. These CRO isolates comprised A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae, that were prospectively collected at the microbiology laboratory of CWMH and LBSH from January 2020 through August 2021 and at the LTKH from January 2020 to December 2021. In addition, 10 retrospectively stored CRPa isolates collected from patients at the CWMH from January through December 2019, were also included in the study. All isolates were characterised using mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing. Phylogenetic relationships among the CROs were assessed through core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The CRAb isolates were also compared to the CRAb isolates from CWMH isolated in 2016/2017 and 2019, along with CRAb isolates obtained from Fijian patients admitted to New Zealand hospitals in 2020 and 2021 from our retrospective study. Findings Of 272 patients, 140 (51.5%) were male, the median (range) age of patients was 45 (<1-89) years, 161 (59.2%) were I-Taukei, 104 (38.2%) Fijians of Indian descent, and 7 (2.6%) were from other ethnic backgrounds. 234 (86.0%) of these 272 patients, had their first positive CRO sample collected ≥72 h following admission and the remaining 38 (14.0%) were isolated within 72 h following admission. Of the 273 CROs, 146 (53.5%) were collected at the CWMH, 66 (24.2%) LTKH, and 61 (22.3%) LBSH, while 62 (22.7%) were isolated from normally sterile sites and 211 (77.3%) from sites that are not sterile. Of 273 isolates, 131 (48.0%) were CRAb, 90 (33.0%) CRPa, 46 (16.8%) CREc, and 6 (2.2%) CRKp. Of 131 CRAb, 108 (82.4%) were ST2, with three distinct clones, all encoding bla OXA-23 and bla OXA - 66, while clone 3 also encoded bla NDM-1; bla OXA-23 was associated with two copies of ISAba1 insertion element, forming the composite transposon Tn2006. The first two CRAb ST2 clones were genetically linked to those isolated at CMWH 2016 through 2019, while the third was genetically linked to isolates from Fijian patients admitted to New Zealand hospitals in 2020 and 2021. Of CRPa, 65 (72.2%) were ST773 and carried β-lactamase genes bla NDM-1, bla OXA-50, and bla OXA-395. Of 10 retrospective CRPa isolates, all belonged to CRPa ST773 and carried bla NDM-1, bla OXA-50, and bla OXA-395. Of 46 CREc, 44 (95.7%) were ST410 and encoded bla NDM-7 on an IncX3 plasmid. Of 6 CRKp, 4 (66.7%) were ST16 and carried bla NDM-5 on an IncX3 plasmid. Other sequence types of CRPa (ST9, ST357, ST654, ST664), CRAb (ST25, ST374, ST499), CREc (ST167), and CRKp (ST45, ST336) were also detected. Of those receiving meropenem treatment in the prospective study, 30 (57.7%) received it inappropriately. Of 272 patients, 65 (23.9%) died within the 30 days after first positive CRO isolation. Interpretation We identified nosocomial transmission of distinct clones of CRAb ST2, CRPa ST773, CREc ST410, and CRKp ST16 within and between the three major hospitals in Fiji. Moreover, community onset infections associated with CRPa, CREc, and CRAb were also detected. Of note, cross-border transmission of CRAb ST2 clone 3 strain between Fiji and New Zealand was also detected. These clones encoded an array of carbapenem resistance genes associated with mobile genetic elements, including plasmids, transposons, and integrative and conjugative elements, signifying their potential for increased mobility, further acquisition of resistance genes, and spread. Inappropriate use of meropenem was common. Of note, the majority of patients who died had acquired CRO during their hospital stay. These findings highlight the need for stringent IPC strategies focusing on catheter and ventilator management, meticulous wound care, rigorous sepsis control, consistent hand hygiene, effective use of disinfectants, and thorough sanitisation of both hospital environments and medical equipment in the three major hospitals in Fiji. Additionally, diligent surveillance of AMR and robust antimicrobial stewardship are crucial for effectively managing nosocomial infections. Funding This project was funded by the Otago Medical School Foundations Trust (Dean's Bequest Fund) and a Fiji National University seed grant. The funders of the study had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiusa C. Baleivanualala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 92019, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Swastika V. Devi
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - Numa Vera
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | | | | | | | - Donald Wilson
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - John A. Crump
- Division of Health Sciences, Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Otago Global Health Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - James E. Ussher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 92019, New Zealand
- Otago Global Health Institute, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Awanui Labs, Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Huang Q, Butaye P, Ng PH, Zhang J, Cai W, St-Hilaire S. Impact of low-dose ozone nanobubble treatments on antimicrobial resistance genes in pond water. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1393266. [PMID: 38812692 PMCID: PMC11136503 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1393266] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat as the silent pandemic. Because of the use of antimicrobials in aquaculture systems, fish farms may be potential reservoirs for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Treatments with disinfectants have been promoted to reduce the use of antibiotics; however, the effect of these types of treatments on AMR or ARGs is not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low dose ozone treatments (0.15 mg/L) on ARG dynamics in pond water using metagenomic shotgun sequencing analysis. The results suggested that ozone disinfection can increase the relative abundance of acquired ARGs and intrinsic efflux mediated ARGs found in the resistance nodulation cell division (RND) family. Notably, a co-occurrence of efflux and non-efflux ARGs within the same bacterial genera was also observed, with most of these genera dominating the bacterial population following ozone treatments. These findings suggest that ozone treatments may selectively favor the survival of bacterial genera harboring efflux ARGs, which may also have non-efflux ARGs. This study underscores the importance of considering the potential impacts of disinfection practices on AMR gene dissemination particularly in aquaculture settings where disinfectants are frequently used at low levels. Future endeavors should prioritize the evaluation of these strategies, as they may be associated with an increased risk of AMR in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjun Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Butaye
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pok Him Ng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenlong Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sophie St-Hilaire
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Ye M, Jiang Y, Qian L, Qiu F, Liu Z, Wang Z, Hu C. Enhanced removal of ciprofloxacin and associated antibiotic-resistant genes from wastewater using a biological aeration filters in combination with Fe 3O 4-modified zeolite. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:2839-2850. [PMID: 38822618 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.160] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics release into the water environment through sewage discharge is a significant environmental concern. In the present study, we investigated the removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in simulated sewage by biological aeration filter (BAF) equipped with Fe3O4-modified zeolite (Fe3O4@ZF). Fe3O4@ZF were prepared with impregnation method, and the Fe3O4 particles were successfully deposited on the surface of ZF in an amorphous form according to the results of XPS and XRD analysis. The modification also increased the specific surface area (from 16.22 m²/g to 22 m²/g) and pore volume (from 0.0047 cm³/g to 0.0063 cm³/g), improving the adsorption efficiency of antibiotics. Fe3O4 modified ZF improved the treatment performance significantly, and the removal efficiency of CIP in BAF-Fe3O4@ZF was 79%±2.4%. At 10ml/L CIP, the BAF-Fe3O4@ZF reduced the relative abundances of antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) int, mexA, qnrB and qnrS in the effluent by 57.16%, 39.59%, 60.22%, and 20.25%, respectively, which effectively mitigate the dissemination risk of ARGs. The modification of ZF increased CIP-degrading bacteria abundance, such as Rhizobium and Deinococcus-Thermus, and doubled bacterial ATP activity, promoting CIP degradation. This study offers a viable, efficient method to enhance antibiotic treatment and prevent leakage via sewage discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Ye
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yiping Jiang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Fuzhou Environmental Monitoring Center Station in Fujian Province, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Laying Qian
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China E-mail:
| | - Zhu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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10
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Ge Y, Chen J, Xue Y, Xing W, Zhang L, Lu X, Liu J, Li F, Yang Q. Elimination of inhibitory effects of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on microalgae in wastewater by cocultivation with a newly screened microbial consortium. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170676. [PMID: 38350567 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170676] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
As one of the most commonly used biocidal cationic surfactants, benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) have been an increasing concern as emerging contaminants. Wastewater has been claimed the main point for BACs to enter into the environment, but to date, it is still largely unknown how the BACs affect the microbes (especially microalgae) in the practical wastewater and how to cost-effectively remove them. In this study, the inhibitory effects of a typical BACs, dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC), on a green microalga Chlorella sp. in oxidation pond wastewater were investigated. The results showed that though a hermetic effect at the first 2 days was observed with the DDBAC at low concentration (<6 mg/L), the algal growth and photosynthesis were significantly inhibited by the DDBAC at all the tested concentrations (3 to 48 mg/L). Fortunately, a new microbial consortium (MC) capable of degrading DDBAC was screened through a gradient domestication method. The MC mainly composed of Wickerhamomyces sp., Purpureocillium sp., and Achromobacter sp., and its maximum removal efficiency and removal rate of DDBAC (48 mg/L) respectively reached 98.1 % and 46.32 mg/L/d. Interestingly, a microbial-microalgal system (MMS) was constructed using the MC and Chlorella sp., and a synergetic effect between the two kinds of microorganisms was proposed: microalga provided oxygen and extracellular polysaccharides as co-metabolic substrates to help the MC to degrade DDBAC, while the MC helped to eliminate the DDBAC-induced inhibition on the alga. Further, by observing the seven kinds of degradation products (mainly including CH5O3P, C6H5CH2-, and C8H11N), two possible chemical pathways of the DDBAC degradation were proposed. In addition, the metagenomic sequencing results showed that the main functional genes of the MMS included antibiotic-resistant genes, ABC transporter genes, quorum sensing genes, two-component regulatory system genes, etc. This study provided some theoretical and application findings for the cost-effective pollution prevention of BACs in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaming Ge
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Juan Chen
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Yu Xue
- National Engineering Research Center For Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Wanchuan Xing
- Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Xinye Lu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Junzhi Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China.
