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Zhou J, Wu H, Wang H, Wu Z, Shi L, Tian S, Hou LA. Metagenomics reveals the resistance patterns of electrochemically treated erythromycin fermentation residue. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 148:567-578. [PMID: 39095189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Erythromycin fermentation residue (EFR) represents a typical hazardous waste produced by the microbial pharmaceutical industry. Although electrolysis is promising for EFR disposal, its microbial threats remain unclear. Herein, metagenomics was coupled with the random forest technique to decipher the antibiotic resistance patterns of electrochemically treated EFR. Results showed that 95.75% of erythromycin could be removed in 2 hr. Electrolysis temporarily influenced EFR microbiota, where the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria increased, while those of Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes decreased. A total of 505 antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) subtypes encoding resistance to 21 antibiotic types and 150 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), mainly including plasmid (72) and transposase (52) were assembled in EFR. Significant linear regression models were identified among microbial richness, ARG subtypes, and MGE numbers (r2=0.50-0.81, p< 0.001). Physicochemical factors of EFR (Total nitrogen, total organic carbon, protein, and humus) regulated ARG and MGE assembly (%IncMSE value = 5.14-14.85). The core ARG, MGE, and microbe sets (93.08%-99.85%) successfully explained 89.71%-92.92% of total ARG and MGE abundances. Specifically, gene aph(3')-I, transposase tnpA, and Mycolicibacterium were the primary drivers of the resistance dissemination system. This study also proposes efficient resistance mitigation measures, and provides recommendations for future management of antibiotic fermentation residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Solid Waste and Soil Ecological Environment Technology Center, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Zongru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lihu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shulei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Li-An Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; High Tech. Inst. Beijing, Beijing 100085, China.
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Guo X, Zhao W, Yin D, Mei Z, Wang F, Tiedje J, Ling S, Hu S, Xu T. Aspirin altered antibiotic resistance genes response to sulfonamide in the gut microbiome of zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124566. [PMID: 39025292 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124566] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals are widespread in aquatic environments and might contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance. However, the co-effect of antibiotics and non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals on the gut microbiome of fish is poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the variation of the zebrafish gut microbiome and resistome after exposure to sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and aspirin under different treatments. SMX contributed to the significant increase in the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) richness and abundance with 46 unique ARGs and five mobile genetic elements (MGEs) detected. Combined exposure to SMX and aspirin enriched total ARGs abundance and rearranged microbiota under short-term exposure. Exposure time was more responsible for resistome and the gut microbiome than exposure concentrations. Perturbation of the gut microbiome contributed to the functional variation related to RNA processing and modification, cell motility, signal transduction mechanisms, and defense mechanisms. A strong significant positive correlation (R = 0.8955, p < 0.001) was observed between total ARGs and MGEs regardless of different treatments revealing the key role of MGEs in ARGs transmission. Network analysis indicated most of the potential ARGs host bacteria belonged to Proteobacteria. Our study suggested that co-occurrence of non-antibiotics and antibiotics could accelerate the spread of ARGs in gut microbial communities and MGEs played a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wanting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Daqiang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhi Mei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - James Tiedje
- Center for Microbial Ecology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Siyuan Ling
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Shuangqing Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, 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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Wu X, Jia W, Fang Z, Sun H, Wang G, Liu L, Zheng M, Chen G. Cyanobacteria mediate the dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance through conjugal transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124592. [PMID: 39047887 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124592] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial blooms are expanding world-wide in freshwater and marine environments, and can cause serious ecological and environmental issues, which also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the mechanistic understanding of cyanobacteria-mediated resistance dynamics is not fully elucidated yet. We selected Microcystis aeruginosa as a model cyanobacteria to illustrate how cyanobacteria mediate the evolution and transfer processes of bacterial antibiotic resistance. The results show that the presence of cyanobacteria significantly decreased the abundance of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) by 3%-99% and 2%-18%, respectively. In addition, it clearly altered bacterial community structure, with the dominant genera evolving from Acinetobacter (27%) and Enterobacter (42%) to Porphyrobacter (59%). The abundance of ARGs positively correlated with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, rather than Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. In the presence of cyanobacteria, the transfer events of bacterial resistance genes via conjugation were found to decrease by 10%-89% (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, we found an extradentary high transfer frequency (about 0.1) for the ARGs via plasmid conjugation from the bacteria into M. aeruginosa population. It confirmed the role of cyanobacterial population as the competent hosts to facilitate ARGs spreading. Our findings provide valuable information on the risk evaluation of ARGs caused by cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments, key for the protection and assessment of aquatic environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Wu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Zhipeng Fang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Hualong Sun
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Soil and Water Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Mengqi Zheng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China
| | - Guowei Chen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China.
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Kim MB, Lee YJ. Emergence of Salmonella Infantis carrying the pESI-like plasmid from eggs in egg grading and packing plants in Korea. Food Microbiol 2024; 122:104568. [PMID: 38839227 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The plasmid of emerging S. Infantis (pESI) or pESI-like plasmid in Salmonella enterica Infantis are consistently reported in poultry and humans worldwide. However, there has been limited research on these plasmids of S. Infantis isolated from eggs. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of S. Infantis carrying the pESI-like plasmid from eggs in egg grading and packing plants. In this study, the pESI-like plasmid was only detected in 18 (78.3%) of 23 S. Infantis isolates, and it was absent in the other 9 Salmonella serovars. In particular, S. Infantis isolates carrying the pESI-like plasmid showed the significantly higher resistance to β-lactams, phenicols, cephams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines than Salmonella isolates without the pESI-like plasmid (p < 0.05). Moreover, all S. Infantis isolates carrying the pESI-like plasmid were identified as extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producer, harboring the blaCTX-M-65 and blaTEM-1 genes, and carried non-β-lactamase resistance genes (ant(3'')-Ia, aph(4)-Ia, aac(3)-IVa, aph(3')-Ic, sul1, tetA, dfrA14, and floR) against five antimicrobial classes. However, all isolates without the pESI-like plasmid only carried the blaTEM-1 gene among the β-lactamase genes, and either had no non-β-lactamase resistance genes or harbored non-β-lactamase resistance genes against one or two antimicrobial classes. Furthermore, all S. Infantis isolates carrying the pESI-like plasmid carried class 1 and 2 integrons and the aadA1 gene cassette, but none of the other isolates without the pESI-like plasmid harbored integrons. In particular, D87Y substitution in the gyrA gene and IncP replicon type were observed in all the S. Infantis isolates carrying the pESI-like plasmid but not in the S. Infantis isolates without the pESI-like plasmid. The distribution of pulsotypes between pESI-positive and pESI-negative S. Infantis isolates was clearly distinguished, but all S. Infantis isolates were classified as sequence type 32, regardless of whether they carried the pESI-like plasmid. This study is the first to report the characteristics of S. Infantis carrying the pESI-like plasmid isolated from eggs and can provide valuable information for formulating strategies to control the spread of Salmonella in the egg industry worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Beom Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute for Veterinary Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41556, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Ju Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute for Veterinary Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41556, Republic of Korea.
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Jung JM, Rahman A, Schiffer AM, Weisberg AJ. Beav: a bacterial genome and mobile element annotation pipeline. mSphere 2024; 9:e0020924. [PMID: 39037262 PMCID: PMC11351099 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00209-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive and accurate genome annotation is crucial for inferring the predicted functions of an organism. Numerous tools exist to annotate genes, gene clusters, mobile genetic elements, and other diverse features. However, these tools and pipelines can be difficult to install and run, be specialized for a particular element or feature, or lack annotations for larger elements that provide important genomic context. Integrating results across analyses is also important for understanding gene function. To address these challenges, we present the Beav annotation pipeline. Beav is a command-line tool that automates the annotation of bacterial genome sequences, mobile genetic elements, molecular systems and gene clusters, key regulatory features, and other elements. Beav uses existing tools in addition to custom models, scripts, and databases to annotate diverse elements, systems, and sequence features. Custom databases for plant-associated microbes are incorporated to improve annotation of key virulence and symbiosis genes in agriculturally important pathogens and mutualists. Beav includes an optional Agrobacterium-specific pipeline that identifies and classifies oncogenic plasmids and annotates plasmid-specific features. Following the completion of all analyses, annotations are consolidated to produce a single comprehensive output. Finally, Beav generates publication-quality genome and plasmid maps. Beav is on Bioconda and is available for download at https://github.com/weisberglab/beav. IMPORTANCE Annotation of genome features, such as the presence of genes and their predicted function, or larger loci encoding secretion systems or biosynthetic gene clusters, is necessary for understanding the functions encoded by an organism. Genomes can also host diverse mobile genetic elements, such as integrative and conjugative elements and/or phages, that are often not annotated by existing pipelines. These elements can horizontally mobilize genes encoding for virulence, antimicrobial resistance, or other adaptive functions and alter the phenotype of an organism. We developed a software pipeline, called Beav, that combines new and existing tools for the comprehensive annotation of these and other major features. Existing pipelines often misannotate loci important for virulence or mutualism in plant-associated bacteria. Beav includes custom databases and optional workflows for the improved annotation of plant-associated bacteria. Beav is designed to be easy to install and run, making comprehensive genome annotation broadly available to the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewell M. Jung
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Arafat Rahman
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea M. Schiffer
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexandra J. Weisberg
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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Naidoo Y, Pierneef RE, Cowan DA, Valverde A. Characterization of the soil resistome and mobilome in Namib Desert soils. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:967-975. [PMID: 37968548 PMCID: PMC11300574 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00454-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of the soil resistome is important in understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance and its dissemination between the clinic and the environment. However, very little is known about the soil resistome, especially of those from deserts. Here, we characterize the bacterial communities, using targeted sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes, and both the resistome and the mobilome in Namib Desert soils, using shotgun metagenomics. We detected a variety of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that conferred resistance to antibiotics such as elfamycin, rifampicin, and fluoroquinolones, metal/biocide resistance genes (MRGs/BRGs) conferring resistance to metals such as arsenic and copper, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as the ColE1-like plasmid. The presence of metal/biocide resistance genes in close proximity to ARGs indicated a potential for co-selection of resistance to antibiotics and metals/biocides. The co-existence of MGEs and horizontally acquired ARGs most likely contributed to a decoupling between bacterial community composition and ARG profiles. Overall, this study indicates that soil bacterial communities in Namib Desert soils host a diversity of resistance elements and that horizontal gene transfer, rather than host phylogeny, plays an essential role in their dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashini Naidoo
- Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Rian E Pierneef
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Soutpan Road, Onderstepoort Campus, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Don A Cowan
- Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Road, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Angel Valverde
- IRNASA-CSIC, Cordel de Merinas, 37008, Salamanca, Spain.
