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Alav I, Buckner MMC. Non-antibiotic compounds associated with humans and the environment can promote horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37462915 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2233603] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer plays a key role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR genes are often carried on self-transmissible plasmids, which are shared amongst bacteria primarily by conjugation. Antibiotic use has been a well-established driver of the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the impact of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants on AMR spread has been largely overlooked. Recent studies found common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and environmental pollutants, can increase the conjugative transfer of AMR plasmids. The potential mechanisms by which these compounds promote plasmid transmission include increased membrane permeability, upregulation of plasmid transfer genes, formation of reactive oxygen species, and SOS response gene induction. Many questions remain around the impact of most non-antibiotic compounds on AMR plasmid conjugation in clinical isolates and the long-term impact on AMR dissemination. By elucidating the role of routinely used pharmaceuticals, food additives, and pollutants in the dissemination of AMR, action can be taken to mitigate their impact by closely monitoring use and disposal. This review will discuss recent progress on understanding the influence of non-antibiotic compounds on plasmid transmission, the mechanisms by which they promote transfer, and the level of risk they pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Alav
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michelle M C Buckner
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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2
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Piscon B, Pia Esposito E, Fichtman B, Samburski G, Efremushkin L, Amselem S, Harel A, Rahav G, Zarrilli R, Gal-Mor O. The Effect of Outer Space and Other Environmental Cues on Bacterial Conjugation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0368822. [PMID: 36995224 PMCID: PMC10269834 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03688-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial conjugation is one of the most abundant horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanisms, playing a fundamental role in prokaryote evolution. A better understanding of bacterial conjugation and its cross talk with the environment is needed for a more complete understanding of HGT mechanisms and to fight the dissemination of malicious genes between bacteria. Here, we studied the effect of outer space, microgravity, and additional key environmental cues on transfer (tra) gene expression and conjugation efficiency, using the under studied broad-host range plasmid pN3, as a model. High resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphology of the pN3 conjugative pili and mating pair formation during conjugation. Using a nanosatellite carrying a miniaturized lab, we studied pN3 conjugation in outer space, and used qRT-PCR, Western blotting and mating assays to determine the effect of ground physicochemical parameters on tra gene expression and conjugation. We showed for the first time that bacterial conjugation can occur in outer space and on the ground, under microgravity-simulated conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrated that microgravity, liquid media, elevated temperature, nutrient depletion, high osmolarity and low oxygen significantly reduce pN3 conjugation. Interestingly, under some of these conditions we observed an inverse correlation between tra gene transcription and conjugation frequency and found that induction of at least traK and traL can negatively affect pN3 conjugation frequency in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results uncover pN3 regulation by various environmental cues and highlight the diversity of conjugation systems and the different ways in which they may be regulated in response to abiotic signals. IMPORTANCE Bacterial conjugation is a highly ubiquitous and promiscuous process, by which a donor bacterium transfers a large portion of genetic material to a recipient cell. This mechanism of horizontal gene transfer plays an important role in bacterial evolution and in the ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs and disinfectants. Bacterial conjugation is a complex and energy-consuming process, that is tightly regulated and largely affected by various environmental signals sensed by the bacterial cell. Comprehensive knowledge about bacterial conjugation and the ways it is affected by environmental cues is required to better understand bacterial ecology and evolution and to find new effective ways to counteract the threating dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes between bacterial populations. Moreover, characterizing this process under stress or suboptimal growth conditions such as elevated temperatures, high salinity or in the outer space, may provide insights relevant to future habitat environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Piscon
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliana Pia Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Boris Fichtman
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Guy Samburski
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Lihi Efremushkin
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Shimon Amselem
- SpacePharma R&D Israel LTD., Herzliya Pituach, Israel & SpacePharma SA, Courgenay, Switzerland
| | - Amnon Harel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Galia Rahav
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ohad Gal-Mor
- The Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Zhu S, Yang B, Wang Z, Liu Y. Augmented dissemination of antibiotic resistance elicited by non-antibiotic factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115124. [PMID: 37327521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance seriously compromise the clinical efficacy of current antibiotic therapies, representing a serious public health threat worldwide. Generally, drug-susceptible bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation or gene transfer, among which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a dominant role. It is widely acknowledged that the sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are the key drivers in promoting the transmission of antibiotic resistance. However, accumulating evidence in recent years has shown that in addition to antibiotics, non-antibiotics can also accelerate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Nevertheless, the roles and potential mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors in the transmission of ARGs remain largely underestimated. In this review, we depict the four pathways of HGT and their differences, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. We summarize non-antibiotic factors accounting for the enhanced horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the limitations and implications of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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Zarzecka U, Zadernowska A, Chajęcka-Wierzchowska W, Adamski P. High-pressure processing effect on conjugal antibiotic resistance genes transfer in vitro and in the food matrix among strains from starter cultures. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 388:110104. [PMID: 36706580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzed the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on the frequency of conjugal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes among strains obtained from starter cultures. Gene transfer ability was analyzed in vitro and in situ in the food matrix. It was found that the transfer of aminoglycoside resistance genes did not occur after high-pressure treatment, either in vitro or in situ. After exposure to HPP, the transfer frequencies of tetracycline, ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistance genes increased significantly compared to the control sample, both in vitro and in situ. The frequency of resistance genes transfer in the food matrix in the pressurized samples did not differ significantly from the in vitro transfer rate. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for these antibiotics determined for transconjugants were lower or equal to MICs determined for the donors. No significant differences were observed between the MIC values determined for the transconjugants obtained in vitro and in situ. The results suggest that HPP may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. This points to the need to verify starter cultures strains for their antibiotic resistance and pressurization parameters to avoid spreading antibiotic resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Zarzecka