| | - Fushan Li
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Environmental Pollution Control, School of Petrochemical Engineering & Environment, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316000, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- ABI Group, Donghai Laboratory, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
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11
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Hygiene requirements for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2024; 19:Doc13. [PMID: 38655122 PMCID: PMC11035912 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) addresses not only hospitals, but also outpatient health care facilities and compiles current evidence. The following criteria are the basis for the indications for cleaning and disinfection: Infectious bioburden and tenacity of potential pathogens on surfaces and their transmission routes, influence of disinfecting surface cleaning on the rate of nosocomial infections, interruption of cross infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms, and outbreak control by disinfecting cleaning within bundles. The criteria for the selection of disinfectants are determined by the requirements for effectiveness, the efficacy spectrum, the compatibility for humans and the environment, as well as the risk potential for the development of tolerance and resistance. Detailed instructions on the organization and implementation of cleaning and disinfection measures, including structural and equipment requirements, serve as the basis for their implementation. Since the agents for surface disinfection and disinfecting surface cleaning have been classified as biocides in Europe since 2013, the regulatory consequences are explained. As possible addition to surface disinfection, probiotic cleaning, is pointed out. In an informative appendix (only in German), the pathogen characteristics for their acquisition of surfaces, such as tenacity, infectious dose and biofilm formation, and the toxicological and ecotoxicological characteristics of microbicidal agents as the basis for their selection are explained, and methods for the evaluation of the resulting quality of cleaning or disinfecting surface cleaning are presented.
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12
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Mougin J, Midelet G, Leterme S, Best G, Ells T, Joyce A, Whiley H, Brauge T. Benzalkonium chloride disinfectant residues stimulate biofilm formation and increase survival of Vibrio bacterial pathogens. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1309032. [PMID: 38414711 PMCID: PMC10897976 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1309032] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vibrio spp. are opportunistic human and animal pathogens found ubiquitously in marine environments. Globally, there is a predicted rise in the prevalence of Vibrio spp. due to increasing ocean temperatures, which carries significant implications for public health and the seafood industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need for enhanced strategies to control Vibrio spp. and prevent contamination, particularly in aquaculture and seafood processing facilities. Presently, these industries employ various disinfectants, including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), as part of their management strategies. While higher concentrations of BAC may be effective against these pathogens, inadequate rinsing post-disinfection could result in residual concentrations of BAC in the surrounding environment. This study aimed to investigate the adaptation and survival of Vibrio spp. exposed to varying concentrations of BAC residues. Results revealed that Vibrio bacteria, when exposed, exhibited a phenotypic adaptation characterized by an increase in biofilm biomass. Importantly, this effect was found to be strain-specific rather than species-specific. Exposure to BAC residues induced physiological changes in Vibrio biofilms, leading to an increase in the number of injured and alive cells within the biofilm. The exact nature of the "injured" bacteria remains unclear, but it is postulated that BAC might heighten the risk of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria development. These VBNC bacteria pose a significant threat, especially since they cannot be detected using the standard culture-based methods commonly employed for microbiological risk assessment in aquaculture and seafood industries. The undetected presence of VBNC bacteria could result in recurrent contamination events and subsequent disease outbreaks. This study provides evidence regarding the role of c-di-GMP signaling pathways in Vibrio adaptation mechanisms and suggests that c-di-GMP mediated repression is a potential avenue for further research. The findings underscore that the misuse and overuse of BAC may increase the risk of biofilm development and bacterial survival within the seafood processing chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Mougin
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Graziella Midelet
- Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, Laboratory for Food Safety, ANSES, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Sophie Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Giles Best
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Timothy Ells
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, NS, Canada
| | - Alyssa Joyce
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas Brauge
- Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, Laboratory for Food Safety, ANSES, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
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13
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Larsson Y, Mongelli A, Kisielius V, Bester K. Microbial biofilm metabolization of benzalkonium compounds (benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium & benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132834. [PMID: 37918070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132834] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs) that are used as biocides. The degradation of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants is essential to reduce their spread into the environment and thus prevent the development of QUAT-resistant genes. The biodegradation of two BACs (BAC-12 and BAC-14) was investigated in moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs). Degradation half-lives of 12 and 20 h for BAC-12 and - 14, respectively, were detected as well as the formation of 42 metabolites. Two new degradation pathways for the BACs were identified in this study: 1) one involving an ω-oxidation, followed by β-oxidation and 2) one via an ω-oxidation followed by an α-oxidation that was succeeded by β-oxidation. Similar metabolites were detected for both BAC-12 and BAC-14. Additional metabolites were detected in the study, that could not be assigned to the above-mentioned pathways, revealing even more metabolic pathways in the MBBR which is probably due to the complexity of the microbial community in the biofilm. Interestingly, both TP194 (Benzyl-(carboxymethyl)-dimethylazanium) and TP208B (Benzyl-(2-carboxyethyl)-dimethylazanium) were identified as end products of the ω/β-pathway and the α/β-pathway. TP208B, TP152 and TP250 that were identified in this study, as well as the known BDMA were discovered in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yrsa Larsson
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Andrea Mongelli
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Vaidotas Kisielius
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark.
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14
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Wang M, Masoudi A, Wang C, Wu C, Zhang Z, Zhao X, Liu Y, Yu Z, Liu J. Impacts of net cages on pollutant accumulation and its consequence on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) dissemination in freshwater ecosystems: Insights for sustainable urban water management. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108357. [PMID: 38056093 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108357] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in the role of human activities in disseminating antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems. However, the influence of pollutant accumulation on anthropogenic pollutant-ARG synergistic actions is limited. This study explored the association of net cages with the propagation of anthropogenic pollutants and their consequences for influencing the enrichment of ARGs using high-throughput metagenomic sequencing. We showed that net cages could substantially impact the ecology of freshwater systems by enhancing i) ARG diversity and the tendency for ARG-horizontal gene transfer and ii) the overlap of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) with biocide-metal resistance genes (BMRGs) and ARGs. These findings suggested that the cotransfer of these three genetic determinants would be favored in net cage plots and that nonantibiotic factors such as metal(loid)s, particularly iron (Fe), displayed robust selective pressures on ARGs exerted by the net cage. The resistome risk scores of net cage sediments and biofilms were higher than those from off-net cage plots, indicating that the net cage-origin antibiotic resistome should be of great concern. The combination of deterministic and stochastic processes acting on bacterial communities could explain the higher ARG variations in cage plots (8.2%) than in off-cage plots (3.4%). Moreover, MGEs and pollutants together explained 43.3% of the total variation in ARG communities, which was higher than that of off-cage plots (8.8%), considering pollutants, environmental variables, MGEs, and assembly processes. These findings will inform the development of policies and guidelines to more effectively limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and achieve the goal of sustainability in freshwater systems in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Abolfazl Masoudi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China.
| | - Can Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Changhao Wu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050024, PR China.