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Zhou Z, Zhu R, Song Y, Zhang W, Sun B, Zhang Z, Yao H. Penguin-Driven Dissemination and High Enrichment of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Lake Sediments across Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39083437 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Numerous penguins can propagate pathogens with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into Antarctica. However, the effects of penguin dissemination on the lake ARGs still have received little attention via guano deposition. Here, we have profiled ARGs in ornithogenic sediments subject to penguin guano (OLS) and nonornithogenic sediments (NOLS) from 16 lakes across Antarctica. A total of 191 ARGs were detected in all sediment samples, with a much higher abundance and diversity in OLS than in NOLS. Surprisingly, highly diverse and abundant ARGs were found in the OLS with a detection frequency of >40% and an absolute abundance of (2.34 × 109)-(4.98 × 109) copies g-1, comparable to those in coastal estuarine sediments and pig farms. The strong correlations of identified resistance genes with penguin guano input amount, environmental factors, mobile genetic elements, and bacterial community, in conjunction with network and redundancy analyses, all indicated that penguins were responsible for the dissemination and high enrichment of ARGs in lake sediments via the guano deposition, which might greatly outweigh local human-activity effects. Our results revealed that ARGs could be carried into lakes across the Antarctica through penguin migration, food chains, and guano deposition, which were closely connected with the widespread pollution of ARGs at the global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Zhou
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Renbin Zhu
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yixin Song
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wanying Zhang
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Institute of Polar Environment & Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Polar Environment and Global Change, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, U.K
| | - Huaiying Yao
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
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Yuan W, Liu Y, Liu R, Li L, Deng P, Fu S, Riaz L, Lu J, Li G, Yang Z. Unveiling the overlooked threat: antibiotic resistance in groundwater near an abandoned sulfuric acid plant in Xingyang, China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:309. [PMID: 39002061 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02100-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Groundwater near a sulfuric acid plant in Xingyang, Henan, China was sampled from seven distinct sites to explore the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Results showed that genes aadA, blaCTX-M, tetA, qnrA, and sul1 were detected with 100% frequency followed by aac(6')-Ib (85.71%), ermB (85.71%), and tetX (71.42%). Most abundant ARGs were sul1 in LSA2 (1.15 × 1011 copies/mL), tetA in LSA6 (4.95 × 1010 copies/mL), aadA in LSA2 (4.56 × 109 copies/mL), blaCTX-M in LSA4 (1.19 × 109 copies/mL), and ermB in LSA5 (1.07 × 109 copies/mL). Moreover, in LSA2, intl1 as a marker of class 1 integron emerged as the most abundant gene as part of MGE (2.25 × 1011 copies/mL), trailed by ISCR1 (1.57 × 109 copies/mL). Environmental factors explained 81.34% of ARG variations, with a strong positive correlation between the intl2 and blaCTX-M genes, as well as the ISCR1 gene and qnrA, tetA, intl2, and blaCTX-M. Furthermore, the intI1 gene had a strong positive connection with the aadA, tetA, and sul1 genes. Moreover, the aac(6')-Ib gene was associated with As, Pb, Mg, Ca, and HCO3-. The intl2 gene was also shown to be strongly associated with Cd. Notably, network analysis highlighted blaCTX-M as the most frequently appearing gene across networks of at least five genera. Particularly, Lactobacillus, Plesiomonas, and Ligilactobacillus demonstrated correlations with aadA, qnrA, blaCTX-M, intI2, and ISCR1. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota, with dominant genera including Pseudomonas, Ligilactobacillus, Azoarcus, Vogesella, Streptococcus, Plesiomonas, and Ferritrophicum. These findings enhance our understanding of ARG distribution in groundwater, signaling substantial contamination by ARGs and potential risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yuan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yafei Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Ruihao Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Leicheng Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Peiyuan Deng
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Bird-Related Outage, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, 450044, Henan, China
| | - Shuai Fu
- College of Civil Engineering, Luoyang Institute of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Luqman Riaz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohsar University Murree, Murree, 47150, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Jianhong Lu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Guoting Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Ziyan Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
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9
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Razzaq R, Sheraz A, Arshad MM, Awan AB, Haque A. Integrons and multidrug resistance across phylogenetic groups of clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:1190-1195. [PMID: 38952530 PMCID: PMC11190423 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.6.8886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was aimed to investigate the multidrug resistance patterns in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and their correlation with integrons and phylogenetic groupings. Methods A total of 37 clinical E. coli isolates were evaluated for drug resistance patterns by disk diffusion method. Phylogenetic groupings and the presence of integrons among E. coli were determined by multiplex PCR assays. Results Multidrug resistance was identified in 84% of the clinical isolates of E. coli with higher resistance found against cephalosporins (94.6%) and fluoroquinolones (83.8%), while lower resistance was observed against polymyxins (24.3%) and carbapenems (29.7%). Metallo-β-lactamases were found in all carbapenem resistant isolates. The phylogenetic group B2 was the most dominant (40.5%), followed by groups A (35.1%), D (13.5%) and B1 (10.8%). Integrons were detected in 25 (67.6%) isolates and intI1, intI2, and intI3 genes were found in 62.2%, 18.9% and 10.8% of isolates respectively. Conclusion Our results show that phylogenetic classification of E. coli is not relevant with antimicrobial resistance. However, there was strong association between the integron classes and resistance against β-lactam and fluoroquinolones antimicrobials. Additionally, this study highlighted that the presence of integrons plays a crucial role in the development of multidrug resistance in clinical isolates of E. coli. Most significantly, this is the first report of detection of three classes of integron among clinical isolates of E. coli in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimsha Razzaq
- Rimsha Razzaq Department of Health Biotechnology, Akhuwat FIRST, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Sheraz
- Ahmad Sheraz Department of Health Biotechnology, Akhuwat FIRST, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mohsin Arshad
- Muhammad Mohsin Arshad Department of Health Biotechnology, Akhuwat FIRST, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Asad Bashir Awan
- Asad Bashir Awan Department of Health Biotechnology, Akhuwat FIRST, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Haque
- Abdul Haque Department of Health Biotechnology, Akhuwat FIRST, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Tavares RDS, Fidalgo C, Rodrigues ET, Tacão M, Henriques I. Integron-associated genes are reliable indicators of antibiotic resistance in wastewater despite treatment- and seasonality-driven fluctuations. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 258:121784. [PMID: 38761599 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121784] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The present study aims to characterize the bacterial community, resistome and integron abundance of a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over the course of 12 months and evaluate the year-long performance of integron-related genes as potential indicators of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in influents and effluents. For that, total DNA was extracted and subjected to 16S rRNA-targeted metabarcoding, high-throughput (HT) qPCR (48 targets) and standard qPCR (5 targets). Targets included integrase genes, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and putative pathogenic groups. A total of 16 physicochemical parameters determined in the wastewater samples were also considered. Results revealed that the WWTP treatment significantly impacted the bacterial community, as well as the content in ARGs and integrase genes. Indeed, there was a relative enrichment from influent to effluent of 13 pathogenic groups (e.g., Legionella and Mycobacterium) and genes conferring resistance to sulphonamides, aminoglycosides and disinfectants. Effluent samples (n = 25) also presented seasonal differences, with an increase of the total ARGs' concentration in summer, and differences between winter and summer on relative abundance of sulphonamide and disinfectant resistance mechanisms. From the eight putative integron-related genes selected, all were positively correlated with the total ARGs' content in wastewater and the relative abundance of resistance to most of the specific antibiotic classes. The genes intI1, blaGES and qacE∆1 were the most strongly correlated with the total concentration of ARGs. Genes blaGES and blaVIM, were better correlated to resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. This study supports the use of integron-related genes as powerful indicators of antibiotic resistance in wastewater, being robust despite the variability caused by wastewater treatment and seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael D S Tavares
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia Fidalgo
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Elsa T Rodrigues
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Tacão
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Henriques
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Functional Ecology, Associate Laboratory TERRA, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
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11
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Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhou X, Cheng W, Ren J, Wan T, Liu X. Transmission mechanism of antibiotic resistance genes and their differences between water and sediment in the Weihe River Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119057. [PMID: 38705450 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119057] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging microbial pollutants that are regulated by many factors and pose potential threats to aquatic environments. In this study, we used network analysis, correlation analysis, and constructed models based on metagenomic sequencing results to explore the spatial patterns, impact mechanisms, transmission risks and differences in ARGs in the water and sediment of the Weihe River Basin. The findings revealed notable disparities in ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and bacterial communities. In the sediment, the abundance of ARGs was considerably greater than that in water. Moreover, the percentage of ARGs shared by the two components reached a value of 85.8%. Through network analysis, it was determined that the presence of 16 MGEs and 20 bacterial phyla was strongly associated with ARGs (R2 > 0.7, P < 0.05). The Mantel test showed that abiotic factors including DO, pH, nutrients, and heavy metals played important roles in the distribution of ARGs (P < 0.05). A structural equation model revealed that the key factors influencing the distribution of ARGs in water were bacterial diversity and environmental parameters (standardized effects of -0.730 and -0.667), and those in sediment were bacterial diversity and MGEs (standardized effects of -0.751 and 0.851). Neutral modeling indicated that deterministic processes played an important role in the assembly of ARGs in the water of the Weihe River Basin, and stochastic processes were dominant in the sediment. There was a highly significant positive linear correlation between ARGs and pathogens, and there was more complex co-occurrence in the water than in the sediment (R2 > 0.9, P < 0.05), with stronger migration and transmission occurring. Exploring ARGs in large-scale watersheds is immensely important for elucidating their traits and transmission mechanisms and consequently paving the way for the formulation of efficient strategies to mitigate resistance threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Power China Northwest Engineering Corporation Limited, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jiehui Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Tian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region of China, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China; Institute of Water Resources and Hydro-Electric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
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12
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Zhang X, Ma Z, Hao P, Ji S, Gao Y. Characteristics and health impacts of bioaerosols in animal barns: A comprehensive study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116381. [PMID: 38676963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosols produced during animal production have potential adverse effects on the health of workers and animals. Our objective was to investigate characteristics, antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs), and health risks of bioaerosols in various animal barns. Poultry and swine barns had high concentrations of airborne bacteria (11156 and 10917 CFU/m3, respectively). Acinetobacter, Clostridium sensu stricto, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus were dominant pathogenic bacteria in animal barns, with Firmicutes being the most abundant bacterial phylum. Based on linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), there were more discriminative biomarkers in cattle barns than in poultry or swine barns, although the latter had the highest abundance of bacterial pathogens and high abundances of ARGs (including tetM, tetO, tetQ, tetW sul1, sul2, ermA, ermB) and intI1). Based on network analyses, there were higher co-occurrence patterns between bacteria and ARGs in bioaerosol from swine barns. Furthermore, in these barns, relative abundance of bacteria in bioaerosol samples was greatly affected by environmental factors, mainly temperature, relative humidity, and concentrations of CO2, NH3, and PM2.5. This study provided novel data regarding airborne bio-contaminants in animal enclosures and an impetus to improve management to reduce potential health impacts on humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiqing Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Zhenhua Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Peng Hao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Shaoze Ji
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Yunhang Gao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun 130118, China.