- Department of Industrial and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Anna Zadernowska
- Department of Industrial and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wioleta Chajęcka-Wierzchowska
- Department of Industrial and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Patryk Adamski
- Department of Industrial and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury, Plac Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn, Poland
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Jeon JH, Jang KM, Lee JH, Kang LW, Lee SH. Transmission of antibiotic resistance genes through mobile genetic elements in Acinetobacter baumannii and gene-transfer prevention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159497. [PMID: 36257427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major global public health concern. Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen that has emerged as a global threat because of its high levels of resistance to many antibiotics, particularly those considered as last-resort antibiotics, such as carbapenems. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play an important role in the dissemination and expression of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), including the mobilization of ARGs within and between species. We conducted an in-depth, systematic investigation of the occurrence and dissemination of ARGs associated with MGEs in A. baumannii. We focused on a cross-sectoral approach that integrates humans, animals, and environments. Four strategies for the prevention of ARG dissemination through MGEs have been discussed: prevention of airborne transmission of ARGs using semi-permeable membrane-covered thermophilic composting; application of nanomaterials for the removal of emerging pollutants (antibiotics) and pathogens; tertiary treatment technologies for controlling ARGs and MGEs in wastewater treatment plants; and the removal of ARGs by advanced oxidation techniques. This review contemplates and evaluates the major drivers involved in the transmission of ARGs from the cross-sectoral perspective and ARG-transfer prevention processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Ho Jeon
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Min Jang
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hun Lee
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea
| | - Lin-Woo Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Lee
- National Leading Research Laboratory of Drug Resistance Proteomics, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin, Gyeonggido 17058, Republic of Korea.
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Lin W, Xu F, Guo H, Cui L. Domestic refrigerators: An overlooked breeding ground of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107647. [PMID: 36413928 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Domestic refrigerator is a widely used appliance to keep food fresh and retard food spoilage in household. However, our understanding of microbial health risk associated with food under such circumstance still remains very poor. Here, typical types of food (vegetable, fish, and pork) were kept in a domestic refrigerator at 4 °C for 3-30 days. Temporal dynamics of antibiotic resistome, pathogens, bacterial and fungal communities during this period were investigated via high-throughput quantification and Illumina sequencing technologies. Results showed that a large number (21-134) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected across the three food types, including 10.06 % of high-risk ARGs classified by their risk ranks. Moreover, four bacterial pathogens (i.e., Bacillus cereus, Cronobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) targeted by marker genes including the pathogen-specific genes or virulence factor genes, and some potential fungal pathogens (e.g., Fusarium, Candida, and Aspergillus) were detected, indicating the occurrence of microbial risk even at the normally regarded safe storage temperature. Among all food types, the total bacterial density and ARG abundances in fish rapidly increased after only 3 days, much faster than vegetable and pork after 10 days. In addition, fish samples contained the highest ARG and pathogen abundances, indicating its potentially higher health risk than other food types. Finally, the shifts of ARG pattern were mainly contributed by bacterial communities and MGEs. This study highlights that food preserved in refrigerator at 4 °C could still be an unneglected microbial risk, and raises awareness of improving food safety in domestic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Lin
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hongqin Guo
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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7
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High pressure processing, acidic and osmotic stress increased resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines and the frequency of gene transfer among strains from commercial starter and protective cultures. Food Microbiol 2022; 107:104090. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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8
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Conjugative transfer of mcr-1-bearing plasmid from Salmonella to Escherichia coli in vitro on chicken meat and in mouse gut. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Karikari AB, Kpordze SW, Yamik DY, Saba CKS. Ready-to-Eat Food as Sources of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella and E. coli in Tamale, Ghana. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.834048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in ready-to-eat food is an emerging public health concern. We evaluated the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in street food in Tamale, as well as their antibiotic resistance profiles. Samples (42 salad samples and 71 fufu samples) purchased from 113 food vendors in the metropolis were analyzed by selective enrichment and plated onto chromogenic media. The Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility to antibiotics and phenotypic ESBL production. Positive phenotypic analysis for ESBL production was shown in 55.4% (41/74) of E. coli and 44.6% (33/74) of Salmonella species. Antibiotic resistance characterization showed that ESBL strains from salad were completely sensitive to imipenem and chloramphenicol but mostly resistant to cefotaxime (70.0%), ceftriaxone (85.0%), and ceftazidime (70.0%). Nonetheless, 24.1% of ESBL strains from fufu were resistant to imipenem and least resistant to gentamicin (3.7%). In-vitro, E. coli were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and erythromycin, as Salmonella species were more sensitive to imipenem and chloramphenicol; but in both species, resistance to β-lactam drugs was most prevalent. Multiple drug resistance was found in the entire ESBL strains of E. coli and Salmonella species (100%) with respective multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices of 0.56 and 0.48 presented by E. coli and Salmonella species. Our study demonstrated the occurrence of ESBL-producing pathogens in vegetable salads and fufu. The existence of pathogenic bacteria in food is a public health threat and becomes more alarming when the pathogens are endowed with resistant features; thus, policies to combat antimicrobial resistance should be implemented and food safety prioritized.