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15
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Zhao M, Gao J, Cui Y, Zhang H, Wang Z, Zhang S, Sun L. The effects of didodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride on microbial communities and resistance genes in floc, granular and biofilm denitrification sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167618. [PMID: 37804971 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167618] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
As a type of quaternary ammonium compounds, didodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC C12) was frequently detected in wastewater treatment plants. Here, floc-based sequencing batch reactor (FSBR), granule-based SBR (GSBR) and biofilm SBR (BSBR) were fed with 0.5, 5 and 10 mg/L of DADMAC C12 for 120 d. Compared with floc sludge and granule sludge, biofilm had the strongest ability to resist the impact of DADMAC C12. Notably, in both FSBR and GSBR systems, 5 mg/L DADMAC C12 promoted denitrification sludge to become hydrophobic and compact due to an increase in α-Helix/(β-Sheet+Random coil), consequently enhancing sludge granulation. Besides,high concentration of DADMAC C12 generally increased the abundances of MGEs in three denitrification systems, except extracellular MGEs in water. The variation of efflux pump ARGs was basically consistent with that of MGEs. The stimulation of DADMAC C12 also increased significantly the abundance of extracellular antibiotics deactivation ARGs in water in three denitrification systems. Besides, DADMAC C12 induced co-selection among various ARGs and promoted the proliferation and spread of sulfonamide ARGs in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Yingchao Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- Research and Development Center of Beijing Drainage Group Co., Ltd, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Lixin Sun
- D·smart Environmental Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., China
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16
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Li J, Shimko KM, He C, Patterson B, Bade R, Shiels R, Mueller JF, Thomas KV, O'Brien JW. Direct injection liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as a sensitive and high-throughput method for the quantitative surveillance of antimicrobials in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165825. [PMID: 37506900 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165825] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Environmental antimicrobial pollution and antimicrobial resistance pose a threat to environmental and human health. Wastewater analysis has been identified as a promising tool for antimicrobial monitoring and the back-estimation of antimicrobial consumption, but current pretreatment methods are tedious and complicated, limiting their scope for high-throughput analysis. A sensitive direct injection method for the quantification of 109 antimicrobials and their metabolites in wastewater samples was developed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was validated for both wastewater influent and effluent in terms of specificity, calibration range, matrix effect, filtration loss, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). Most analytes achieved calibration of R2 > 0.99, and the calibration range was from 0.0002 to 150 μg L-1. Recoveries ranged consistently between ~50 % and ~100 % and losses were attributed to sample filtration. Method LOQs were determined as low as 0.0003 μg L-1, and acceptable accuracy (75 %-125 %) and precision (within 25 %) were achieved for >90 % of the analytes. The method was subsequently further assessed using wastewater of raw influent and treated effluent collected from 6 Australian wastewater treatment plants in 2021. In total, 37 analytes were detected in influent and 22 in effluent. Most of them could be quantified at concentrations ranging from 0.0053 to 160 μg L-1, with benzalkonium chloride-C12, amoxicilloic acid, and cephalexin detected at the highest concentrations. The current study provides a straightforward analytical method for antimicrobial monitoring in wastewater with a fast and simple pretreatment procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Katja M Shimko
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | | | - Richard Bade
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ryan Shiels
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, 1090, GD, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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17
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Ma R, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang G, Yang Y, Liu Y, Kong Y, Lin J, Li Q, Li G, Yuan J. Dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial community during pig manure, kitchen waste, and sewage sludge composting. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118651. [PMID: 37499413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118651] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Organic solid wastes (OSWs) are important reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Aerobic composting transforms OSWs into fertilizers. In this study, we investigated ARGs dynamics and their driving mechanisms in three OSW composts: pig manure (PM), kitchen waste (KC), and sewage sludge (SG). The dominant ARGs were different in each OSW, namely tetracycline, aminoglycoside, and macrolide resistance (PM); tetracyclines and aminoglycosides (KC); and sulfonamides (SG). ARGs abundance decreased in PM (71%) but increased in KC (5.9-fold) and SG (1.3-fold). Interestingly, the ARGs abundance was generally similar in all final composts, which was contributed to the similar bacterial community in final composts. In particular, sulfonamide and β-lactam resistant genes removed (100%) in PM, while sulfonamide in KC (38-fold) and tetracycline in SG (5-fold) increased the most. Additionally, ARGs abundance rebounded during the maturation period in all treatments. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the main ARGs hosts. Several persistent and high-risk genes included tetW, aadA, aadE, tetX, strB, tetA, mefA, intl1, and intl2. The structural equation models showed ARGs removal was mainly affected by physicochemical parameters and bacterial communities in PM, the ARGs enrichment in KC composting correlated with increased mobile genetic elements (MGEs). In general, thermophilic aerobic composting can inhibit the vertical gene transfer (VGT) of pig manure and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of sludge, but it increases the HGT of kitchen waste, resulting in a dramatic increase of ARGs in KC compost. More attention should be paid to the ARGs risk of kitchen waste composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiani Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yilin Kong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiacong Lin
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Qinfen Li
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, China
| | - Guoxue Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agriculture University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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18
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Liao M, Wei S, Zhao J, Wang J, Fan G. Risks of benzalkonium chlorides as emerging contaminants in the environment and possible control strategies from the perspective of ecopharmacovigilance. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115613. [PMID: 37862750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
An unprecedented increase in the use of disinfection products triggered by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is resulting in aggravating environmental loads of disinfectants as emerging contaminants, which has been considered a cause for worldwide secondary disasters. This review analyzed the literature published in the last decade about occurrence, bioaccumulation, and possible environmental risks of benzalkonium chlorides (BKCs) as emerging contaminants. Results indicated that BKCs globally occurred in municipal wastewater, surface water, groundwater, reclaimed water, sludge, sediment, soil, roof runoff, and residential dust samples across 13 countries. The maximum residual levels of 30 mg/L and 421 μg/g were reported in water and solid environmental samples, respectively. Emerging evidences suggested possible bioaccumulation of BKCs in plants, even perhaps humans. Environmentally relevant concentrations of BKCs exert potential adverse impacts on aquatic and terrestrial species, including genotoxicity, respiratory toxicity, behavioural effects and neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment, phytotoxicity, etc. Given the intrinsic biocidal and preservative properties of disinfectants, the inductive effects of residual BKCs in environment in terms of resistance and imbalance of microorganisms have been paid special attention. Considering the similarities of disinfectants to pharmaceuticals, from the perspective of ecopharmacovigilance (EPV), a well-established strategy for pharmaceutical emerging contaminants, we use the control of BKC pollution as a case, and provide some recommendations for employing the EPV measures to manage environmental risks posed by disinfectant emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Liao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Songyi Wei
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jinru Zhao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Guangquan Fan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
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19
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Yang M, Dong Q, Niu H, Li J, Lin Z, Aslam MZ, Wang X, Li Z, Liu Y, Ma Y, Qin X. Exposure of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- to benzalkonium chloride leads to acquired resistance to this disinfectant and antibiotics. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad177. [PMID: 37587011 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad177] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride (BC), extensively used in animal farms and food-processing industries, contribute to the development of adaptive and cross-resistance in foodborne pathogens, posing a serious threat to food safety and human health. The purpose of this study is to explore whether continuous exposure of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- (S. 1,4,[5],12:i:-) to sublethal concentrations of BC could result in acquired resistance to this agent and other environmental stresses (e.g. antibiotics, heat, and acid). METHODS AND RESULTS BC tolerance increased in all tested strains after exposure to gradually increasing concentrations of BC, with increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations between two and sixfold. The survival rate of BC-adapted strains was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of their wild-type (non-adapted) counterparts in lethal concentrations of BC. In addition, significant reductions (P < 0.05) in zeta potential were observed in BC-adapted strains compared to wild-type ones, indicating that a reduction in cell surface charge was a cause of adaptative resistance. More importantly, two BC-adapted strains exhibited increased antibiotic resistance to levofloxacin, ceftazidime, and tigecycline, while gene mutations (gyrA, parC) and antibiotic efflux-related genes (acrB, mdsA, mdsB) were detected by genomic sequencing analysis. Moreover, the tolerance of BC-adapted strains to heat (50, 55, and 60°C) and acid (pH 2.0, 2.5) was strain-dependent and condition-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Repeated exposure to sublethal concentrations of BC could result in the emergence of BC- and antibiotic-resistant S. 1,4,[5],12:i:- strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Yang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Qingli Dong
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Hongmei Niu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Jiaming Li
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zijie Lin
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Muhammad Zohaib Aslam
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Zhuosi Li
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yangtai Liu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yue Ma
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiaojie Qin
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
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20
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Cui Y, Gao J, Zhao M, Guo Y, Zhao Y, Wang Z. Deciphering the interaction impacts between antiseptic benzethonium chloride and biofilm nitrification system: Performance, resistance mechanisms and biodegradation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 240:120062. [PMID: 37209516 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Benzethonium chloride (BEC) is one of emerging bacteriostatic agents. BEC-bearing wastewater generated during sanitary applications in food and medication is easily combined with other wastewater streams to flow into wastewater treatment plants. This study focused on the long-term (231 days) impacts of BEC on the sequencing moving bed biofilm nitrification system. Nitrification performance was tolerant to low concentration of BEC (≤ 0.2 mg/L), but the nitrite oxidation was severely inhibited when the concentration of BEC was 1.0-2.0 mg/L. Partial nitrification maintained about 140 days with nitrite accumulation ratio over 80%, mainly caused by the inhibition of Nitrospira, Nitrotoga and Comammox. Notably, BEC exposure in the system might cause the co-selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs), and the resistance of biofilm system to BEC was strengthened by efflux pumps mechanism (qacEdelta1 and qacH) and antibiotic deactivation mechanism (aadA, aac(6')-Ib and blaTEM). Extracellular polymeric substances secretion and BEC biodegradation were also contributed to the system microorganisms resisting BEC exposure. In addition, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas were isolated and identified as BEC degrading bacteria. The metabolites of N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, N-benzylmethylamine and benzoic acid were identified, and the biodegradation pathway of BEC was proposed. This study brought new knowledge about the fate of BEC in biological treatment units and laid a foundation for its elimination from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Mingyan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yi Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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21
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Wu Y, Gong Z, Wang S, Song L. Occurrence and prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in an industrial park wastewater treatment plant. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163278. [PMID: 37019240 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens are emerging environmental pollutants that pose a threat to human health and ecosystem. Industrial park wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) treat large amounts of comprehensive wastewater derived from industrial production and park human activity, which is possible a source of ARGs and pathogens. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence and prevalence of ARGs, ARGs hosts and pathogens and assesses the ARGs health risk in the biological treatment process in a large-sale industrial park WWTP using metagenomic analysis and omics-based framework, respectively. Results show that the major ARG subtypes are multidrug resistance genes (MDRGs), macB, tetA(58), evgS, novA, msbA and bcrA and the ARGs main hosts were genus Acidovorax, Pseudomonas, Mesorhizobium. In particular, all determined ARGs genus level hosts are pathogens. The total removal percentage of ARGs, MDRGs and pathogens were 12.77 %, 12.96 % and 25.71 % respectively, suggesting that the present treatment could not efficiently remove these pollutants. The relative abundance of ARGs, MDRGs and pathogens varied along biological treatment process that ARGs and MDRGs were enriched in activated sludge and pathogens were enriched in both secondary sedimentation tank and activated sludge. Among 980 known ARGs, 23 ARGs (e.g., ermB, gadX and tetM) were assigned into risk Rank I with characters of enrichment in the human-associated environment, gene mobility and pathogenicity. The results indicate that industrial park WWTPs might serve as an important source of ARGs, MDRGs, and pathogens. These observations invite further study of the origination, development, dissemination and risk assessment of industrial park WWTPs ARGs and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyi Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Zhourui Gong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Shuijing Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China
| | - Liyan Song
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China; Anhui Shengjin Lake Wetland Ecology National Long-term Scientific Research Base, Dongzhi 247230, China; Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China.