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13
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Tian L, Fang G, Li G, Li L, Zhang T, Mao Y. Metagenomic approach revealed the mobility and co-occurrence of antibiotic resistomes between non-intensive aquaculture environment and human. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:107. [PMID: 38877573 PMCID: PMC11179227 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aquaculture is an important food source worldwide. The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive large-scale farms has resulted in resistance development. Non-intensive aquaculture is another aquatic feeding model that is conducive to ecological protection and closely related to the natural environment. However, the transmission of resistomes in non-intensive aquaculture has not been well characterized. Moreover, the influence of aquaculture resistomes on human health needs to be further understood. Here, metagenomic approach was employed to identify the mobility of aquaculture resistomes and estimate the potential risks to human health. RESULTS The results demonstrated that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were widely present in non-intensive aquaculture systems and the multidrug type was most abundant accounting for 34%. ARGs of non-intensive aquaculture environments were mainly shaped by microbial communities accounting for 51%. Seventy-seven genera and 36 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were significantly associated with 23 ARG types (p < 0.05) according to network analysis. Six ARGs were defined as core ARGs (top 3% most abundant with occurrence frequency > 80%) which occupied 40% of ARG abundance in fish gut samples. Seventy-one ARG-carrying contigs were identified and 75% of them carried MGEs simultaneously. The qacEdelta1 and sul1 formed a stable combination and were detected simultaneously in aquaculture environments and humans. Additionally, 475 high-quality metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered and 81 MAGs carried ARGs. The multidrug and bacitracin resistance genes were the most abundant ARG types carried by MAGs. Strikingly, Fusobacterium_A (opportunistic human pathogen) carrying ARGs and MGEs were identified in both the aquaculture system and human guts, which indicated the potential risks of ARG transfer. CONCLUSIONS The mobility and pathogenicity of aquaculture resistomes were explored by a metagenomic approach. Given the observed co-occurrence of resistomes between the aquaculture environment and human, more stringent regulation of resistomes in non-intensive aquaculture systems may be required. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tian
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, Guangdong, China
| | - Guimei Fang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, Guangdong, China
| | - Guijie Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, Guangdong, China
| | - Liguan Li
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, HKU SIRI, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Engineering Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, HKU SIRI, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Engineering Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanping Mao
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, Guangdong, China.
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Bava R, Castagna F, Lupia C, Poerio G, Liguori G, Lombardi R, Naturale MD, Mercuri C, Bulotta RM, Britti D, Palma E. Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock: A Serious Threat to Public Health. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:551. [PMID: 38927217 PMCID: PMC11200672 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060551] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance represents an alarming public health problem; its importance is related to the significant clinical implications (increased morbidity, mortality, disease duration, development of comorbidities, and epidemics), as well as its economic effects on the healthcare sector. In fact, therapeutic options are severely limited by the advent and spread of germs resistant to many antibiotics. The situation worldwide is worrying, especially in light of the prevalence of Gram-negative bacteria-Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii-which are frequently isolated in hospital environments and, more specifically, in intensive care units. The problem is compounded by the ineffective treatment of infections by patients who often self-prescribe therapy. Resistant bacteria also show resistance to the latest generation antibiotics, such as carbapenems. In fact, superbacteria, grouped under the acronym extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL), are becoming common. Antibiotic resistance is also found in the livestock sector, with serious repercussions on animal production. In general, this phenomenon affects all members of the biosphere and can only be addressed by adopting a holistic "One Health" approach. In this literature overview, a stock is taken of what has been learned about antibiotic resistance, and suggestions are proposed to stem its advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giusi Poerio
- ATS Val Padana, Via dei Toscani, 46100 Mantova, Italy;
| | | | - Renato Lombardi
- IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), 71013 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Maria Diana Naturale
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Health Programming, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Caterina Mercuri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Center for Pharmacological Research, Food Safety, High Tech and Health (IRC-FSH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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15
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Shi B, Jiang L, Ma R, Zhao W, Zheng Y, Pan W, Liu M, Jin S, Zhou Y. Ti 3C 2T x -AuNP based paper substrates for label-free SERS detection of bacteria and multimodal antibacterials. RSC Adv 2024; 14:18739-18749. [PMID: 38867737 PMCID: PMC11167614 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03723e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections have become a serious global health problem due to the misuse of antibiotics which causes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has been widely studied in recent years as a method to combat the development of bacterial resistance. However, PPT may cause damage to the human body due to excessive laser power. Therefore, it is important and urgent to develop a multifunctional platform that can sensitively detect bacteria and effectively inhibit or kill bacteria at low laser power. Herein, a novel multifunctional paper substrate of Ti3C2T x -AuNP was successfully synthesized by a self-assembly and freeze-drying method for bacterial detection and photothermal sterilization at low laser power. The typical Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the Gram-positive Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were used as models to perform label-free, rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria based on the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method with detection limits as low as 105 CFU mL-1 and 5 × 105 CFU mL-1, respectively, demonstrating the paper substrate's ability to detect bacteria with sensitivity and accuracy. The paper substrate of Ti3C2T x -AuNP exhibits significant antibacterial effects when irradiated with 808 nm light at a low laser power of only 300 mW cm-2 and a short irradiation time of 5 minutes, and the germicidal rates for E. coli and MRSA were 99.94% and 92.71%, respectively. At the same time, the paper substrate of Ti3C2T x -AuNP also produces a variety of reactive oxygen species under 808 nm laser irradiation, resulting in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Accordingly, this paper substrate of Ti3C2T x -AuNP can not only sensitively detect bacteria, but also has photothermal and photodynamic sterilization, providing a promising countermeasure for the clinical treatment of diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Shi
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Li Jiang
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Ruikai Ma
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Weidan Zhao
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Yekai Zheng
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Wangwei Pan
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Mi Liu
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Shangzhong Jin
- College of Optical and Electronic Technology, China Jiliang University Hangzhou 310018 P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou Zhejiang 325035 P. R. China
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16
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Thibodeau AJ, Barret M, Mouchet F, Nguyen VX, Pinelli E. The potential contribution of aquatic wildlife to antibiotic resistance dissemination in freshwater ecosystems: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123894. [PMID: 38599270 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (AR) is one of the major health threats of our time. The presence of antibiotics in the environment and their continuous release from sewage treatment plants, chemical manufacturing plants and animal husbandry, agriculture and aquaculture, result in constant selection pressure on microbial organisms. This presence leads to the emergence, mobilization, horizontal gene transfer and a selection of antibiotic resistance genes, resistant bacteria and mobile genetic elements. Under these circumstances, aquatic wildlife is impacted in all compartments, including freshwater organisms with partially impermeable microbiota. In this narrative review, recent advancements in terms of occurrence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in sewage treatment plant effluents source compared to freshwater have been examined, occurrence of antibiotic resistance in wildlife, as well as experiments on antibiotic exposure. Based on this current state of knowledge, we propose the hypothesis that freshwater aquatic wildlife may play a crucial role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance within the environment. Specifically, we suggest that organisms with high bacterial density tissues, which are partially isolated from the external environment, such as fishes and amphibians, could potentially be reservoirs and amplifiers of antibiotic resistance in the environment, potentially favoring the increase of the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and resistant bacteria. Potential avenues for further research (trophic transfer, innovative exposure experiment) and action (biodiversity eco-engineering) are finally proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J Thibodeau
- CRBE, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, UMR5300, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, Av. de l'Agrobiopole, France.