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Racharaks R, Arnold W, Peccia J. Development of CRISPR-Cas9 knock-in tools for free fatty acid production using the fast-growing cyanobacterial strain Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 189:106315. [PMID: 34454980 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973 has one of the fastest measured doubling time of cyanobacteria making it an important candidate for metabolic engineering. Traditional genetic engineering methods, which rely on homologous recombination, however, are inefficient, labor-intensive, and time-consuming due to the oligoploidy or polyploidy nature of cyanobacteria and the reliance on unique antibiotic resistance markers. CRISPR-Cas9 has emerged as an effective and versatile editing platform in a wide variety of organisms, but its application for cyanobacterial engineering is limited by the inherent toxicity of Cas9 resulting in poor transformation efficiencies. Here, we demonstrated that a single-plasmid CRISPR-Cas9 system, pCRISPOmyces-2, can effectively knock-in a truncated thioesterase gene from Escherichia coli to generate free fatty acid (FFA) producing mutants of Syn2973. To do so, three parameters were evaluated on the effect of generating recipient colonies after conjugation with pCRISPOmyces-2-based plasmids: 1) a modified conjugation protocol termed streaked conjugation, 2) the deletion of the gene encoding RecJ exonuclease, and 3) single guide RNA (sgRNA) sequence. With the use of the streaked conjugation protocol and a ΔrecJ mutant strain of Syn2973, the conjugation efficiency for the pCRISPomyces-2 plasmid could be improved by 750-fold over the wildtype (WT) for a conjugation efficiency of 2.0 × 10-6 transconjugants/recipient cell. While deletion of the RecJ exonuclease alone increased the conjugation efficiency by 150-fold over the WT, FFA generation was impaired in FFA-producing mutants with the ΔrecJ background, and the large number of poor FFA-producing isolates indicated the potential increase in spontaneous mutation rates. The sgRNA sequence was found to be critical in achieving the desired CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-in mutation as the sgRNA impacts conjugation efficiency, likelihood of homogenous recombinants, and free fatty acid production in engineered strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratanachat Racharaks
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wyatt Arnold
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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Giacometti F, Shirzad-Aski H, Ferreira S. Antimicrobials and Food-Related Stresses as Selective Factors for Antibiotic Resistance along the Farm to Fork Continuum. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:671. [PMID: 34199740 PMCID: PMC8230312 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem and there has been growing concern associated with its widespread along the animal-human-environment interface. The farm-to-fork continuum was highlighted as a possible reservoir of AMR, and a hotspot for the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the extent of the role of non-antibiotic antimicrobials and other food-related stresses as selective factors is still in need of clarification. This review addresses the use of non-antibiotic stressors, such as antimicrobials, food-processing treatments, or even novel approaches to ensure food safety, as potential drivers for resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. The co-selection and cross-adaptation events are covered, which may induce a decreased susceptibility of foodborne bacteria to antibiotics. Although the available studies address the complexity involved in these phenomena, further studies are needed to help better understand the real risk of using food-chain-related stressors, and possibly to allow the establishment of early warnings of potential resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giacometti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Hesamaddin Shirzad-Aski
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 49178-67439, Iran;
| | - Susana Ferreira
- CICS-UBI-Centro de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
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12
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Alderliesten JB, Duxbury SJN, Zwart MP, de Visser JAGM, Stegeman A, Fischer EAJ. Effect of donor-recipient relatedness on the plasmid conjugation frequency: a meta-analysis. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:135. [PMID: 32456625 PMCID: PMC7249681 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01825-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conjugation plays a major role in the transmission of plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance genes in both clinical and general settings. The conjugation efficiency is influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors, one of which is the taxonomic relatedness between donor and recipient bacteria. A comprehensive overview of the influence of donor-recipient relatedness on conjugation is still lacking, but such an overview is important to quantitatively assess the risk of plasmid transfer and the effect of interventions which limit the spread of antibiotic resistance, and to obtain parameter values for conjugation in mathematical models. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on reported conjugation frequencies from Escherichia coli donors to various recipient species. RESULTS Thirty-two studies reporting 313 conjugation frequencies for liquid broth matings and 270 conjugation frequencies for filter matings were included in our meta-analysis. The reported conjugation frequencies varied over 11 orders of magnitude. Decreasing taxonomic relatedness between donor and recipient bacteria, when adjusted for confounding factors, was associated with a lower conjugation frequency in liquid matings. The mean conjugation frequency for bacteria of the same order, the same class, and other classes was 10, 20, and 789 times lower than the mean conjugation frequency within the same species, respectively. This association between relatedness and conjugation frequency was not found for filter matings. The conjugation frequency was furthermore found to be influenced by temperature in both types of mating experiments, and in addition by plasmid incompatibility group in liquid matings, and by recipient origin and mating time in filter matings. CONCLUSIONS In our meta-analysis, taxonomic relatedness is limiting conjugation in liquid matings, but not in filter matings, suggesting that taxonomic relatedness is not a limiting factor for conjugation in environments where bacteria are fixed in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse B. Alderliesten