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22
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Mousavi ZE, Hunt K, Koolman L, Butler F, Fanning S. Cronobacter Species in the Built Food Production Environment: A Review on Persistence, Pathogenicity, Regulation and Detection Methods. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1379. [PMID: 37374881 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The powdered formula market is large and growing, with sales and manufacturing increasing by 120% between 2012 and 2021. With this growing market, there must come an increasing emphasis on maintaining a high standard of hygiene to ensure a safe product. In particular, Cronobacter species pose a risk to public health through their potential to cause severe illness in susceptible infants who consume contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF). Assessment of this risk is dependent on determining prevalence in PIF-producing factories, which can be challenging to measure with the heterogeneity observed in the design of built process facilities. There is also a potential risk of bacterial growth occurring during rehydration, given the observed persistence of Cronobacter in desiccated conditions. In addition, novel detection methods are emerging to effectively track and monitor Cronobacter species across the food chain. This review will explore the different vehicles that lead to Cronobacter species' environmental persistence in the food production environment, as well as their pathogenicity, detection methods and the regulatory framework surrounding PIF manufacturing that ensures a safe product for the global consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj 6719418314, Iran
| | - Kevin Hunt
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonard Koolman
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Francis Butler
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Séamus Fanning
- UCD-Centre for Food Safety, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Arnold W, Blum A, Branyan J, Bruton TA, Carignan CC, Cortopassi G, Datta S, DeWitt J, Doherty AC, Halden RU, Harari H, Hartmann EM, Hrubec TC, Iyer S, Kwiatkowski CF, LaPier J, Li D, Li L, Muñiz Ortiz JG, Salamova A, Schettler T, Seguin RP, Soehl A, Sutton R, Xu L, Zheng G. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: A Chemical Class of Emerging Concern. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7645-7665. [PMID: 37157132 PMCID: PMC10210541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), a large class of chemicals that includes high production volume substances, have been used for decades as antimicrobials, preservatives, and antistatic agents and for other functions in cleaning, disinfecting, personal care products, and durable consumer goods. QAC use has accelerated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the banning of 19 antimicrobials from several personal care products by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016. Studies conducted before and after the onset of the pandemic indicate increased human exposure to QACs. Environmental releases of these chemicals have also increased. Emerging information on adverse environmental and human health impacts of QACs is motivating a reconsideration of the risks and benefits across the life cycle of their production, use, and disposal. This work presents a critical review of the literature and scientific perspective developed by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team of authors from academia, governmental, and nonprofit organizations. The review evaluates currently available information on the ecological and human health profile of QACs and identifies multiple areas of potential concern. Adverse ecological effects include acute and chronic toxicity to susceptible aquatic organisms, with concentrations of some QACs approaching levels of concern. Suspected or known adverse health outcomes include dermal and respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, disruption of metabolic function such as lipid homeostasis, and impairment of mitochondrial function. QACs' role in antimicrobial resistance has also been demonstrated. In the US regulatory system, how a QAC is managed depends on how it is used, for example in pesticides or personal care products. This can result in the same QACs receiving different degrees of scrutiny depending on the use and the agency regulating it. Further, the US Environmental Protection Agency's current method of grouping QACs based on structure, first proposed in 1988, is insufficient to address the wide range of QAC chemistries, potential toxicities, and exposure scenarios. Consequently, exposures to common mixtures of QACs and from multiple sources remain largely unassessed. Some restrictions on the use of QACs have been implemented in the US and elsewhere, primarily focused on personal care products. Assessing the risks posed by QACs is hampered by their vast structural diversity and a lack of quantitative data on exposure and toxicity for the majority of these compounds. This review identifies important data gaps and provides research and policy recommendations for preserving the utility of QAC chemistries while also seeking to limit adverse environmental and human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William
A. Arnold
- University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Jennifer Branyan
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Thomas A. Bruton
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | | | - Gino Cortopassi
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Sandipan Datta
- University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Jamie DeWitt
- East
Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Anne-Cooper Doherty
- California
Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Rolf U. Halden
- Arizona
State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Homero Harari
- Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | | | - Terry C. Hrubec
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Shoba Iyer
- California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Oakland, California 94612, United States
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 United States
| | - Jonas LaPier
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Dingsheng Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | - Li Li
- University
of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, United States
| | | | - Amina Salamova
- Indiana University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ted Schettler
- Science and Environmental Health Network, Bolinas, California 94924, United States
| | - Ryan P. Seguin
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Anna Soehl
- Green
Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, Richmond, California 94804, United States
| | - Libin Xu
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Guomao Zheng
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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24
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Wang Q, Liu C, Sun S, Yang G, Luo J, Wang N, Chen B, Wang L. Enhance antibiotic resistance and human health risks in aerosols during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162035. [PMID: 36754321 PMCID: PMC9901221 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Aerosols are an important route for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Since the 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the large-scale use of disinfectants has effectively prevented the spread of environmental microorganisms, but studies regarding the antibiotic resistance of airborne bacteria remain limited. This study focused on four functional urban areas (commercial areas, educational areas, residential areas and wastewater treatment plant) to study the variations in ARG abundances, bacterial community structures and risks to human health during the COVID-19 pandemic in aerosol. The results indicated the abundance of ARGs during the COVID-19 period were up to approximately 13-fold greater than before the COVID-19 period. Large-scale disinfection resulted in a decrease in total bacterial abundance. However, chlorine-resistant bacteria tended to be survived. Among the four functional areas, the diversity and abundance of aerosol bacteria were highest in commercial aera. Antibiotic susceptibility assays suggested elevated resistance of isolated bacteria to several tested antibiotics due to disinfection exposure. The potential exposure risks of ARGs to human health were 2 times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, and respiratory intake was the main exposure route. The results highlighted the elevated antibiotic resistance of bacteria in aerosols that were exposed to disinfectants after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides theoretical guidance for the rational use of disinfectants and control of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Changzhen Liu
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Shaojing Sun
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Guang Yang
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Jinghui Luo
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Litao Wang
- College of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Hebei Key Laboratory of Air Pollution Cause and Impact, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China.
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25
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Verdial C, Serrano I, Tavares L, Gil S, Oliveira M. Mechanisms of Antibiotic and Biocide Resistance That Contribute to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Persistence in the Hospital Environment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041221. [PMID: 37189839 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for multiple hospital- and community-acquired infections, both in human and veterinary medicine. P. aeruginosa persistence in clinical settings is worrisome and is a result of its remarkable flexibility and adaptability. This species exhibits several characteristics that allow it to thrive under different environmental conditions, including the ability to colonize inert materials such as medical equipment and hospital surfaces. P. aeruginosa presents several intrinsic mechanisms of defense that allow it to survive external aggressions, but it is also able to develop strategies and evolve into multiple phenotypes to persevere, which include antimicrobial-tolerant strains, persister cells, and biofilms. Currently, these emergent pathogenic strains are a worldwide problem and a major concern. Biocides are frequently used as a complementary/combination strategy to control the dissemination of P. aeruginosa-resistant strains; however, tolerance to commonly used biocides has also already been reported, representing an impediment to the effective elimination of this important pathogen from clinical settings. This review focuses on the characteristics of P. aeruginosa responsible for its persistence in hospital environments, including those associated with its antibiotic and biocide resistance ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Verdial
- Gato Escondido-Veterinary Clinic, Av. Bombeiros Voluntários n°22B, 2950-209 Palmela, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Solange Gil
- CIISA-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA-Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Boyce JM. Quaternary ammonium disinfectants and antiseptics: tolerance, resistance and potential impact on antibiotic resistance. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:32. [PMID: 37055844 PMCID: PMC10099023 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the substantial increase in the use of disinfectants containing quaternary ammonion compounds (QACs) in healthcare and community settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased concern that heavy use might cause bacteria to develop resistance to QACs or contribute to antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this review is to briefly discuss the mechanisms of QAC tolerance and resistance, laboratory-based evidence of tolerance and resistance, their occurrence in healthcare and other real-world settings, and the possible impact of QAC use on antibiotic resistance. METHODS A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. The search was limited to English language articles dealing with tolerance or resistance to QACs present in disinfectants or antiseptics, and potential impact on antibiotic resistance. The review covered the period from 2000 to mid-Jan 2023. RESULTS Mechanisms of QAC tolerance or resistance include innate bacterial cell wall structure, changes in cell membrane structure and function, efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and QAC degradation. In vitro studies have helped elucidate how bacteria can develop tolerance or resistance to QACs and antibiotics. While relatively uncommon, multiple episodes of contaminated in-use disinfectants and antiseptics, which are often due to inappropriate use of products, have caused outbreaks of healthcare-associated infections. Several studies have identified a correlation between benzalkonium chloride (BAC) tolerance and clinically-defined antibiotic resistance. The occurrence of mobile genetic determinants carrying multiple genes that encode for QAC or antibiotic tolerance raises the concern that widespread QAC use might facilitate the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Despite some evidence from laboratory-based studies, there is insufficient evidence in real-world settings to conclude that frequent use of QAC disinfectants and antiseptics has promoted widespread emergence of antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSIONS Laboratory studies have identified multiple mechanisms by which bacteria can develop tolerance or resistance to QACs and antibiotics. De novo development of tolerance or resistance in real-world settings is uncommon. Increased attention to proper use of disinfectants is needed to prevent contamination of QAC disinfectants. Additional research is needed to answer many questions and concerns related to use of QAC disinfectants and their potential impact on antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Boyce
- J.M. Boyce Consulting, LLC, 5123 Town Place, Middletown, CT, Connecticut, USA.