| | - Maialen Barret
- CRBE, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, UMR5300, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, Av. de l'Agrobiopole, France
| | - Florence Mouchet
- CRBE, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, UMR5300, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, Av. de l'Agrobiopole, France
| | - Van Xuan Nguyen
- CRBE, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, UMR5300, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, Av. de l'Agrobiopole, France
| | - Eric Pinelli
- CRBE, Centre de Recherche sur la Biodiversité et l'Environnement, UMR5300, 31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, Av. de l'Agrobiopole, France
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17
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Dulyayangkul P, Beavis T, Lee WWY, Ardagh R, Edwards F, Hamilton F, Head I, Heesom KJ, Mounsey O, Murarik M, Pinweha P, Reding C, Satapoomin N, Shaw JM, Takebayashi Y, Tooke CL, Spencer J, Williams PB, Avison MB. Harvesting and amplifying gene cassettes confers cross-resistance to critically important antibiotics. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012235. [PMID: 38843111 PMCID: PMC11156391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam are frequent antibiotic choices to treat bloodstream infection, which is commonly fatal and most often caused by bacteria from the family Enterobacterales. Here we show that two gene cassettes located side-by-side in and ancestral integron similar to In37 have been "harvested" by insertion sequence IS26 as a transposon that is widely disseminated among the Enterobacterales. This transposon encodes the enzymes AAC(6')-Ib-cr and OXA-1, reported, respectively, as amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam resistance mechanisms. However, by studying bloodstream infection isolates from 769 patients from three hospitals serving a population of 1.2 million people in South West England, we show that increased enzyme production due to mutation in an IS26/In37-derived hybrid promoter or, more commonly, increased transposon copy number is required to simultaneously remove these two key therapeutic options; in many cases leaving only the last-resort antibiotic, meropenem. These findings may help improve the accuracy of predicting piperacillin/tazobactam treatment failure, allowing stratification of patients to receive meropenem or piperacillin/tazobactam, which may improve outcome and slow the emergence of meropenem resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punyawee Dulyayangkul
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas Beavis
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Winnie W. Y. Lee
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie Ardagh
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Edwards
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ian Head
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton, United Kingdom
| | - Kate J. Heesom
- Bristol University Proteomics Facility, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Mounsey
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Marek Murarik
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peechanika Pinweha
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Reding
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Naphat Satapoomin
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Shaw
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Yuiko Takebayashi
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine L. Tooke
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - James Spencer
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Philip B. Williams
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B. Avison
- School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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18
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Xiu Y, Dai Y, Yin S, Wei Q. Analysis of the Class 1 Integrons, Carbapenemase Genes and Biofilm Formation Genes Occurrence in Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates. Pol J Microbiol 2024; 73:189-197. [PMID: 38808771 PMCID: PMC11192457 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2024-017] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a non-fermentative Gram-negative bacterium that can cause nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) has spread rapidly in clinical settings and has become a key concern. The main objective of this study was to identify the distribution of integrons and biofilm-formation-related virulence genes in CRAB isolates. A total of 269 A. baumannii isolates (219 isolates of CRAB and 50 isolates of carbapenem-sensitive A. baumannii (CSAB)) were collected. Carbapenemase genes (bla KPC, bla VIM, bla IMP, bla NDM, and bla OXA-23-like) and biofilm-formation-related virulence genes (abal, bfms, bap, and cusE) were screened with PCR. Class 1 integron was screened with PCR, and common promoters and gene cassette arrays were determined with restriction pattern analysis combined with primer walking sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted, and data were analyzed for a bla OXA-23-like-negative isolate. All 219 CRAB isolates were negative for bla KPC, bla VIM, bla IMP, and bla NDM, while bla OXA-23-like was detected in 218 isolates. The detection rates for abal, bfms, bap, and cusE in 219 CRAB were 93.15%, 63.93%, 88.13%, and 77.63%, respectively. Class 1 integron was detected in 75 CRAB (34.25%) and in 3 CSAB. The single gene cassette array aacA4-catB8-aadA1 with relatively strong PcH2 promoter was detected in class 1 integrons. The bla OXA-23-like-negative CRAB isolate was revealed to be a new sequence type (Oxford 3272, Pasteur 2520) carrying bla OXA-72, bla OXA-259, and bla ADC-26. In conclusion, bla OXA-23-like was the main reason for CRAB's resistance to carbapenems. A new (Oxford 3272, Pasteur 2520) CRAB sequence type carrying the bla OXA-72, bla OXA-259, and bla ADC-26 was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueru Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Quhao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai, China
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19
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Visca A, Di Gregorio L, Clagnan E, Bevivino A. Sustainable strategies: Nature-based solutions to tackle antibiotic resistance gene proliferation and improve agricultural productivity and soil quality. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118395. [PMID: 38307185 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118395] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The issue of antibiotic resistance is now recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the major problems in human health. Although its effects are evident in the healthcare settings, the root cause should be traced back to the One Health link, extending from animals to the environment. In fact, the use of organic fertilizers in agroecosystems represents one, if not the primary, cause of the introduction of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria into the soil. Since the concentrations of antibiotics introduced into the soil are residual, the agroecosystem has become a perfect environment for the selection and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The continuous influx of these emerging contaminants (i.e., antibiotics) into the agroecosystem results in the selection and accumulation of ARGs in soil bacteria, occasionally giving rise to multi-resistant bacteria. These bacteria may harbour ARGs related to various antibiotics on their plasmids. In this context, these bacteria can potentially enter the human sphere when individuals consume food from contaminated agroecosystems, leading to the acquisition of multi-resistant bacteria. Once introduced into the nosocomial environment, these bacteria pose a significant threat to human health. In this review, we analyse how the use of digestate as an organic fertilizer can mitigate the spread of ARGs in agroecosystems. Furthermore, we highlight how, according to European guidelines, digestate can be considered a Nature-Based Solution (NBS). This NBS not only has the ability to mitigate the spread of ARGs in agroecosystems but also offers the opportunity to further improve Microbial-Based Solutions (MBS), with the aim of enhancing soil quality and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Visca
- Department for Sustainability, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luciana Di Gregorio
- Department for Sustainability, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Clagnan
- Department for Sustainability, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Bevivino
- Department for Sustainability, Biotechnologies and Agroindustry Division, ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Casaccia Research Center, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
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20
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Ghaly TM, Gillings MR, Rajabal V, Paulsen IT, Tetu SG. Horizontal gene transfer in plant microbiomes: integrons as hotspots for cross-species gene exchange. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1338026. [PMID: 38741746 PMCID: PMC11089894 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1338026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant microbiomes play important roles in plant health and fitness. Bacterial horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can influence plant health outcomes, driving the spread of both plant growth-promoting and phytopathogenic traits. However, community dynamics, including the range of genetic elements and bacteria involved in this process are still poorly understood. Integrons are genetic elements recently shown to be abundant in plant microbiomes, and are associated with HGT across broad phylogenetic boundaries. They facilitate the spread of gene cassettes, small mobile elements that collectively confer a diverse suite of adaptive functions. Here, we analysed 5,565 plant-associated bacterial genomes to investigate the prevalence and functional diversity of integrons in this niche. We found that integrons are particularly abundant in the genomes of Pseudomonadales, Burkholderiales, and Xanthomonadales. In total, we detected nearly 9,000 gene cassettes, and found that many could be involved in plant growth promotion or phytopathogenicity, suggesting that integrons might play a role in bacterial mutualistic or pathogenic lifestyles. The rhizosphere was enriched in cassettes involved in the transport and metabolism of diverse substrates, suggesting that they may aid in adaptation to this environment, which is rich in root exudates. We also found that integrons facilitate cross-species HGT, which is particularly enhanced in the phyllosphere. This finding may provide an ideal opportunity to promote plant growth by fostering the spread of genes cassettes relevant to leaf health. Together, our findings suggest that integrons are important elements in plant microbiomes that drive HGT, and have the potential to facilitate plant host adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian T. Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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21
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Nery Garcia BL, Dantas STA, da Silva Barbosa K, Mendes Mitsunaga T, Butters A, Camargo CH, Nobrega DB. Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Other Antimicrobial-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens Isolated from Bovine Mastitis: A One Health Perspective. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:391. [PMID: 38786120 PMCID: PMC11117280 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an imminent threat to global public health, driven in part by the widespread use of antimicrobials in both humans and animals. Within the dairy cattle industry, Gram-negative coliforms such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae stand out as major causative agents of clinical mastitis. These same bacterial species are frequently associated with severe infections in humans, including bloodstream and urinary tract infections, and contribute significantly to the alarming surge in antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections worldwide. Additionally, mastitis-causing coliforms often carry AMR genes akin to those found in hospital-acquired strains, notably the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes. This raises concerns regarding the potential transmission of resistant bacteria and AMR from mastitis cases in dairy cattle to humans. In this narrative review, we explore the distinctive characteristics of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella spp. strains implicated in clinical mastitis and human infections. We focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying AMR in these bacterial populations and critically evaluate the potential for interspecies transmission. Despite some degree of similarity observed in sequence types and mobile genetic elements between strains found in humans and cows, the existing literature does not provide conclusive evidence to assert that coliforms responsible for mastitis in cows pose a direct threat to human health. Finally, we also scrutinize the existing literature, identifying gaps and limitations, and propose avenues for future research to address these pressing challenges comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Luis Nery Garcia
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (B.L.N.G.); (S.T.A.D.); (K.d.S.B.); (T.M.M.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Stéfani Thais Alves Dantas
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (B.L.N.G.); (S.T.A.D.); (K.d.S.B.); (T.M.M.)
| | - Kristian da Silva Barbosa
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (B.L.N.G.); (S.T.A.D.); (K.d.S.B.); (T.M.M.)
| | - Thatiane Mendes Mitsunaga
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil; (B.L.N.G.); (S.T.A.D.); (K.d.S.B.); (T.M.M.)
| | - Alyssa Butters
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | | | - Diego Borin Nobrega
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
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22
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Zhu Y, Wang T, Zhu W, Wei Q. Molecular Characterization of Class 1 Integrons and Carbapenem-Resistant Genes in Enterobacter cloacae Complex Isolates. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:158. [PMID: 38658428 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03679-9] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) widely exists in the hospital environment and is one of the important conditional pathogens of hospital-acquired infection. To investigate the distribution of integrons and carbapenem-resistant genes in clinical ECC, 70 isolates of ECC from non-sputum specimens were collected. Class 1 and class 2 integron integrase gene intI1 and intI2, as well as common carbapenem-resistant genes, blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaGES, and blaOXA-23, were screened. Gene cassette arrays and common promoters of class 1 integron together with subtypes of carbapenem-resistant genes were determined by sequencing. Resistant rates to commonly used antimicrobial agents between class 1 integron-positive and integron-negative ECC isolates were analyzed. The whole-genome of blaNDM-7 harboring Enterobacter hormaechei was sequenced and the sequence around blaNDM-7 was analyzed. Twenty isolates were positive for intI1. Nineteen different antimicrobial-resistant gene cassettes and 11 different gene cassette arrays, including aadA22-lnuF, were detected in this study. Common promoters of class 1 integron PcH1, PcW, PcW-P2, and PcH2 were detected in 12, 4, 3, and 1 isolates, respectively. The rates of antimicrobial resistance of intI1-positive isolates were higher than those of intI1-negative isolates to clinical commonly used antimicrobial agents. Carbapenem-resistant genes blaKPC-2, blaNDM-1, blaNDM-2, and blaNDM-7 were detected in 2, 1, 1, and 1 isolates, respectively. blaNDM-7 was located between bleMBL and IS5. To the best of our knowledge, this study reported for the first time of blaNDM-7 in ECC isolate in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yancheng Second People's Hospital, Jiangsu, 224000, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Wenwen Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China
| | - Quhao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital South Campus, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Fengxian Hospital, 6600 Nanfeng Road, Shanghai, 201499, China.