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark P. Zwart
- Department of Microbial Ecology, The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Egil A. J. Fischer
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Park KM, Kim HJ, Jeong M, Koo M. Enterotoxin Genes, Antibiotic Susceptibility, and Biofilm Formation of Low-Temperature-Tolerant Bacillus cereus Isolated from Green Leaf Lettuce in the Cold Chain. Foods 2020; 9:foods9030249. [PMID: 32106606 PMCID: PMC7142467 DOI: 10.3390/foods9030249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and characteristics of low-temperature-tolerant Bacillus cereus (psychrotolerant B. cereus) in green leaf lettuce collected during cold chain were investigated. Among the 101 isolated B. cereus samples, only 18 were capable of growth at 7 °C, and these isolates shared potential health hazard characteristics with mesophilic isolates. Most psychrotolerant B. cereus isolates contained various combinations of nheA, nheB, nheC, hblA, hblA, hblC, hblD, cytK, and entFM. Most isolates of psychrotolerant B. cereus possessed at least two enterotoxin genes and 28% of isolates harbored tested nine enterotoxin genes. Additionally, the psychrotolerant B. cereus isolates showed resistance to tetracycline and rifampin and intermediate levels of resistance to clindamycin. A total of 23% of isolates among psychrotolerant B. cereus displayed a high level of biofilm formation at 7 °C than at 10 °C or 30 °C. The results of this study indicate that cold distribution and storage for green leaf lettuce may fail to maintain food safety due to the presence of enterotoxigenic, antibiotic-resistant, and strong biofilm forming psychrotolerant B. cereus isolates, which therefore poses a potential health risk to the consumer. Our findings provide the first account of the prevalence and characteristics of psychrotolerant B. cereus isolated from green leaf lettuce during cold storage, suggesting a potential hazard of psychrotolerant B. cereus isolates to public health and the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Park
- Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea; (K.M.P.); (H.J.K.)
- Consumer Safety, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55365, Korea;
| | - Hyun Jung Kim
- Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea; (K.M.P.); (H.J.K.)
- Consumer Safety, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55365, Korea;
| | - Mooncheol Jeong
- Consumer Safety, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55365, Korea;
| | - Minseon Koo
- Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea; (K.M.P.); (H.J.K.)
- Food Analysis Center, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 55365, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-219-9161; Fax: +82-63-219-9876
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Câmara SPA, Dapkevicius A, Silva CCG, Malcata FX, L. N. Enes Dapkevicius M. Artisanal Pico cheese as reservoir of Enterococcus species possessing virulence and antibiotic resistance properties: implications for food safety. FOOD BIOTECHNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/08905436.2019.1710844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. P. A. Câmara
- Food Technology Group, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITA-A), University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - A. Dapkevicius
- Food Technology Group, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITA-A), University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Higher School for Technologies, University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - C. C. G. Silva
- Food Technology Group, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITA-A), University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - F. X. Malcata
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Porto, Oporto, Portugal
- LEPABE Laboratory of Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, College of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria L. N. Enes Dapkevicius
- Food Technology Group, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Technology (IITA-A), University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
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Saliu EM, Eitinger M, Zentek J, Vahjen W. Nutrition Related Stress Factors Reduce the Transfer of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Resistance Genes between an Escherichia coli Donor and a Salmonella Typhimurium Recipient In Vitro. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E324. [PMID: 31370208 PMCID: PMC6724058 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transfer of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-genes occurs frequently between different bacteria species. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of nutrition related stress factors on this transfer. Thus, an Escherichia coli donor and a Salmonella Typhimurium recipient were co-incubated for 4 h in media containing different levels of the stress factors' pH, osmolality, copper, zinc and acetic, propionic, lactic, and n-butyric acid, as well as subtherapeutic levels of cefotaxime, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and nitrofurantoin. Conjugation frequencies were calculated as transconjugants per donor, recipient, and total bacterial count. A correction factor for the stress impact on bacterial growth was used. Acetic, lactic, and n-butyric, acid, as well as pH, showed no significant impact. In contrast, increasing concentrations of propionate, zinc, copper, and nitrofurantoin, as well as increased osmolality reduced conjugation frequencies. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and cefotaxime showed increased transconjugants per donor, which decreased after correction for stress. This study showed, for the model mating pair, that conjugation frequencies decreased under different physiological stress conditions, and, thus, the hypothesis that stress factors may enhance conjugation should be viewed with caution. Furthermore, for studies on in vitro gene transfer, it is vital to consider the impact of studied stressors on bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Saliu
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marita Eitinger