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Yang K, Chen ML, Zhu D. Exposure to benzalkonium chloride disinfectants promotes antibiotic resistance in sewage sludge microbiomes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161527. [PMID: 36638983 PMCID: PMC9830840 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Disinfectants are routinely used in human environments to control and prevent the transmission of microbial disease, and this is particularly true during the current COVID-19 crisis. However, it remains unclear whether the increased disinfectant loadings to wastewater treatment plants facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sewage sludge microbiomes. Here, we investigated the impacts of benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), widely used disinfectants, on ARGs profiles and microbial community structures in sewage sludge by using high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing. A total of 147 unique ARGs and 39 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected in all sewage sludge samples. Our results show that exposure to BACs disinfectants at environmentally relevant concentrations significantly promotes both the diversity and absolute abundance of ARGs in sludge microbiomes, indicating the co-selection of ARGs by BACs disinfectants. The enrichment of ARGs abundance varied from 2.15-fold to 3.63-fold compared to controls. In addition, BACs exposure significantly alters bacterial and protistan communities, resulting in dysbiosis of the sludge microbiota. The Mantel test and Procrustes analysis confirm that bacterial communities are significantly correlated with ARGs profiles under BACs treatments. The structural equation model explains 83.8 % of the total ARGs variation and further illustrates that the absolute abundance of MGEs exerts greater impacts on the variation of absolute abundance of ARGs than microbial communities under BACs exposure, suggesting BACs may promote antibiotic resistance by enhancing the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs across sludge microbiomes. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the proliferation of antibiotic resistance through disinfectant usage during the pandemic and highlight the necessity to minimize the environmental release of disinfectants into the non-target environment for combating antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Mo-Lian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315800, China
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28
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Wang J, Li L, Chi B, Shan J, Yi X, Liu Y, Zhou H. Metagenomic insights into the effects of benzyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (BDAB) shock on bacteria-driven nitrogen removal in a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:138098. [PMID: 36764616 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138098] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of disinfectants made from quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has greatly increased since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. However, the effect of QACs on wastewater treatment performance is still unclear. In this study, a commonly used QAC, i.e., benzyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (BDAB), was added to a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) to investigate BDAB's effect on nutrient removal. When the BDAB concentration was increased to 50 mg L-1, the ammonia removal efficiency (ARE) greatly decreased, as did the nitrate production rate constants (NPR). This inhibition was partly recovered by decreasing the BDAB concentration to 30 mg L-1. Metagenomic sequencing revealed the functional genera present during different stages of the control (Rc) and BDAB-added reactors (Re). The enriched genera (Rudaea, Nitrosospira, Sphingomonas, and Rhodanobacter) in Rc mainly related to the nitrogen metabolism, while the enriched genera in Re was BDAB-concentration dependent. Functional genes analysis suggested that a lack of ammonia oxidase-encoding genes (amoABC) may have caused a decrease in ARE in Re, while the efflux pump-encoding genes emrE, mdfA, and oprM and a gene encoding BAC oxygenase (oxyBAC) were responsible for BDAB resistance. The increase in the total abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Re revealed a potential risk arising from BDAB. Overall, this study revealed the potential effect and ecological risks of BDAB introduction in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Ling Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Baihui Chi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Jiajia Shan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Xianliang Yi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Panjin Campus, Dalian University of Technology, China.
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Graham EH, Tom WA, Neujahr AC, Adamowicz MS, Clarke JL, Herr JR, Fernando SC. The persistence and stabilization of auxiliary genes in the human skin virome. Virol J 2023; 20:49. [PMID: 36949545 PMCID: PMC10031188 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02012-3] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human skin contains a diverse microbiome that provides protective functions against environmental pathogens. Studies have demonstrated that bacteriophages modulate bacterial community composition and facilitate the transfer of host-specific genes, potentially influencing host cellular functions. However, little is known about the human skin virome and its role in human health. Especially, how viral-host relationships influence skin microbiome structure and function is poorly understood. RESULTS Population dynamics and genetic diversity of bacteriophage communities in viral metagenomic data collected from three anatomical skin locations from 60 subjects at five different time points revealed that cutaneous bacteriophage populations are mainly composed of tailed Caudovirales phages that carry auxiliary genes to help improve metabolic remodeling to increase bacterial host fitness through antimicrobial resistance. Sequence variation in the MRSA associated antimicrobial resistance gene, erm(C) was evaluated using targeted sequencing to further confirm the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in the human virome and to demonstrate how functionality of such genes may influence persistence and in turn stabilization of bacterial host and their functions. CONCLUSIONS This large temporal study of human skin associated viruses indicates that the human skin virome is associated with auxiliary metabolic genes and antimicrobial resistance genes to help increase bacterial host fitness.
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Grants
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2017-IJ-CX-0025, 2019-75-CX-0075, and 2019-R2-CX-0048 U.S. Department of Justice
- 2018-67015-27496 and 2018-68003-27545 National Institute of Food and Agriculture
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema H Graham
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Wesley A Tom
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Alison C Neujahr
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Michael S Adamowicz
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Jennifer L Clarke
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Joshua R Herr
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68503, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68503, USA
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Samodha C Fernando
- PhD Program in Complex Biosystems, University of Nebraska, 3940 Fair St, C220K, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
- Food Science and Technology Department, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
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30
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Effect of Surfactants on Reverse Osmosis Membrane Performance. SEPARATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/separations10030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in surfactant removal using various surfactant model aqueous solutions. The separation tests were performed with laboratory scale units in a dead-end configuration. Cellulose Acetate (CA) and Polyamide (PA) RO membranes were used with nonionic, anionic, or cationic surfactants at a wide range of concentrations. Membrane performance was evaluated using permeate flux and total organic carbon (TOC) rejection. The effects of surfactant type and concentration on RO membranes were assessed. Permeate flux of the PA membrane depended on the surfactant type and concentration. The separation of cationic surfactant aqueous solutions yielded the lowest permeate flux, followed by nonionic and anionic surfactant aqueous solutions, respectively. Surfactant adsorption on the membrane surface occurred at very low concentration of cationic and nonionic surfactants due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, respectively, which affected permeate flux, and micelles did not affect the permeate flux of PA membrane. However, for CA membrane the permeate flux was not affected by the feed solution. Both membranes exhibited satisfactory TOC rejection (92–99%). This study highlights the importance of assessing interactions between membrane material and surfactant molecules to mitigate membrane fouling and guarantee a better performance of the RO membrane.