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23
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Takei K, Ogawa M, Sakata R, Kanamori H. Molecular Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella aerogenes in Japan. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4494. [PMID: 38674079 PMCID: PMC11049973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Information regarding Klebsiella aerogenes haboring carbapenemase in Japan is limited. A comprehensive nationwide survey was conducted from September 2014 to December 2022, and 67 non-duplicate strains of carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes were isolated from 57 healthcare facilities in Japan. Through genetic testing and whole-genome sequencing, six strains were found to possess carbapenemases, including imipenemase (IMP)-1, IMP-6, New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-1, and NDM-5. The strain harboring blaNDM-5 was the novel strain ST709, which belongs to the clonal complex of the predominant ST4 in China. The novel integron containing blaIMP-1 featured the oxacillinase-101 gene, which is a previously unreported structure, with an IncN4 plasmid type. However, integrons found in the strains possessing blaIMP-6, which were the most commonly identified, matched those reported domestically in Klebsiella pneumoniae, suggesting the prevalence of identical integrons. Transposons containing blaNDM are similar or identical to the transposon structure of K. aerogenes harboring blaNDM-5 previously reported in Japan, suggesting that the same type of transposon could have been transmitted to K. aerogenes in Japan. This investigation analyzed mobile genetic elements, such as integrons and transposons, to understand the spread of carbapenemases, highlighting the growing challenge of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in Japan and underscoring the critical need for ongoing surveillance to control these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentarou Takei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan;
| | - Miho Ogawa
- Department of Bacteriology, BML Inc., Kawagoe 350-1101, Japan
| | - Ryuji Sakata
- Department of Bacteriology, BML Inc., Kawagoe 350-1101, Japan
| | - Hajime Kanamori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan;
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24
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Araújo D, Silva AR, Fernandes R, Serra P, Barros MM, Campos AM, Oliveira R, Silva S, Almeida C, Castro J. Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals. Pathogens 2024; 13:320. [PMID: 38668275 PMCID: PMC11054384 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040320] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The importance of addressing the problem of biofilms in farm, wild, and companion animals lies in their pervasive impact on animal health and welfare. Biofilms, as resilient communities of microorganisms, pose a persistent challenge in causing infections and complicating treatment strategies. Recognizing and understanding the importance of mitigating biofilm formation is critical to ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, from farms to the wild and companion animals. Effectively addressing this issue not only improves the overall health of individual animals, but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation, and responsible pet ownership. This review examines the current understanding of biofilm formation in animal diseases and elucidates the complex processes involved. Recognizing the limitations of traditional antibiotic treatments, mechanisms of resistance associated with biofilms are explored. The focus is on alternative therapeutic strategies to control biofilm, with illuminating case studies providing valuable context and practical insights. In conclusion, the review highlights the importance of exploring emerging approaches to mitigate biofilm formation in animals. It consolidates existing knowledge, highlights gaps in understanding, and encourages further research to address this critical facet of animal health. The comprehensive perspective provided by this review serves as a foundation for future investigations and interventions to improve the management of biofilm-associated infections in diverse animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Araújo
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Silva
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Rúben Fernandes
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Patrícia Serra
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Maria Margarida Barros
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- CECAV—Veterinary and Animal Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Maria Campos
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
| | - Ricardo Oliveira
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Silva
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Carina Almeida
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- AliCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- INIAV—National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Rua dos Lagidos, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (A.R.S.); (R.F.); (P.S.); (M.M.B.); (A.M.C.); (R.O.); (S.S.); (C.A.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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25
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Blanco P, Hipólito A, García-Pastor L, Trigo da Roza F, Toribio-Celestino L, Ortega A, Vergara E, San Millán Á, Escudero J. Identification of promoter activity in gene-less cassettes from Vibrionaceae superintegrons. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2961-2976. [PMID: 38214222 PMCID: PMC11014356 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic platforms that acquire new genes encoded in integron cassettes (ICs), building arrays of adaptive functions. ICs generally encode promoterless genes, whose expression relies on the platform-associated Pc promoter, with the cassette array functioning as an operon-like structure regulated by the distance to the Pc. This is relevant in large sedentary chromosomal integrons (SCIs) carrying hundreds of ICs, like those in Vibrio species. We selected 29 gene-less cassettes in four Vibrio SCIs, and explored whether their function could be related to the transcription regulation of adjacent ICs. We show that most gene-less cassettes have promoter activity on the sense strand, enhancing the expression of downstream cassettes. Additionally, we identified the transcription start sites of gene-less ICs through 5'-RACE. Accordingly, we found that most of the superintegron in Vibrio cholerae is not silent. These promoter cassettes can trigger the expression of a silent dfrB9 cassette downstream, increasing trimethoprim resistance >512-fold in V. cholerae and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, one cassette with an antisense promoter can reduce trimethoprim resistance when cloned downstream. Our findings highlight the regulatory role of gene-less cassettes in the expression of adjacent cassettes, emphasizing their significance in SCIs and their clinical importance if captured by mobile integrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Blanco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alberto Hipólito
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Lucía García-Pastor
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Filipa Trigo da Roza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Laura Toribio-Celestino
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Alba Cristina Ortega
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ester Vergara
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Álvaro San Millán
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biológica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28222, Spain
| | - José Antonio Escudero
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain
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26
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Minnick MF. Functional Roles and Genomic Impact of Miniature Inverted-Repeat Transposable Elements (MITEs) in Prokaryotes. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:328. [PMID: 38540387 PMCID: PMC10969869 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prokaryotic genomes are dynamic tapestries that are strongly influenced by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including transposons (Tn's), plasmids, and bacteriophages. Of these, miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are undoubtedly the least studied MGEs in bacteria and archaea. This review explores the diversity and distribution of MITEs in prokaryotes and describes what is known about their functional roles in the host and involvement in genomic plasticity and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Minnick
- Program in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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Zhou Z, Tang J, Tang K, An M, Liu Z, Wu Z, Cao X, He C. Selective enrichment of bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic biofilms and their potential hazards in coral reef ecosystems. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141309. [PMID: 38281603 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141309] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics become hotspots for bacteria to trigger a series of ecological effects, but few studies have focused on the potential impacts of microplastic biofilms in coral reef ecosystems. Here, we measured the bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the seawater and microplastic biofilms. Results showed that microbial biofilms were formed on the surface of microplastics. The alpha diversity of the bacterial community in the microplastic biofilms was lower than that in the seawater, and the bacterial communities were distinct between the two. Further analysis revealed that several bacteria in the microplastic biofilms carried ARGs, and the proportion of which was correlated to the concentration of antibiotics in the seawater. Specifically, Vibrio was positively correlated to sul1 in the microplastic biofilms under higher concentrations of sulfonamides. Pathway analysis reflected significant overrepresentation of human disease related pathways in the bacterial community of microplastic biofilms. These results suggest that the microplastic biofilms could selectively enrich bacteria from the reef environments, causing the development of ARGs under antibiotic driving. This may pose a serious threat to coral reef ecosystems and human health. Our study provides new insights into the ecological impacts of microplastic biofilms in coral reef ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Jia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Kai Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Mingxun An
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhaoqun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zhongjie Wu
- Hainan Academy of Ocean and Fisheries Sciences, Haikou 571126, China.
| | - Xiaocong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haikou 571126, China
| | - Chunlong He
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Magalhães EA, de Jesus HE, Pereira PHF, Gomes AS, Santos HFD. Beach sand plastispheres are hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes and potentially pathogenic bacteria even in beaches with good water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123237. [PMID: 38159625 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123237] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Massive amounts of microplastics are transported daily from the oceans and rivers onto beaches. The ocean plastisphere is a hotspot and a vector for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, very little is known about the plastisphere in beach sand. Thus, to describe whether the microplastics from beach sand represent a risk to human health, we evaluated the bacteriome and abundance of ARGs on microplastic and sand sampled at the drift line and supralittoral zones of four beaches of poor and good water quality. The bacteriome was evaluated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, and the ARGs and bacterial abundances were evaluated by high-throughput real-time PCR. The results revealed that the microplastic harbored a bacterial community that is more abundant and distinct from that of beach sand, as well as a greater abundance of potential human and marine pathogens, especially the microplastics deposited closer to seawater. Microplastics also harbored a greater number and abundance of ARGs. All antibiotic classes evaluated were found in the microplastic samples, but not in the beach sand ones. Additionally, 16 ARGs were found on the microplastic alone, including genes related to multidrug resistance (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, tetM, mdtE and acrB_1), genes that have the potential to rapidly and horizontally spread (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, and tetM), and the gene that confers resistance to antibiotics that are typically regarded as the ultimate line of defense against severe multi-resistant bacterial infections (blaKPC). Lastly, microplastic harbored a similar bacterial community and ARGs regardless of beach water quality. Our findings suggest that the accumulation of microplastics in beach sand worldwide may constitute a potential threat to human health, even in beaches where the water quality is deemed satisfactory. This phenomenon may facilitate the emergence and dissemination of bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Amorim Magalhães
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Hugo Emiliano de Jesus
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Freitas Pereira
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Abílio Soares Gomes
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil
| | - Henrique Fragoso Dos Santos
- Department of Marine Biology, Fluminense Federal University - UFF. St. Professor Marcos Waldemar de Freitas Reis, Niterói, RJ, 24210-201, Brazil.