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Königin-Luise-Str. 49, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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16
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Contributions and Challenges of High Throughput qPCR for Determining Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment: A Critical Review. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24010163. [PMID: 30609875 PMCID: PMC6337382 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion in whole genome sequencing and subsequent increase in antibiotic resistance targets have paved the way of high throughput qPCR (HT-qPCR) for analyzing hundreds of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in a single run. A meta-analysis of 51 selected studies is performed to evaluate ARGs abundance trends over the last 7 years. WaferGenTM SmartChip is found to be the most widely used HT-qPCR platform among others for evaluating ARGs. Up till now around 1000 environmental samples (excluding biological replicates) from different parts of the world have been analyzed on HT-qPCR. Calculated detection frequency and normalized ARGs abundance (ARGs/16S rRNA gene) reported in gut microbiome studies have shown a trend of low ARGs as compared to other environmental matrices. Disparities in the HT-qPCR data analysis which are causing difficulties to researchers in precise interpretation of results have been highlighted and a possible way forward for resolving them is also suggested. The potential of other amplification technologies and point of care or field deployable devices for analyzing ARGs have also been discussed in the review. Our review has focused on updated information regarding the role, current status and future perspectives of HT-qPCR in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
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Iseppi R, de Niederhäusern S, Bondi M, Messi P, Sabia C. Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase, AmpC, and MBL-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria on Fresh Vegetables and Ready-to-Eat Salads Sold in Local Markets. Microb Drug Resist 2018; 24:1156-1164. [PMID: 29451428 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2017.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria isolated from 160 samples of fresh vegetables (n = 80) and ready-to-eat (RTE) prepacked salads (n = 80). Phenotypic and genotypic analyses were carried out on the isolates in terms of the species present and relative resistance. Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics was found in only 44 (24 from fresh vegetables and 20 from RTE salads) of a total of 312 Gram-negative strains (14.1%). The prevalence of ESBL-producing strains from fresh vegetables was 83.3% (20/24) and 16.7% (4/24) for AmpC. Among the 20 bacterial isolates from RTE salads, 80% (16/20) were identified as ESBL-producing strains and the remaining 20% (4/20) as MBL-producing strains. PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of blaSHV-12, blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaRHAN-1, blaACC-1, blaDHA-1, blaVIM-1, and blaIMP-1. Seven different replicons were identified, where IncHI1, FIA, and I1 were the most representative types; when compared with the Inc types, isolates from fresh vegetables and RTE salads were similar. The location of genes on a conjugative plasmid was confirmed by positive results obtained with conjugation assays. Our study has demonstrated the occurrence and distribution of ESBL/AmpC and MBL strains in fresh vegetables and RTE salads in Italy and possible public health risks associated with consumption of these fresh products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Iseppi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | | | - Moreno Bondi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Messi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
| | - Carla Sabia
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena, Italy
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18
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Polit A, Yang H, Amund D. Investigating the transmissibility of tet(W) in bifidobacteria exposed to acid and bile stress. BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA FOOD AND HEALTH 2018; 37:39-43. [PMID: 29662736 PMCID: PMC5897239 DOI: 10.12938/bmfh.17-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic bacteria to pathogens poses a safety concern. Orally administered probiotics are exposed to stressful conditions during gastrointestinal transit. In this study,
filter mating experiments were performed to investigate the potential role of exposure of Bifidobacterium isolates to acid and bile stress on the transfer of a tetracycline resistance gene,
tet(W), to Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299. No E. faecalis transconjugants were obtained after mating with either stressed or unstressed
Bifidobacterium, thereby suggesting that tet(W) could not be transferred as a result of exposure to gastrointestinal stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Polit
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom
| | - Huiying Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Amund
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, United Kingdom
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19
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Casado Muñoz MDC, Benomar N, Lavilla Lerma L, Knapp CW, Gálvez A, Abriouel H. Biocide tolerance, phenotypic and molecular response of lactic acid bacteria isolated from naturally-fermented Aloreña table to different physico-chemical stresses. Food Microbiol 2016; 60:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Jung Y, Matthews KR. Potential transfer of extended spectrum β-lactamase encoding gene, blashv18 gene, between Klebsiella pneumoniae in raw foods. Food Microbiol 2016; 60:39-48. [PMID: 27554144 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the transfer frequency of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding gene (blaSHV18) among Klebsiella pneumoniae in tryptic soy broth (TSB), pasteurized milk, unpasteurized milk, alfalfa sprouts and chopped lettuce at defined temperatures. All transconjugants were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. KP04(ΔKM) and KP08(ΔKM) isolated from seed sprouts and KP342 were used as recipients in mating experiments with K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 serving as the donor. In