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31
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Zhang H, Gao J, Zhao M, Wang Z, Li D, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Liu Y. The spread of different resistance genes fractions in nitrification system under chronic exposure to varying alkyl chain length benzalkyl dimethylammonium compounds. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 371:128588. [PMID: 36623575 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128588] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Benzalkyl dimethylammonium compounds (BACs) are generally applied as surfactants and disinfectants. In this study, the nitrification systems were exposed to different alkyl chain lengths (C12-C16) and different levels of BACs (0-5 mg/L), respectively, totally 120 days and to explore the chronic effect of BACs on resistance genes (RGs). RGs were classified into four fractions based on activated sludge properties. Ammonia oxidation performance were not significantly affected by BACs, whereas BACs increased the absolute abundance of most intracellular RGs in sludge (si-RGs). Under the exposure of BACs, extracellular RGs in water (we-RGs) showed a decrease trend and si-RGs tended to be converted to we-RGs. Tightly bound-Tyrosine side chain was significantly correlated with most we-RGs, and we-intI1 might contribute to the propagation of RGs. Therefore, the risk of transmission of different fractions of RGs in the nitrification system under the stress of BACs should be taken seriously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Mingyan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Dingchang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zejie Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ying Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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32
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An XL, Xu JX, Xu MR, Zhao CX, Li H, Zhu YG, Su JQ. Dynamics of Microbial Community and Potential Microbial Pollutants in Shopping Malls. mSystems 2023; 8:e0057622. [PMID: 36602317 PMCID: PMC9948725 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00576-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Shopping malls offer various niches for microbial populations, potentially serving as sources and reservoirs for the spread of microorganisms of public health concern. However, knowledge about the microbiome and the distribution of human pathogens in malls is largely unknown. Here, we examine the microbial community dynamics and genotypes of potential pathogens from floor and escalator surfaces in shopping malls and adjacent road dusts and greenbelt soils. The distribution pattern of microbial communities is driven primarily by habitats and seasons. A significant enrichment of human-associated microbiota in the indoor environment indicates that human interactions with surfaces might be another strong driver for mall microbiomes. Neutral community models suggest that the microbial community assembly is strongly driven by stochastic processes. Distinct performances of microbial taxonomic signatures for environmental classifications indicate the consistent differences of microbial communities of different seasons/habitats and the strong anthropogenic effect on homogenizing microbial communities of shopping malls. Indoor environments harbored higher concentrations of human pathogens than outdoor samples, also carrying a high proportion of antimicrobial resistance-associated multidrug efflux genes and virulence genes. These findings enhanced the understanding of the microbiome in the built environment and the interactions between humans and the built environment, providing a basis for tracking biothreats and communicable diseases and developing sophisticated early warning systems. IMPORTANCE Shopping malls are distinct microbial environments which can facilitate a constant transmission of microorganisms of public health concern between humans and the built environment or between human and human. Despite extensive investigation of the natural environmental microbiome, no comprehensive profile of microbial ecology has been reported in malls. Characterizing microbial distribution, potential pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance will enhance our understanding of how these microbial communities are formed, maintained, and transferred and help establish a baseline for biosurveillance of potential public health threats in malls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Li An
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian-Xin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Mei-Rong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- College of Resource and Environmental Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Cai-Xia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- College of Resource and Environmental Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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33
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Yang W, Cai C, Wang R, Dai X. Insights into the impact of quaternary ammonium disinfectant on sewage sludge anaerobic digestion: Dose-response, performance variation, and potential mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 444:130341. [PMID: 36403443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Wide commercial applications of antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) inevitably lead to the release into wastewater and enrichment in sewage sludge. This study evaluated the impacts of levels and structures of QACs on sewage sludge properties, microbial community, and methane production during anaerobic digestion. Methane production was stimulated or not affected at low QACs concentrations, but significantly inhibited at high QACs concentrations. Compared with benzyl and alkyltrimethyl QACs, dialkyl QACs showed least toxicity on digestion performance. Meanwhile, microbial community analysis indicated that shifts in bacterial communities mainly depended on QACs doses, but the archaeal communities were affected by both QACs doses and types. The dominant methanogenic pathway shifted from acetotrophic/methylotrophic methanogens to mixotrophic methanogens by low levels of benzyl and alkyltrimethyl QACs but not dialkyl QACs, and further to hydrogenotrophic methanogens at high QACs concentration. Mechanism exploration revealed that the presence of QACs promoted sludge solubilization by the integrated effects of cell lysis, electric neutralization, and hydrophobicity improvement, but inhibited methanogenesis due to the accumulation of volatile fatty acids and susceptibility of methanogens to QACs. These findings provided a reference for potential impacts of different QACs on sludge biological treatment, which had implications for the use and selection of QACs disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Bai Y, Wang Q, Lin H, Ben W, Qiang Z, Liu H, Yang M, Qu J. EcoImprove: Revealing aquatic ecological effects of micropollutant discharge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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35
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Murray AK, Zhang L, Snape J, Gaze WH. Functional metagenomic libraries generated from anthropogenically impacted environments reveal importance of metabolic genes in biocide and antibiotic resistance. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 4:100184. [PMID: 36908773 PMCID: PMC9995290 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100184] [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: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities result in the release of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and a cocktail of antimicrobial compounds into the environment that may directly select or indirectly co-select for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Many studies use metagenome sequencing or qPCR-based approaches to study the environmental resistome but these methods are limited by a priori knowledge. In this study, a functional metagenomic approach was used to explore biocide resistance mechanisms in two contaminated environments and a pristine site, and to identify whether potentially novel genes conferring biocide resistance also conferred resistance or reduced susceptibility to antibiotics. Resistance was predominately mediated through novel mechanisms exclusive of the well-known qac efflux genes. UDP-galactose 4-epimerase (galE) -like genes were identified in both contaminated environments and were shown to confer cross-resistance to biocides and clinically important antibiotics for the first time (to our knowledge), compared to knockout mutants. GalE -like genes were also co-located with transposons, suggesting mobilisation potential. These results show that housekeeping genes may play a significant yet underappreciated role in AMR in environmental microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K. Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lihong Zhang
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Snape
- AstraZeneca Global Environment, Alderly Park, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - William H. Gaze
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Environment and Sustainability Institute, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
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36
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Maillard J. Impact of benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride and chloroxylenol on bacterial antimicrobial resistance. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3322-3346. [PMID: 35882500 PMCID: PMC9826383 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This review examined 3655 articles on benzalkonium chloride (BKC), benzethonium chloride (BZT) and chloroxylenol (CHO) aiming to understand their impact on antimicrobial resistance. Following the application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, only 230 articles were retained for analysis; 212 concerned BKC, with only 18 for CHO and BZT. Seventy-eight percent of studies used MIC to measure BKC efficacy. Very few studies defined the term 'resistance' and 85% of studies defined 'resistance' as <10-fold increase (40% as low as 2-fold) in MIC. Only a few in vitro studies reported on formulated products and when they did, products performed better. In vitro studies looking at the impact of BKC exposure on bacterial resistance used either a stepwise training protocol or exposure to constant BKC concentrations. In these, BKC exposure resulted in elevated MIC or/and MBC, often associated with efflux, and at time, a change in antibiotic susceptibility profile. The clinical relevance of these findings was, however, neither reported nor addressed. Of note, several studies reported that bacterial strains with an elevated MIC or MBC remained susceptible to the in-use BKC concentration. BKC exposure was shown to reduce bacterial diversity in complex microbial microcosms, although the clinical significance of such a change has not been established. The impact of BKC exposure on the dissemination of resistant genes (notably efflux) remains speculative, although it manifests that clinical, veterinary and food isolates with elevated BKC MIC carried multiple efflux pump genes. The correlation between BKC usage and gene carriage, maintenance and dissemination has also not been established. The lack of clinical interpretation and significance in these studies does not allow to establish with certainty the role of BKC on AMR in practice. The limited literature and BZT and CHO do not allow to conclude that these will impact negatively on emerging bacterial resistance in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Yves Maillard
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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37
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Yang CX, He ZW, Liu WZ, Wang AJ, Wang L, Liu J, Liu BL, Ren NQ, Yu SP, Guo ZC. Chronic effects of benzalkonium chlorides on short chain fatty acids and methane production in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157619. [PMID: 35901877 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As an emerging pollutant, benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) potentially enriched in waste activated sludge (WAS). However, the microbial response mechanism under chronic effects of BACs on acidogenesis and methanogenesis in anaerobic digestion (AD) has not been clearly disclosed. This study investigated the AD (by-)products and microbial evolution under low to high BACs concentrations from bioreactor startup to steady running. It was found that BACs can lead to an increase of WAS hydrolysis and fermentation, but a disturbance to acidogenic bacteria also occurred at low BACs concentration. A noticeable inhibition to methanogenesis occurred when BAC concentration was up to 15 mg/g TSS. Metagenomic analysis revealed the key genes involved in acetic acid (HAc) biosynthesis (i.e. phosphate acetyltransferase, PTA), β-oxidation pathway (acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase) and propionic acid (HPr) conversion was slightly promoted compared with control. Furthermore, BACs inhibited the acetotrophic methanogenesis (i.e. acetyl-CoA synthetase), especially BAC concentration was up to 15 mg/g TSS, thereby enhanced short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) accumulation. Overall, chronic stimulation of functional microorganisms with increasing concentrations of BACs impact WAS fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Xue Yang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China; National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Zhang-Wei He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Wen-Zong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ai-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Environmental & Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Bao-Ling Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Shao-Peng Yu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Cold Region Wetland Ecology and Environment Research, School of Geography and Tourism, Harbin University, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ze-Chong Guo
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