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Freddi S, Rajabal V, Tetu SG, Gillings MR, Penesyan A. Microbial biofilms on macroalgae harbour diverse integron gene cassettes. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2024; 170:001446. [PMID: 38488860 PMCID: PMC10963911 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001446] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Integrons are genetic platforms that capture, rearrange and express mobile modules called gene cassettes. The best characterized gene cassettes encode antibiotic resistance, but the function of most integron gene cassettes remains unknown. Functional predictions suggest that many gene cassettes could encode proteins that facilitate interactions with other cells and with the extracellular environment. Because cell interactions are essential for biofilm stability, we sequenced gene cassettes from biofilms growing on the surface of the marine macroalgae Ulva australis and Sargassum linearifolium. Algal samples were obtained from coastal rock platforms around Sydney, Australia, using seawater as a control. We demonstrated that integrons in microbial biofilms did not sample genes randomly from the surrounding seawater, but harboured specific functions that potentially provided an adaptive advantage to both the bacterial cells in biofilm communities and their macroalgal host. Further, integron gene cassettes had a well-defined spatial distribution, suggesting that each bacterial biofilm acquired these genetic elements via sampling from a large but localized pool of gene cassettes. These findings suggest two forms of filtering: a selective acquisition of different integron-containing bacterial species into the distinct biofilms on Ulva and Sargassum surfaces, and a selective retention of unique populations of gene cassettes at each sampling location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Freddi
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
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Li X, Zhu L, Zhang SY, Li J, Lin D, Wang M. Characterization of microbial contamination in agricultural soil: A public health perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169139. [PMID: 38070547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169139] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Soil is widely recognized as a reservoir of microbial contaminants including antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs), which are major public health concerns. Although the risks associated with soil safety in different soil habitats have been studied, the results are not comprehensive. In this study, dryland soils used for vegetable, corn, and soybean planting, and submerged soils used for rice planting and crab farming were collected and subjected to metagenomic sequencing to characterize HBPs, ARGs, and virulence factor genes (VFGs). The results showed that submerged soils had a higher abundance of HBP than dryland soils. In addition, the submerged soil microbiome acquired significantly higher levels of high-risk ARGs than the dryland soil microbiome and these ARGs were mainly assigned to bacA, sul1, and aadA genes submerged. Network analysis revealed that 11 HBPs, including Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Leptospira interrogans, were high-risk because of their close association with ARGs, VFGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Procrustes and network analyses showed that HBPs and ARGs were more closely linked in submerged soil. This study confirms that submerged field has higher ecological environment risk and human health risk than dryland soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Li
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Si-Yu Zhang
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingpeng Li
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Da Lin
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Meizhen Wang
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Platform for Low-Carbon Recycling of Waste and Green Development & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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Wang L, Guan Y, Lin X, Wei J, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Tan J, Jiang J, Ling C, Cai L, Li X, Liang X, Wei W, Li RM. Whole-Genome Sequencing of an Escherichia coli ST69 Strain Harboring blaCTX-M-27 on a Hybrid Plasmid. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:365-375. [PMID: 38318209 PMCID: PMC10840416 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s427571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Escherichia coli is a common Gram-negative human pathogen. The emergence of E. coli with multiple-antibiotic-resistant phenotypes has become a serious health concern. This study reports the whole-genome sequences of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli EC6868 and explores the acquired antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) as well as their genetic contexts. Methods E. coli EC6868 was isolated from a vaginal secretion sample of a pregnant patient in China. The antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed, and whole-genome sequencing was conducted. The acquired ARGs, insertion sequence (IS) elements, and integrons within the genome of E. coli EC6868 were identified, and the genetic contexts associated with the ARGs were analyzed systematically. Results E. coli EC6868 was determined to belong to ST69 and harbored a 144.9-kb IncF plasmid (pEC6868-1) with three replicons (Col156, IncFIBAP001918, and IncFII). The ESBL gene blaCTX-M-27 was located on the structure "∆ISEcp1-blaCTX-M-27-IS903B", which was widely present in the species of Enterobacteriales. Other ARGs carried by plasmid pEC6868-1 were mainly located on the 18.9-kb IS26-composite transposon (five copies of intact IS26 and one copy of truncated IS26) composing of IS26-mphA-mrx(A)-mphR(A)-IS6100, ∆TnAs3-eamA-tet(A)-tetR(A)-aph(6)-Id-aph(3")-Ib-sul2-IS26, and a class 1 integron, which was widely present on IncF plasmids of E. coli, mainly distributed in ST131, ST38, and ST405. Notably, pEC6868 in our study was the first report on a plasmid harboring the 18.9-kb structure in E. coli ST69 in China. Conclusion The 3GC-R E. coli ST69 strain with an MDR IncF plasmid carrying blaCTX-M-27 and other ARGs, conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and trimethoprim, was identified in a hospital in China. Mobile genetic elements including ISEcp1, IS903B, IS26, Tn3, IS6100 and class 1 integron were found within the MDR region, which could play important roles in the global dissemination of these resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuee Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinghuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Limei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Tan
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caiqin Ling
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Cai
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiong Liang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University (Zhuhai People’s Hospital), Zhuhai, 519000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui-Man Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, People’s Republic of China
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Nomoto R, Osawa K, Kinoshita S, Kitagawa K, Nakanishi N, Sarassari R, Raharjo D, Fujisawa M, Kuntaman K, Shirakawa T. Metagenome and Resistome Analysis of Beta-Lactam-Resistant Bacteria Isolated from River Waters in Surabaya, Indonesia. Microorganisms 2024; 12:199. [PMID: 38258025 PMCID: PMC10819989 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010199] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial agents are administered to humans and livestock, and bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial agents are released into the environment. In this study, to investigate the trend of AMR in humans, livestock, and the environment, we performed a metagenomic analysis of multidrug-resistant bacteria with CHROMagar ESBL in environmental river water samples, which were collected using syringe filter units from waters near hospitals, downtown areas, residential areas, and water treatment plants in Surabaya, Indonesia. Our results showed that Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Escherichia, and Klebsiella grew in CHROMagar ESBL; they were most frequently detected in water samples from rivers surrounding hospitals contaminated with various AMR genes (ARGs) in high levels. These results identified bacteria as ARG reservoirs and revealed that hospitals could be sources for various ARGs disseminated into the environment. In conclusion, this study details a novel metagenomic analysis of collected bacteria in environmental water samples using a syringe filter unit for an AMR epidemiological study based on the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Nomoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kobe Institute of Health, Kobe 650-0046, Japan; (R.N.); (N.N.)
| | - Kayo Osawa
- Department of Medical Technology, Kobe Tokiwa University, Kobe 653-0838, Japan
| | - Shohiro Kinoshita
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Koichi Kitagawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Noriko Nakanishi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kobe Institute of Health, Kobe 650-0046, Japan; (R.N.); (N.N.)
| | - Rosantia Sarassari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60132, Indonesia; (R.S.); (K.K.)
| | - Dadik Raharjo
- Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia;
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Department of Organ Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
| | - Kuntaman Kuntaman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60132, Indonesia; (R.S.); (K.K.)
- Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia;
| | - Toshiro Shirakawa
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe 650-0017, Japan; (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.)
- Division of Urology, Department of Organ Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan;
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Tang H, Liu Z, Hu B, Zhu L. D-Ring Modifications of Tetracyclines Determine Their Ability to Induce Resistance Genes in the Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1338-1348. [PMID: 38157442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07559] [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: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The widespread utilization of tetracyclines (TCs) in agriculture and medicine has led to the borderless spread of tetracycline resistance in humans, animals, and the environment, posing huge risks to both the ecosystem and human society. Changes in the functional group modifications resulted in a higher bacteriostatic efficacy of the new generation of TCs, but their effect on the emergence and evolution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is not yet known. To this end, four TCs from three generations were chosen to compare their structural effects on influencing the evolution of ARGs in soil microbial communities. The findings revealed that low-generation TCs, such as tetracycline and oxytetracycline, exhibited a greater propensity to stimulate the production and proliferation of ARGs than did high-generation tigecycline. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that modifications of the D-ring functional group determined the binding capacity of TCs to the substrate-binding pocket of transcriptional regulators and efflux pumps mainly involved in drug resistance. This can be further evidenced by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction quantification and intracellular antibiotic accumulation assessment. This study sheds light on the mechanism of the structural effect of antibiotic-induced ARG production from the perspective of compound-protein binding, therefore providing theoretical support for controlling the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Tang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zishu Liu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Baolan Hu
- 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, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Dželalija M, Fredotović Ž, Udiković-Kolić N, Kalinić H, Jozić S, Šamanić I, Ordulj M, Maravić A. Large-Scale Biogeographical Shifts of Abundance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Marine Bacterial Communities as Their Carriers along a Trophic Gradient. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:654. [PMID: 38203824 PMCID: PMC10779287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010654] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of marine environments in the global spread of antibiotic resistance still remains poorly understood, leaving gaps in the One Health-based research framework. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) encoding resistance to five major antibiotic classes, including sulfonamides (sul1, sul2), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB), β-lactams (blaCTX-M, blaTEMblaVIM), macrolides (ermB, mphA), aminoglycosides (aac3-2), and integrase gene (intl1) were quantified by RT-qPCR, and their distribution was investigated in relation to environmental parameters and the total bacterial community in bottom layer and surface waters of the central Adriatic (Mediterranean), over a 68 km line from the wastewater-impacted estuary to coastal and pristine open sea. Seasonal changes (higher in winter) were observed for antibiotic resistance frequency and the relative abundances of ARGs, which were generally higher in eutrophic coastal areas. In particular, intl1, followed by blaTEM and blaVIM, were strongly associated with anthropogenic influence and Gammaproteobacteria as their predominant carriers. Water column stratification and geographic location had a significant influence on ARGs distribution in the oligotrophic zone, where the bacterial community exhibited a seasonal shift from Gammaproteobacteria in winter to Marine group II in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Dželalija
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.D.); (Ž.F.); (I.Š.)
| | - Željana Fredotović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.D.); (Ž.F.); (I.Š.)
| | - Nikolina Udiković-Kolić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10002 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Hrvoje Kalinić
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Slaven Jozić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Ivica Šamanić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.D.); (Ž.F.); (I.Š.)
| | - Marin Ordulj
- University Department of Marine Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Ana Maravić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.D.); (Ž.F.); (I.Š.)