mating experiments, no transconjugants were detected at 4 °C in liquid media or chopped lettuce, but detected in all media tested at 15 °C, 24 °C, and 37 °C. At 24 °C, the transfer of blaSHV18 gene occurred more frequently in alfalfa sprouts (5.15E-04 transconjugants per recipient) and chopped lettuce (3.85E-05) than liquid media (1.08E-05). On chopped lettuce, transconjugants were not detected at day 1 post-mating at 15 °C, but observed on day 2 (1.43E-05). Transconjugants carried the blaSHV18 gene transferred from the donor and the virulence gene harbored by recipient. More importantly, a class 1 integrase gene and resistance to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were co-transferred during mating. These quantitative results suggest that fresh produce exposed to temperature abuse may serve as a competent vehicle for the spread of gene encoding for antibiotic resistance, having a potential negative impact on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjin Jung
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| | - Karl R Matthews
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
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21
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Yuan QB, Guo MT, Wei WJ, Yang J. Reductions of bacterial antibiotic resistance through five biological treatment processes treated municipal wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:19495-503. [PMID: 27384166 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants are hot spots for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, limited studies have been conducted to compare the reductions of ARB and ARGs by various biological treatment processes. The study explored the reductions of heterotrophic bacteria resistant to six groups of antibiotics (vancomycin, gentamicin, erythromycin, cephalexin, tetracycline, and sulfadiazine) and corresponding resistance genes (vanA, aacC1, ereA, ampC, tetA, and sulI) by five bench-scale biological reactors. Results demonstrated that membrane bioreactor (MBR) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR) significantly reduced ARB abundances in the ranges of 2.80∼3.54 log and 2.70∼3.13 log, respectively, followed by activated sludge (AS). Biological filter (BF) and anaerobic (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket, UASB) techniques led to relatively low reductions. In contrast, ARGs were not equally reduced as ARB. AS and SBR also showed significant potentials on ARGs reduction, whilst MBR and UASB could not reduce ARGs effectively. Redundancy analysis implied that the purification of wastewater quality parameters (COD, NH4 (+)-N, and turbidity) performed a positive correlation to ARB and ARGs reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Bin Yuan
- College of Environment, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211800, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Mei-Ting Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Wu-Ji Wei
- College of Environment, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211800, China
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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22
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Listeria monocytogenes – An examination of food chain factors potentially contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Food Microbiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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23
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Van Meervenne E, Van Coillie E, Van Weyenberg S, Boon N, Herman L, Devlieghere F. Low Temperature and Modified Atmosphere: Hurdles for Antibiotic Resistance Transfer? J Food Prot 2015; 78:2191-9. [PMID: 26613914 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Food is an important dissemination route for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Factors used during food production and preservation may contribute to the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, but research on this subject is scarce. In this study, the effect of temperature (7 to 37°C) and modified atmosphere packaging (air, 50% CO2-50% N2, and 100% N2) on antibiotic resistance transfer from Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei to Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated. Filter mating was performed on nonselective agar plates with high-density inocula. A more realistic setup was created by performing modified atmosphere experiments on cooked ham using high-density and low-density inocula. Plasmid transfer was observed between 10 and 37°C, with plasmid transfer also observed at 7°C during a prolonged incubation period. When high-density inocula were used, transconjugants were detected, both on agar plates and cooked ham, under the three atmospheres (air, 50% CO2-50% N2, and 100% N2) at 7°C. This yielded a median transfer ratio (number of transconjugants/number of recipients) with an order of magnitude of 10(-4) to 10(-6). With low-density inocula, transfer was only detected under the 100% N2 atmosphere after 10-day incubation at 7°C, yielding a transfer ratio of 10(-5). Under this condition, the highest bacterial density was obtained. The results indicate that low temperature and modified atmosphere packaging, two important hurdles in the food industry, do not necessarily prevent plasmid transfer from Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei to Listeria monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Van Meervenne
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Technology and Food Science Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium; Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Els Van Coillie
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Technology and Food Science Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Van Weyenberg
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Technology and Food Science Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | | | - Lieve Herman
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Technology and Food Science Unit, Brusselsesteenweg 370, 9090 Melle, Belgium