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Rozman U, Duh D, Cimerman M, Turk SŠ. Hygiene of Medical Devices and Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations for Alcohol-Based and QAC Disinfectants among Isolates from Physical Therapy Departments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14690. [PMID: 36429408 PMCID: PMC9691081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214690] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Disinfectants are used intensively to control and prevent healthcare-associated infections. With continuous use and exposure to disinfectants, bacteria may develop reduced susceptibility. The study aimed to check the hygiene of devices in the physiotherapy department. For isolated bacterial strains, we aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of five different disinfectant wipe products currently in use. Microbiological environmental sampling in four various institutions in four different cities from two counties was performed, followed by CFU calculation and identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization with time-of-flight analyzer mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The sampling was performed on three different occasions: before patient use, after patient use, and after disinfection. The susceptibility of isolates to three different alcohol-based and three different quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) disinfectant wipes was examined by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). We identified 27 different bacterial species from 11 different genera. Gram-positive bacteria predominated. The most abundant genera were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Bacillus. The average MIC values of alcohol-based disinfectants range between 66.61 and 148.82 g/L, and those of QAC-based disinfectants range between 2.4 and 3.5 mg/L. Distinctive strains with four-fold increases in MIC values, compared to average values, were identified. The widespread use of disinfectants can induce a reduction in the susceptibility of bacteria against disinfectants and affect the increase in the proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is urgent to define clear criteria for defining a microorganism as resistant to disinfectants by setting epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values and standardizing protocols for testing the resistance of microorganisms against disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urška Rozman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Darja Duh
- Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia, Ajdovščina 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Cimerman
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Prvomajska ulica 1, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Šostar Turk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Žitna ulica 15, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Wand ME, Sutton JM. Efflux-mediated tolerance to cationic biocides, a cause for concern? MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 36748532 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWith an increase in the number of isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics, infection control has become increasingly important to help combat the spread of multi-drug-resistant pathogens. An important component of this is through the use of disinfectants and antiseptics (biocides). Antibiotic resistance has been well studied in bacteria, but little is known about potential biocide resistance genes and there have been few reported outbreaks in hospitals resulting from a breakdown in biocide effectiveness. Development of increased tolerance to biocides has been thought to be more difficult due to the mode of action of biocides which affect multiple cellular targets compared with antibiotics. Very few genes which contribute towards increased biocide tolerance have been identified. However, the majority of those that have are components or regulators of different efflux pumps or genes which modulate membrane function/modification. This review will examine the role of efflux in increased tolerance towards biocides, focusing on cationic biocides and heavy metals against Gram-negative bacteria. As many efflux pumps which are upregulated by biocide presence also contribute towards an antimicrobial resistance phenotype, the role of these efflux pumps in cross-resistance to both other biocides and antibiotics will be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Wand
- Technology Development Group, UK Health Security Agency, Research and Evaluation, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - J Mark Sutton
- Technology Development Group, UK Health Security Agency, Research and Evaluation, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG, UK
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Zeng J, Li Y, Jin G, Su JQ, Yao H. Short-Term Benzalkonium Chloride (C 12) Exposure Induced the Occurrence of Wide-Spectrum Antibiotic Resistance in Agricultural Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15054-15063. [PMID: 36069710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are global pollutants that pose a potential risk to human health. Benzalkonium chloride (C12) (BC) disinfectants are thought to exert selection pressure on antibiotic resistance. However, evidence of BC-induced changes in antibiotic resistance in the soil environment is lacking. Here, we established short-term soil microcosms to investigate ARG profile dynamics in agricultural soils amended with sulfamethazine (SMZ, 10 mg kg-1) and gradient concentrations of BC (0-100 mg kg-1), using high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing. With the increase in BC concentration, the number of ARGs detected in the soil increased, but the normalized ARG abundance decreased. The added SMZ had a limited impact on ARG profiles. Compared to broad-spectrum fungicidal BC, the specificity of SMZ significantly affected the microbial community. Network analysis found that low-medium BC exposure concentrations resulted in the formation of small but strong ARG co-occurrence clusters in the soil, while high BC exposure concentration led to a higher incidence of ARGs. Variation partitioning analysis suggested that BC stress was the major driver shaping the ARG profile. Overall, this study highlighted the emergence and spread of BC-induced ARGs, potentially leading to the antimicrobial resistance problem in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoping Jin
- Ningbo No. 9 Hospital, Ningbo 315020, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiying Yao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, People's Republic of China
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41
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Anforderungen an die Hygiene bei der Reinigung und Desinfektion von Flächen. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:1074-1115. [PMID: 36173419 PMCID: PMC9521013 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03576-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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Chen J, Qi W, Wang D, Wang Q, Lin H, Mao G, Liang J, Ning X, Bai Y, Liu H, Qu J. Disruption and recovery of river planktonic community during and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:84. [PMID: 37938733 PMCID: PMC9483884 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, large amounts of anti-coronavirus chemicals, such as antiviral drugs and disinfectants were discharged into the surrounding aquatic ecosystem, causing potential ecological damage. Here, we investigated plankton in the Wuhan reaches of the Yangtze River, before, during, and after COVID-19, with the river reaches of three adjacent cities sampled for comparison. During the COVID-19, planktonic microbial density declined significantly. Correspondingly, the eukaryotic and prokaryotic community compositions and functions shifted markedly, with increasing abundance of chlorine-resistant organisms. Abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and bacteria containing both genes increased by 2.3-, 2.7-, and 7.9-fold, respectively, compared to other periods. After COVID-19, all measured plankton community compositional and functional traits recovered in the Yangtze River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Chen
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weixiao Qi
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Qiaojuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Guannan Mao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Jinsong Liang
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xue Ning
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, School of Engineering, University College Cork, Cork, T23XE10, Ireland
| | - Yaohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Center for Water and Ecology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
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43
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Jia Y, Lu H, Zhu L. Molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance induced by mono- and twin-chained quaternary ammonium compounds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155090. [PMID: 35398118 PMCID: PMC8985400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The usage of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as disinfectants has increased dramatically since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, leading to potentially accelerated emergence of antibiotic resistance. Long-term exposure to subinhibitory level QACs can lead to multidrug resistance, but the contribution of mutagenesis to resistance evolution is obscure. In this study, we subcultured E. coli K-12 under subinhibitory (0.25 × and 0.5 × Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, MIC) or inhibitory (1 × and 2 × MIC) concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC, mono-chained) or didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC, twin-chained) for 60 days. The sensitivity of QAC-adapted cells to five typical antibiotics decreased significantly, and in particular, the MIC of rifampicin increased by 85 times. E. coli adapted faster to BAC but developed 20-167% higher antibiotic resistance with 56% more mutations under DDAC exposure. The broader mutations induced by QACs, including negative regulators (acrR, marR, soxR, and crp), outer membrane proteins and transporters (mipA and sbmA), and RNA polymerase (rpoB and rpoC), potentially contributed to the high multi-drug resistance. After QACs stresses were removed, the phenotypic resistance induced by subinhibitory concentrations of QACs was reversible, whereas that induced by inhibitory concentrations of QACs was irreversible. The different patterns and molecular mechanism of antibiotic resistance induced by BAC and DDAC is informative to estimating the risks of broader QACs present at varied concentrations in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Jia
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huijie Lu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Oh S, Kim Y, Choi D, Park JW, Noh JH, Chung SY, Maeng SK, Cha CJ. Effects of biochar addition on the fate of ciprofloxacin and its associated antibiotic tolerance in an activated sludge microbiome. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119407. [PMID: 35526648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of adding biochar (BC) on the fate of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and its related antibiotic tolerance (AT) in activated sludge. Three activated sludge reactors were established with different types of BC, derived from apple, pear, and mulberry tree, respectively, and one reactor with no BC. All reactors were exposed to an environmentally relevant level of CIP that acted as a definitive selective pressure significantly promoting AT to four representative antibiotics (CIP, ampicillin, tetracycline, and polymyxin B) by up to two orders of magnitude. While CIP removal was negligible in the reactor without BC, the BC-dosed reactors effectively removed CIP (70-95% removals) through primarily adsorption by BC and biodegradation/biosorption by biomass. The AT in the BC-added reactors was suppressed by 10-99%, compared to that without BC. The BC addition played a key role in sequestering CIP, thereby decreasing the selective pressure that enabled the proactive prevention of AT increase. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that the BC addition alleviated the CIP-mediated toxicity to community diversity and organisms related to phosphorous removal. Machine learning modeling with random forest and support vector models using AS microbiome data collectively pinpointed Achromobacter selected by CIP and strongly associated with the AT increase in activated sludge. The identification of Achromobacter as an important AT bacteria revealed by the machine learning modeling with multiple models was also validated with a linear Pearson's correlation analysis. Overall, our study highlighted Achromobacter as a potential useful sentinel for monitoring AT occurring in the environment and suggested BC as a promising additive in wastewater treatment to improve micropollutant removal, mitigate potential AT propagation, and maintain community diversity against toxic antibiotic loadings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungdae Oh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngjun Kim
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Donggeon Choi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Park
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyung Noh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeop Chung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kyu Maeng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Jun Cha
- Department of Systems Biotechnology and Center for Antibiotic Resistome, Chung-Ang University, 4726 Seodong-daero, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