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Qi Q, Ghaly TM, Rajabal V, Gillings MR, Tetu SG. Dissecting molecular evolution of class 1 integron gene cassettes and identifying their bacterial hosts in suburban creeks via epicPCR. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:100-111. [PMID: 37962091 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to sequence class 1 integrons in uncultured environmental bacterial cells in freshwater from suburban creeks and uncover the taxonomy of their bacterial hosts. We also aimed to characterize integron gene cassettes with altered DNA sequences relative to those from databases or literature and identify key signatures of their molecular evolution. METHODS We applied a single-cell fusion PCR-based technique-emulsion, paired isolation and concatenation PCR (epicPCR)-to link class 1 integron gene cassette arrays to the phylogenetic markers of their bacterial hosts. The levels of streptomycin resistance conferred by the WT and altered aadA5 and aadA11 gene cassettes that encode aminoglycoside (3″) adenylyltransferases were experimentally quantified in an Escherichia coli host. RESULTS Class 1 integron gene cassette arrays were detected in Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria hosts. A subset of three gene cassettes displayed signatures of molecular evolution, namely the gain of a regulatory 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), the loss of attC recombination sites between adjacent gene cassettes, and the invasion of a 5'-UTR by an IS element. Notably, our experimental testing of a novel variant of the aadA11 gene cassette demonstrated that gaining the observed 5'-UTR contributed to a 3-fold increase in the MIC of streptomycin relative to the ancestral reference gene cassette in E. coli. CONCLUSIONS Dissecting the observed signatures of molecular evolution of class 1 integrons allowed us to explain their effects on antibiotic resistance phenotypes, while identifying their bacterial hosts enabled us to make better inferences on the likely origins of novel gene cassettes and IS that invade known gene cassettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qi
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy M Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael R Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sasha G Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Synthetic Biology, 14 Eastern Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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36
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Zheng Q, Li L, Yin X, Che Y, Zhang T. Is ICE hot? A genomic comparative study reveals integrative and conjugative elements as "hot" vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. mSystems 2023; 8:e0017823. [PMID: 38032189 PMCID: PMC10734551 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00178-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Different from other extensively studied mobile genetic elements (MGEs) whose discoveries were initiated decades ago (1950s-1980s), integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), a diverse array of more recently identified elements that were formally termed in 2002, have aroused increasing concern for their crucial contribution to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the comprehensive understanding on ICEs' ARG profile across the bacterial tree of life is still blurred. Through a genomic study by comparison with two key MGEs, we, for the first time, systematically investigated the ARG profile as well as the host range of ICEs and also explored the MGE-specific potential to facilitate ARG propagation across phylogenetic barriers. These findings could serve as a theoretical foundation for risk assessment of ARGs mediated by distinct MGEs and further to optimize therapeutic strategies aimed at restraining antibiotic resistance crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zheng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liguan Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaole Yin
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - You Che
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Microbiome Engineering and Biotechnology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Engineering Research,The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Mahony AK, McNamara PJ, Arnold WA. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) in Wastewater Influent and Effluent Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20148-20158. [PMID: 37934083 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04413] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used in consumer and industrial products, including disinfectants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disinfectant use has increased, purportedly increasing loads to wastewater treatment plants and the environment. To understand how the increased usage has affected QAC loadings to treatment plants and to determine how effectively plants remove QACs from liquid effluent that is discharged to surface and groundwaters, influent and effluent wastewater samples were collected from four treatment plants (treatment capacities < 5 MGD to > 100 MGD) for 21 months beginning in May 2020. Influent QAC concentrations were hundreds of μg/L and effluent QAC concentrations were < 1 μg/L, corresponding to an average removal of 98% from all four plants. The most prevalent QACs in influent were those used most commonly in disinfectants, specifically benzylalkyldimethylammonium compounds (BACs) and short-chain dialkyldimethylammonium compounds (DADMACs), and influent levels of these compounds were correlated with QAC sales. Prior to this study, ethylbenzylalkyldimethylammonium compounds (EtBACs) had not been studied, and they comprised 13 ± 6% of QACs in influent. While removal was high at all plants, low μg/L concentrations were still continuously discharged into the environment. For QACs with equivalent alkyl chain lengths, those with aromatic substituents (BACs and EtBACs) appear to be removed more effectively than those with only alkyl chains (DADMACs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Mahony
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Patrick J McNamara
- Department of Civil, Construction, Environmental Engineering, Marquette University, 1515 West Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 United States
| | - William A Arnold
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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38
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Fresno M, Pavez L, Poblete Y, Cortez A, Del Pozo T. Unveiling antimicrobial resistance in Chilean fertilized soils: a One Health perspective on environmental AMR surveillance. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239761. [PMID: 38107869 PMCID: PMC10722175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239761] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to humans and animals as well as the environment. Within agricultural settings, the utilization of antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In Chile, the widespread use of animal-derived organic amendments, including manure and compost, requires an examination of the potential emergence of AMR resulting from their application. The aim of this research was to identify and compare AMR genes found in fertilized soils and manure in Los Andes city, Chile. Soil samples were collected from an agricultural field, comprising unamended soils, amended soils, and manure used for crop fertilization. The selected genes (n = 28) included genes associated with resistance to beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, polymyxins, macrolides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, as well as mobile genetic elements and multidrug resistance genes. Twenty genes were successfully identified in the samples. Tetracycline resistance genes displayed the highest prevalence, followed by MGE and sulfonamides, while quinolone resistance genes were comparatively less abundant. Notably, blaOXA, sulA, tetO, tetW, tetM, aac (6) ib., and intI1, exhibited higher frequencies in unamended soils, indicating their potential persistence within the soil microbiome and contribution to the perpetuation of AMR over time. Given the complex nature of AMR, it is crucial to adopt an integrated surveillance framework that embraces the One Health approach, involving multiple sectors, to effectively address this challenge. This study represents the first investigation of antimicrobial resistance genes in agricultural soils in Chile, shedding light on the presence and dynamics of AMR in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Fresno
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Red CYTED-USCC. CYTED 412RT0117: Una Salud en Iberoamérica y El Caribe frente al cambio climático y la pérdida de biodiversidad, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonardo Pavez
- Núcleo de Investigación en Ciencias Biológicas (NICB), Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Humanas, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yanina Poblete
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexandra Cortez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Talía Del Pozo
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
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39
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Teixeira AM, Vaz-Moreira I, Calderón-Franco D, Weissbrodt D, Purkrtova S, Gajdos S, Dottorini G, Nielsen PH, Khalifa L, Cytryn E, Bartacek J, Manaia CM. Candidate biomarkers of antibiotic resistance for the monitoring of wastewater and the downstream environment. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120761. [PMID: 37918195 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120761] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Urban wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are essential for reducing the pollutants load and protecting water bodies. However, wastewater catchment areas and UWTPs emit continuously antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with recognized impacts on the downstream environments. Recently, the European Commission recommended to monitor antibiotic resistance in UWTPs serving more than 100 000 population equivalents. Antibiotic resistance monitoring in environmental samples can be challenging. The expected complexity of these systems can jeopardize the interpretation capacity regarding, for instance, wastewater treatment efficiency, impacts of environmental contamination, or risks due to human exposure. Simplified monitoring frameworks will be essential for the successful implementation of analytical procedures, data analysis, and data sharing. This study aimed to test a set of biomarkers representative of ARG contamination, selected based on their frequent human association and, simultaneously, rare presence in pristine environments. In addition to the 16S rRNA gene, ten potential biomarkers (intI1, sul1, ermB, ermF, aph(3'')-Ib, qacEΔ1, uidA, mefC, tetX, and crAssphage) were monitored in DNA extracts (n = 116) from raw wastewater, activated sludge, treated wastewater, and surface water (upstream and downstream of UWTPs) samples collected in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Each biomarker was sensitive enough to measure decreases (on average by up to 2.5 log-units gene copy/mL) from raw wastewater to surface water, with variations in the same order of magnitude as for the 16S rRNA gene. The use of the 10 biomarkers allowed the typing of water samples whose origin or quality could be predicted in a blind test. The results show that, based on appropriate biomarkers, qPCR can be used for a cost-effective and technically accessible approach to monitoring wastewater and the downstream environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Margarida Teixeira
- CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua de Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal
| | - Ivone Vaz-Moreira
- CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua de Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal
| | - David Calderón-Franco
- Department of Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology Section, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, HZ 2629, the Netherlands
| | - David Weissbrodt
- Department of Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology Section, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, Delft, HZ 2629, the Netherlands; Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7034, Norway
| | - Sabina Purkrtova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 5 Technická, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Gajdos
- Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 5 Technická, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Giulia Dottorini
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Center for Microbial Communities, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
| | - Per Halkjær Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Center for Microbial Communities, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
| | - Leron Khalifa
- Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O Box 15159, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - Eddie Cytryn
- Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, The Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, P.O Box 15159, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - Jan Bartacek
- Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 5 Technická, Prague 166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Célia M Manaia
- CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina - Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua de Diogo Botelho 1327, Porto 4169-005, Portugal.
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Guo Y, Wu C, Wang Z, Shi Y, Sun J. Co-occurrence of toxic metals, bacterial communities and metal resistance genes in coastal sediments from Bohai bay. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122666. [PMID: 37788796 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122666] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Sediment heavy metal contamination poses substantial risks to microbial community composition and functional gene distribution. Bohai Bay (BHB), the second-largest bay in the Bohai Sea, is subject to severe anthropogenic pollution. However, to date, there have been no studies conducted to evaluate the distribution of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and bacterial communities in the coastal sediments of BHB. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing based on 16S rRNA genes and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to provide a comprehensive view of toxic metals, MRGs, and bacterial communities in BHB's coastal sediment samples across two seasons. We detected high levels of Cd in the summer samples and As in the autumn samples. The metal content in most autumn samples and all summer samples, based on ecological indices, indicated low ecological risk. Proteobacteria dominated all samples, followed by Desulfobacterota, Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota. Bacterial community variability was higher between autumn sampling sites but more stable in summer. We detected 9 MRG subtypes in all samples, with abundances ranging from 4.58 × 10-1 to 2.25 copies/16S rRNA copies. arsB exhibited the highest relative abundance, followed by acr3, czcA and arrA. The efflux mechanism is a common mechanism for sediment resistance to metal stress in Bohai Bay. Procrustes analysis indicated that bacterial community composition may be a determinant of MRGs composition in BHB sediments. Network analysis suggested that eight classes could be potential hosts for six MRGs. However, this type of correlation requires further validation. To summarize, our study offers preliminary insights into bacterial community and MRG distribution patterns in heavy metal-exposed sediments, laying the groundwork for understanding microbial community adaptations in multi-metal polluted environments and supporting ecological restoration efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China; Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China; Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China
| | - Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, 430074, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China; Research Centre for Indian Ocean Ecosystem, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China; Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China.