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Tadee P, Boonkhot P, Pornruangwong S, Patchanee P. Comparative phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella spp. in pig farms and slaughterhouses in two provinces in northern Thailand. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116581. [PMID: 25692670 PMCID: PMC4334970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. are an important group of bacterial zoonotic pathogens which can cause acute food-borne diseases in humans. Pork products are the main source of salmonellosis, but the origins and transmission routes of the disease have not been clearly determined. The purpose of this study was to characterize Salmonella spp. isolated in pig production lines both from pig farms and from slaughterhouses in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces in northern Thailand. The study focuses on the association among serotypes, antimicrobial resistance patterns and Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns to investigate possible sources of infection and to provide information which could help strengthen salmonellosis control programs in the region. A total of 86 strains of Salmonella comprising five majority serotypes were identified. Antibiotic resistance to tetracycline was found to be the most prevalent (82.56%) followed by ampicillin (81.40%) and streptomycin (63.95%). Seven clusters and 28 fingerprint-patterns generated by PFGE were identified among strains recovered from various locations and at different times, providing information on associations among the strains as well as evidence of the existence of persistent strains in some areas. Study results suggest that Salmonella control programs should be implemented at slaughterhouse production lines, including surveillance to insure good hygiene practices, in addition to regular monitoring of large populations of farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakpoom Tadee
- Department of Food Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Phacharaporn Boonkhot
- Department of Food Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Prapas Patchanee
- Department of Food Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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25
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Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain: a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:2643-69. [PMID: 23812024 PMCID: PMC3734448 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10072643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistant zoonotic pathogens present on food constitute a direct risk to public health. Antimicrobial resistance genes in commensal or pathogenic strains form an indirect risk to public health, as they increase the gene pool from which pathogenic bacteria can pick up resistance traits. Food can be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant bacteria and/or antimicrobial resistance genes in several ways. A first way is the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria on food selected by the use of antibiotics during agricultural production. A second route is the possible presence of resistance genes in bacteria that are intentionally added during the processing of food (starter cultures, probiotics, bioconserving microorganisms and bacteriophages). A last way is through cross-contamination with antimicrobial resistant bacteria during food processing. Raw food products can be consumed without having undergone prior processing or preservation and therefore hold a substantial risk for transfer of antimicrobial resistance to humans, as the eventually present resistant bacteria are not killed. As a consequence, transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between bacteria after ingestion by humans may occur. Under minimal processing or preservation treatment conditions, sublethally damaged or stressed cells can be maintained in the food, inducing antimicrobial resistance build-up and enhancing the risk of resistance transfer. Food processes that kill bacteria in food products, decrease the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
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26
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Conjugal transfer of bacteriocin plasmids from different genera of lactic acid bacteria into Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. ANN MICROBIOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-013-0624-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Capita R, Alonso-Calleja C. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria: a challenge for the food industry. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2013; 53:11-48. [PMID: 23035919 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2010.519837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were first described in the 1940s, but whereas new antibiotics were being discovered at a steady rate, the consequences of this phenomenon were slow to be appreciated. At present, the paucity of new antimicrobials coming into the market has led to the problem of antibiotic resistance fast escalating into a global health crisis. Although the selective pressure exerted by the use of antibiotics (particularly overuse or misuse) has been deemed the major factor in the emergence of bacterial resistance to these antimicrobials, concerns about the role of the food industry have been growing in recent years and have been raised at both national and international levels. The selective pressure exerted by the use of antibiotics (primary production) and biocides (e.g., disinfectants, food and feed preservatives, or decontaminants) is the main driving force behind the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance throughout the food chain. Genetically modified (GM) crops with antibiotic resistance marker genes, microorganisms added intentionally to the food chain (probiotic or technological) with potentially transferable antimicrobial resistance genes, and food processing technologies used at sub-lethal doses (e.g., alternative non-thermal treatments) are also issues for concern. This paper presents the main trends in antibiotic resistance and antibiotic development in recent decades, as well as their economic and health consequences, current knowledge concerning the generation, dissemination, and mechanisms of antibacterial resistance, progress to date on the possible routes for emergence of resistance throughout the food chain and the role of foods as a vehicle for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The main approaches to prevention and control of the development, selection, and spread of antibacterial resistance in the food industry are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Capita
- Department of Food Hygiene and Food Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of León, Spain.