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Nunes RF, Teixeira ACSC. An overview on surfactants as pollutants of concern: Occurrence, impacts and persulfate-based remediation technologies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134507. [PMID: 35395256 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Surfactants are molecules that reduce interfacial energy and increase solubility of other pollutants in water. These properties make them suitable for various domestic and industrial applications, soil remediation, pesticide formulation, among others. The increase in their use and the lack of strict regulations regarding their disposal and management is a matter of concern and requires more attention since the release and distribution of these compounds into the environment can modify important water quality parameters. As a result of these changes, different toxicological effects to aquatic organisms are discussed and exposed herein. On this basis, we provide an overview of the classes of surfactants, as well as their occurrence in different aqueous matrices. In addition, existing regulations around the world regarding their concentration limit for different environments are discussed. Current research focuses on the application of conventional treatments, such as biological treatments; notwithstanding, more toxic and bioaccumulative products can be generated. Advanced Oxidation Processes are promising alternatives and have also been widely applied for the removal of surfactants. This study provides, for the first time, an overview of the application of persulfate-based processes for surfactants degradation based on recent literature findings, as well as the various factors related to the activation of the persulfate anions. This review also highlights the challenges and opportunities for future research to overcome the obstacles to the practical application of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Frinhani Nunes
- Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, tr. 3, 380, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira
- Research Group in Advanced Oxidation Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, tr. 3, 380, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Li D, Gao J, Dai H, Wang Z, Cui Y, Zhao Y, Zhou Z. Fates of quaternary ammonium compound resistance genes and the corresponding resistant strain in partial nitrification/anammox system under pressure of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 217:118395. [PMID: 35429877 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (ATMAC-C16) is a kind of quaternary ammonium compound (QACs) which is extensively consumed as disinfectants, antimicrobials and surfactants. Here, the partial nitrification/anammox (PN/A) system was exposed to different levels of ATMAC-C16 (0-10 mg/L) and the main objective was to reveal the long-term microbiological responses of PN/A system to ATMAC-C16, importantly, explore the tolerance of PN/A to ATMAC-C16 and the key resistant strain. Nitrogen removal efficiency was influenced by environmental and extreme levels of ATMAC-C16 through mainly affecting the anammox (hzsB) gene. Two types of anammox, Candidatus Jettenia and Candidatus Kuenenia, were enriched under the pressure of ATMAC-C16, which allowed PN/A system to maintain good nitrogen removal performance. ATMAC-C16 might cause the hormesis of entire microbial population in PN/A system, leading to the enhancement of cell viability. ATMAC-C16 decreased the relative abundances of most antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) but significantly enriched QACs resistance genes (QRGs). The tolerance of PN/A system to ATMAC-C16 might be strengthened by inducing the efflux pumps encoding genes (qacH-01/02). Microbial hosts dynamic and co-selection mechanism among ARGs and QRGs resulted in the opposite trends of qacEdeltal-01/02 and qacH-01/02. Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana was identified as the ATMAC-C16 resistant strain, and its resistance to 10 mg/L ATMAC-C16 might not only obtain by capturing the qacH gene, but also benefit from its own efflux pump system. Therefore, from the perspective of the transmission of resistance genes, especially for QRGs, the spread risk of QRGs and ATMAC-C16 resistant strain in PN/A technique should be taken seriously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingchang Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Huihui Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yingchao Cui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Zhixiang Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, 100 Pingleyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100124, China
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Leong J, Shi D, Tan JPK, Yang C, Yang S, Wang Y, Ngow YS, Kng J, Balakrishnan N, Peng SQ, Yeow CS, Periaswamy B, Venkataraman S, Kwa AL, Liu X, Yao H, Yang YY. Potent Antiviral and Antimicrobial Polymers as Safe and Effective Disinfectants for the Prevention of Infections. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101898. [PMID: 34694749 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Disinfection using effective antimicrobials is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This COVID-19 pandemic has brought the need for effective disinfectants to greater attention due to the fast transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Current active ingredients in disinfectants are small molecules that microorganisms can develop resistance against after repeated long-term use and may penetrate the skin, causing harmful side-effects. To this end, a series of membrane-disrupting polyionenes that contain quaternary ammoniums and varying hydrophobic components is synthesized. They are effective against bacteria and fungi. They are also fast acting against clinically isolated drug resistant strains of bacteria. Formulating them with thickeners and nonionic surfactants do not affect their killing efficiency. These polyionenes are also effective in preventing infections caused by nonenveloped and enveloped viruses. Their effectiveness against mouse coronavirus (i.e., mouse hepatitis virus-MHV) depends on their hydrophobicity. The polyionenes with optimal compositions inactivates MHV completely in 30 s. More importantly, the polyionenes are effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 by >99.999% within 30 s. While they are effective against the microorganisms, they do not cause damage to the skin and have a high oral lethal dose. Overall, these polyionenes are promising active ingredients for disinfection and prevention of viral and microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Leong
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Danrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine 79 Qingchun Road Hangzhou 310003 China
| | - Jeremy Pang Kern Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Chuan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Shengcai Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Yanming Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Yeen Shian Ngow
- Department of Pharmacy Singapore General Hospital Outram Road Singapore 169608 Singapore
| | - Jessica Kng
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Nithiyaa Balakrishnan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Shu Qin Peng
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Chun Siang Yeow
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Balamurugan Periaswamy
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Shrinivas Venkataraman
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Andrea Lay‐Hoon Kwa
- Department of Pharmacy Singapore General Hospital Outram Road Singapore 169608 Singapore
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine 79 Qingchun Road Hangzhou 310003 China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine 79 Qingchun Road Hangzhou 310003 China
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 119288 Singapore
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48
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Cheng Z, Gao J, Liu Q, Gu Q. The effect of alkyl chain length of ( R)-3-Hydroxybutyric alkyl ester on antibacterial activity and its antibacterial mechanism. J Biomater Appl 2022; 37:275-286. [PMID: 35442105 DOI: 10.1177/08853282221085801] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This work describes the relationship between the antibacterial activity and the ester chain length (C1-C8) of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric ((R)-3-HB) alkyl esters that synthesized from (R)-3-HB acid ((R)-3-HBA) by esterification reaction. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) decrease as the length of the (R)-3-HB alkyl ester chain increases from 1 to 6, but (R)-3-HB-C7 and (R)-3-HB-C8 have their own rules for different microorganisms. Among them, the (R)-3HB-C6 has the relatively best antibacterial and antifungal properties, which MIC were 1.95 mg mL-1 against E. coli and S. aureus; 0.98 mg mL-1 against C. albicans and B. subtilis; 0.49 mg mL-1 against A. niger. Finally, the antimicrobial mechanisms of the (R)-3HB-C6 are revealed, and these include disruption of biofilm and the bacterial wall/membrane, leakage of the intracellular content, and change in the transmembrane potential. These results imply the potential application of (R)-3-HB alkyl ester as new antimicrobial agents; future research can use this as an antibacterial element to synthesize new polymer materials or agents with high-efficiency antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zao Cheng
- 165087Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfei Gao
- 165087Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- 165087Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Qun Gu
- 165087Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
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49
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Zhou L, Xu P, Gong J, Huang S, Chen W, Fu B, Zhao Z, Huang X. Metagenomic profiles of the resistome in subtropical estuaries: Co-occurrence patterns, indicative genes, and driving factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 810:152263. [PMID: 34896510 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are resistome hotspots owing to resistome accumulation and propagation at these locations from surrounding rivers, yet the large-scale biogeographic pattern of resistome, especially biocide and metal resistance genes (BMRGs) and its driving mechanisms in estuarine waters remains to be elucidated. Here, a metagenomics-based approach was firstly used to investigate resistome and mobilome profiles in waters from 30 subtropical estuaries, South China. The Pearl River estuaries had a higher diversity and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), BMRGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) when compared with estuaries from east and west regions. Genes resistant to multiple antibiotics, metals, and biocides were the most abundant gene types in the resistome. The abundance of MGEs (e.g., intI1, IS91, and tnpA) was highly associated with the total abundance of resistance genes, suggesting their utility as potential indicators for quantitative estimations of the resistome contamination. Further, MGEs contributed more than bacterial communities in shaping the resistome in subtropical estuaries. Physicochemical factors (e.g., pH) regulated MGE composition and stochastic assembly, which mediated the co-selection of ARGs and BMRGs via horizontal gene transfer. Our findings have important implications and provide a reference on the management of ARGs and BMRGs in subtropical estuarine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Jiayi Gong
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihui Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjian Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Binwei Fu
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Zelong Zhao
- Liaoning Key Lab of Germplasm Improvement and Fine Seed Breeding of Marine Aquatic animals, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Xiande Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China.
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50
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Fox LJ, Kelly PP, Humphreys GJ, Waigh TA, Lu JR, McBain AJ. Assessing the risk of resistance to cationic biocides incorporating realism-based and biophysical approaches. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 49:kuab074. [PMID: 34718634 PMCID: PMC9113109 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The control of microorganisms is a key objective in disease prevention and in medical, industrial, domestic, and food-production environments. Whilst the effectiveness of biocides in these contexts is well-evidenced, debate continues about the resistance risks associated with their use. This has driven an increased regulatory burden, which in turn could result in a reduction of both the deployment of current biocides and the development of new compounds and formulas. Efforts to balance risk and benefit are therefore of critical importance and should be underpinned by realistic methods and a multi-disciplinary approach, and through objective and critical analyses of the literature. The current literature on this topic can be difficult to navigate. Much of the evidence for potential issues of resistance generation by biocides is based on either correlation analysis of isolated bacteria, where reports of treatment failure are generally uncommon, or laboratory studies that do not necessarily represent real biocide applications. This is complicated by inconsistencies in the definition of the term resistance. Similar uncertainties also apply to cross-resistance between biocides and antibiotics. Risk assessment studies that can better inform practice are required. The resulting knowledge can be utilised by multiple stakeholders including those tasked with new product development, regulatory authorities, clinical practitioners, and the public. This review considers current evidence for resistance and cross-resistance and outlines efforts to increase realism in risk assessment. This is done in the background of the discussion of the mode of application of biocides and the demonstrable benefits as well as the potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Fox
- Biological Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Schuster Building, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Paul P Kelly
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Gavin J Humphreys
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Thomas A Waigh
- Biological Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Schuster Building, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jian R Lu
- Biological Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Schuster Building, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Andrew J McBain
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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