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28
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Kumar-Phillips GS, Hanning I, Slavik M. Effect of Stress-Adaptation on Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiles of <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2013.31012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Obolski U, Hadany L. Implications of stress-induced genetic variation for minimizing multidrug resistance in bacteria. BMC Med 2012; 10:89. [PMID: 22889082 PMCID: PMC3482572 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-10-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections is a growing threat to public health. Recent evidence shows that when exposed to stressful conditions, some bacteria perform higher rates of horizontal gene transfer and mutation, and thus acquire antibiotic resistance more rapidly. METHODS We incorporate this new notion into a mathematical model for the emergence of antibiotic multi-resistance in a hospital setting. RESULTS We show that when stress has a considerable effect on genetic variation, the emergence of antibiotic resistance is dramatically affected. A strategy in which patients receive a combination of antibiotics (combining) is expected to facilitate the emergence of multi-resistant bacteria when genetic variation is stress-induced. The preference between a strategy in which one of two effective drugs is assigned randomly to each patient (mixing), and a strategy where only one drug is administered for a specific period of time (cycling) is determined by the resistance acquisition mechanisms. We discuss several features of the mechanisms by which stress affects variation and predict the conditions for success of different antibiotic treatment strategies. CONCLUSIONS These findings should encourage research on the mechanisms of stress-induced genetic variation and establish the importance of incorporating data about these mechanisms when considering antibiotic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Obolski
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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30
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Strain-specific transfer of antibiotic resistance from an environmental plasmid to foodborne pathogens. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:834598. [PMID: 22791963 PMCID: PMC3392033 DOI: 10.1155/2012/834598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics are rapidly emerging, entailing important consequences for human health. This study investigated if the broad-host-range multiresistance plasmid pB10, isolated from a wastewater treatment plant, harbouring
amoxicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline resistance genes, was transferable to the foodborne pathogens Salmonella spp. or E. coli O157:H7 and how this transfer alters the phenotype of the recipients. The transfer ratio was determined by both plating and flow cytometry. Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined for both recipients and transconjugants using the disk diffusion method. For 14 of the 15 recipient strains, transconjugants were detected. Based on plating, transfer ratios were between 6.8 × 10−9 and 3.0 × 10−2 while using flow cytometry, transfer ratios were between <1.0 × 10−5 and 1.9 × 10−2. With a few exceptions, the transconjugants showed phenotypically increased resistance, indicating that most of the transferred resistance genes were expressed. In summary, we showed that an environmental plasmid can be transferred into foodborne pathogenic bacteria at high transfer ratios. However, the transfer ratio seemed to be recipient strain dependent. Moreover, the newly acquired resistance genes could turn antibiotic susceptible strains into resistant ones, paving the way to compromise human health.
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Schwaiger K, Huther S, Hölzel C, Kämpf P, Bauer J. Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enterobacteriaceae isolated from chicken and pork meat purchased at the slaughterhouse and at retail in Bavaria, Germany. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 154:206-11. [PMID: 22260925 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate chicken and pork meat sampled at the slaughterhouse and at retail for differences in the presence of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria. For this aim, Escherichia coli (n=677), Enterobacter spp. (n=167), Citrobacter spp. (n=83), Serratia spp. (n=116), Klebsiella spp. (n=125), and Salmonella spp. (n=89) were isolated from 500 chicken and 500 pork samples purchased at the slaughterhouse and at retail (in the same amounts) in Germany. Salmonella were present in 17% of the chicken, and in 0.4% of the pork meat samples. There was a clear shift in the spectrum of coliforms from slaughterhouse to retail: Enterobacter, Citrobacter and Klebsiella were the most frequently detected coliforms (other than E. coli) from slaughterhouse samples, whereas the prevalence of Serratia spp. was up to eight times higher in retail samples. The prevalence of E. coli was higher in slaughterhouse samples, whereas the prevalence of other coliforms and Salmonella spp. was higher in retail samples. E. coli strains were often resistant to penicillins, streptomycin, spectinomycin, doxycycline and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Resistance rates of the other coliforms were generally low. Resistant and multi-resistant isolates were significantly more common in chicken meat. Compared to samples from the slaughterhouse, the prevalence of resistant bacteria tended to be higher in retail samples, probably due to good conditions for resistant bacteria on the matrix meat and/or due to secondary contamination with resistant strains. Therefore, stringent hygiene measures should be observed to reduce the risk of transmission of resistant bacteria from food to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Schwaiger
- Chair of Animal Hygiene, Technische Universität München, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.
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Toomey N, Monaghan A, Fanning S, Bolton DJ. Assessment of horizontal gene transfer in Lactic acid bacteria--a comparison of mating techniques with a view to optimising conjugation conditions. J Microbiol Methods 2008; 77:23-8. [PMID: 19135099 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Plate, filter and broth mating techniques were assessed over a range of pHs using three Lactococcus lactis donor strains (one with an erythromycin resistance marker and two with tetracycline resistance markers, all located on transferable genetic elements) and one L. lactis recipient strain. Transconjugants were confirmed using antibiotic selection, E-tests to determine MICs, PCR assays to detect the corresponding marker genes, DNA fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and Southern blotting. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) rates varied (ranging from 1.6 x 10(-1) to 2.3 x 10(-8)). The general trend observed was plate > filter > broth, independent of pH. Our data suggests that standardisation of methodologies to be used to assess HGT, is warranted and would provide a meaningful assessment of the ability of commensal and other bacteria in different environments to transfer relevant markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Toomey
- Department of Food Safety, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Teagasc, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
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Foodborne antimicrobial resistance as a biological hazard - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biological Hazards. EFSA J 2008. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2008.765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Walsh C, Duffy G, Nally P, O’Mahony R, McDowell D, Fanning S. Transfer of ampicillin resistance from Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 to Escherichia coli K12 in food. Lett Appl Microbiol 2007; 46:210-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2007.02288.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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