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41
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Li Y, Wang H, Wang M, Wang Y, Shi B. The perfluoroalkyl substances influenced the distribution of bacterial communities and their functions from source water to tap water. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120831. [PMID: 37950955 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water are environmental issues that require special attention. The objective of this study was to know the effects of PFASs on microbial communities and their functional genes from source water to tap water. PFASs were detected by mass-labeled internal standards method, and the microbial communities and functional genes were analyzed by metagenomics. Our results indicated that the concentration of total PFASs in the water ranged from 47.7 to 171.4 ng/L, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being the dominant types. The PFASs concentration decreased slowly from source to tap water in some months. PFBA, PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) influenced the functional genes related to two-component system, bacterial secretion system and flagellar assembly of Aquabacterium, Methylobacterium, and Curvibacter, which contributed significantly to macB and evgS. Therefore, the bacterial communities enhanced adaptation to fluctuating environments by upregulating some functional genes under the PFASs stress, with concomitant changes in the expression of ARGs. Moreover, PFASs also promoted the expression of functional genes associated with human diseases, such as shigellosis and tuberculosis, which increased the risk of human pathogenicity. The bench scale experiment results also suggested that PFOA and PFOS in drinking water can promote the ARGs proliferation and induce microbial risk. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the risks caused by PFASs and ARGs in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukang Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yili Wang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Baoyou Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, 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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42
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Ghaly TM, Rajabal V, Penesyan A, Coleman NV, Paulsen IT, Gillings MR, Tetu SG. Functional enrichment of integrons: Facilitators of antimicrobial resistance and niche adaptation. iScience 2023; 26:108301. [PMID: 38026211 PMCID: PMC10661359 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrons are genetic elements, found among diverse bacteria and archaea, that capture and rearrange gene cassettes to rapidly generate genetic diversity and drive adaptation. Despite their broad taxonomic and geographic prevalence, and their role in microbial adaptation, the functions of gene cassettes remain poorly characterized. Here, using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental analyses, we examined the functional diversity of gene cassettes from different environments. We find that cassettes encode diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, including those conferring resistance to antibiotics currently in the developmental pipeline. Further, we find a subset of cassette functions is universally enriched relative to their broader metagenomes. These are largely involved in (a)biotic interactions, including AMR, phage defense, virulence, biodegradation, and stress tolerance. The remainder of functions are sample-specific, suggesting that they confer localised functions relevant to their microenvironment. Together, they comprise functional profiles different from bulk metagenomes, representing niche-adaptive components of the prokaryotic pangenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vaheesan Rajabal
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Anahit Penesyan
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Nicholas V. Coleman
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Ian T. Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Michael R. Gillings
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Sasha G. Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Subirats J, Sharpe H, Tai V, Fruci M, Topp E. Metagenome meta-analysis reveals an increase in the abundance of some multidrug efflux pumps and mobile genetic elements in chemically polluted environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0104723. [PMID: 37728942 PMCID: PMC10617411 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01047-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many human activities contaminate terrestrial and aquatic environments with numerous chemical pollutants that not only directly alter the environment but also affect microbial communities in ways that are potentially concerning to human health, such as selecting for the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer. In the present study, metagenomes available in the public domain from polluted (with antibiotics, with petroleum, with metal mining, or with coal-mining effluents) and unpolluted terrestrial and aquatic environments were compared to examine whether pollution has influenced the abundance and composition of ARGs and mobile elements, with specific focus on IS26 and class 1 integrons (intI1). When aggregated together, polluted environments had a greater relative abundance of ARGs than unpolluted environments and a greater relative abundance of IS26 and intI1. In general, chemical pollution, notably with petroleum, was associated with an increase in the prevalence of ARGs linked to multidrug efflux pumps. Included in the suite of efflux pumps were mexK, mexB, mexF, and mexW that are polyspecific and whose substrate ranges include multiple classes of critically important antibiotics. Also, in some instances, β-lactam resistance (TEM181 and OXA-541) genes increased, and genes associated with rifampicin resistance (RNA polymerases subunits rpoB and rpoB2) decreased in relative abundance. This meta-analysis suggests that different types of chemical pollution can enrich populations that carry efflux pump systems associated with resistance to multiple classes of medically critical antibiotics.IMPORTANCEThe United Nations has identified chemical pollution as being one of the three greatest threats to environmental health, through which the evolution of antimicrobial resistance, a seminally important public health challenge, may be favored. While this is a very plausible outcome of continued chemical pollution, there is little evidence or research evaluating this risk. The objective of the present study was to examine existing metagenomes from chemically polluted environments and evaluate whether there is evidence that pollution increases the relative abundance of genes and mobile genetic elements that are associated with antibiotic resistance. The key finding is that for some types of pollution, particularly in environments exposed to petroleum, efflux pumps are enriched, and these efflux pumps can confer resistance to multiple classes of medically important antibiotics that are typically associated with Pseudomonas spp. or other Gram-negative bacteria. This finding makes clear the need for more investigation on the impact of chemical pollution on the environmental reservoir of ARGs and their association with mobile genetic elements that can contribute to horizontal gene transfer events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Subirats
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Council for Scientific Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hannah Sharpe
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research and Development Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vera Tai
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Fruci
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research and Development Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Topp
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research and Development Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Manyi-Loh CE, Lues R. A South African Perspective on the Microbiological and Chemical Quality of Meat: Plausible Public Health Implications. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2484. [PMID: 37894142 PMCID: PMC10608972 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102484] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Meat comprises proteins, fats, vitamins, and trace elements, essential nutrients for the growth and development of the body. The increased demand for meat necessitates the use of antibiotics in intensive farming to sustain and raise productivity. However, the high water activity, the neutral pH, and the high protein content of meat create a favourable milieu for the growth and the persistence of bacteria. Meat serves as a portal for the spread of foodborne diseases. This occurs because of contamination. This review presents information on animal farming in South Africa, the microbial and chemical contamination of meat, and the consequential effects on public health. In South Africa, the sales of meat can be operated both formally and informally. Meat becomes exposed to contamination with different categories of microbes, originating from varying sources during preparation, processing, packaging, storage, and serving to consumers. Apparently, meat harbours diverse pathogenic microorganisms and antibiotic residues alongside the occurrence of drug resistance in zoonotic pathogens, due to the improper use of antibiotics during farming. Different findings obtained across the country showed variations in prevalence of bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria studied, which could be explained by the differences in the manufacturer practices, handling processes from producers to consumers, and the success of the hygienic measures employed during production. Furthermore, variation in the socioeconomic and political factors and differences in bacterial strains, geographical area, time, climatic factors, etc. could be responsible for the discrepancy in the level of antibiotic resistance between the provinces. Bacteria identified in meat including Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., etc. are incriminated as pathogenic agents causing serious infections in human and their drug-resistant counterparts can cause prolonged infection plus long hospital stays, increased mortality and morbidity as well as huge socioeconomic burden and even death. Therefore, uncooked meat or improperly cooked meat consumed by the population serves as a risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy E. Manyi-Loh
- Centre of Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa;
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Rodríguez-Rodríguez CE, Ramírez-Morales D, Masis-Mora M, Montiel-Mora JR, Soto-Garita C, Araya-Valverde E, Cambronero-Heinrichs JC, Sànchez-Melsió A, Briceño-Guevara S, Mendez-Rivera M, Balcázar JL. Occurrence and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in hospital wastewater in Costa Rica. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139746. [PMID: 37549747 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to determine the occurrence, hazard and prioritization of pharmaceuticals from hospital wastewater in Costa Rica through the monitoring of 70 compounds and assessing their environmental risk through a hazard quotient approach (HQ). Moreover, the quantification of selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was conducted for the first time in this matrix in this geographical location. Thirty-four pharmaceuticals were detected, being caffeine, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, ciprofloxacin and ketoprofen the most frequent (>50% of the samples). Eighteen pharmaceuticals exhibited high hazard (HQ ≥ 1), while five more showed medium hazard (1 > HQ ≥ 0.1). Prioritization, which also included frequency parameters, revealed caffeine, lovastatin, diphenhydramine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ciprofloxacin, and sildenafil as the compounds of major concern. Similarly, cumulative hazard per sample (ΣHQ) estimated high hazard towards aquatic organisms in every sample. All selected ARGs, except mcr-1 (polymyxin resistance), were detected. Among genes conferring resistance to beta-lactams, blaCTX-M and blaKPC were the most abundant, related to resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems. Ecotoxicological evaluation showed mostly low toxicity towards Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri, contrary to the marked effect observed towards Lactuca sativa. These findings provide relevant and novel information on the risk posed by hospital wastewater and their pharmaceutical content in the Latin American environmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica.
| | - Didier Ramírez-Morales
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mario Masis-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José R Montiel-Mora
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Claudio Soto-Garita
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Emanuel Araya-Valverde
- Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, 1174-1200, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Juan Carlos Cambronero-Heinrichs
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica; Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alexandre Sànchez-Melsió
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), 17003, Girona, Spain; University of Girona, 17004, Girona, Spain
| | - Susana Briceño-Guevara
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Michael Mendez-Rivera
- Centro de Investigación en Contaminación Ambiental (CICA), Universidad de Costa Rica, 2060, San José, Costa Rica
| | - José L Balcázar
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), 17003, Girona, Spain; University of Girona, 17004, Girona, Spain
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Seyoum MM, Ashworth AJ, Feye KM, Ricke SC, Owens PR, Moore PA, Savin M. Long-term impacts of conservation pasture management in manuresheds on system-level microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1227006. [PMID: 37886073 PMCID: PMC10598662 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1227006] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal manure improves soil fertility and organic carbon, but long-term deposition may contribute to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) entering the soil-water environment. Additionally, long-term impacts of applying animal manure to soil on the soil-water microbiome, a crucial factor in soil health and fertility, are not well understood. The aim of this study is to assess: (1) impacts of long-term conservation practices on the distribution of ARGs and microbial dynamics in soil, and runoff; and (2) associations between bacterial taxa, heavy metals, soil health indicators, and ARGs in manures, soils, and surface runoff in a study following 15 years of continuous management. This management strategy consists of two conventional and three conservation systems, all receiving annual poultry litter. High throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA was carried out on samples of cattle manure, poultry litter, soil, and runoff collected from each manureshed. In addition, four representative ARGs (intl1, sul1, ermB, and blactx-m-32) were quantified from manures, soil, and runoff using quantitative PCR. Results revealed that conventional practice increased soil ARGs, and microbial diversity compared to conservation systems. Further, ARGs were strongly correlated with each other in cattle manure and soil, but not in runoff. After 15-years of conservation practices, relationships existed between heavy metals and ARGs. In the soil, Cu, Fe and Mn were positively linked to intl1, sul1, and ermB, but trends varied in runoff. These findings were further supported by network analyses that indicated complex co-occurrence patterns between bacteria taxa, ARGs, and physicochemical parameters. Overall, this study provides system-level linkages of microbial communities, ARGs, and physicochemical conditions based on long-term conservation practices at the soil-water-animal nexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitiku Mihiret Seyoum
- Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Amanda J. Ashworth
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Kristina M. Feye
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Steven C. Ricke
- Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Program, Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Phillip R. Owens
- USDA-ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, Booneville, AR, United States
| | - Philip A. Moore
- USDA-ARS, Poultry Production and Product Safety Research Unit, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Mary Savin
- Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
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AL-Muzahmi M, Rizvi M, AL-Quraini M, AL-Muharrmi Z, AL-Jabri Z. Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals the Emergence of ST-231 and ST-395 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Associated with the High Transmissibility of blaKPC Plasmids. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2411. [PMID: 37894068 PMCID: PMC10608898 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugative transposons in Gram-negative bacteria have a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance-conferring genes between bacteria. This study aims to genomically characterize plasmids and conjugative transposons carrying integrons in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The genetic composition of conjugative transposons and phenotypic assessment of 50 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from a tertiary-care hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were investigated. Horizontal transferability was investigated by filter mating conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the sequence type (ST), acquired resistome, and plasmidome of integron-carrying strains. Class 1 integrons were detected in 96% of isolates and, among integron-positive isolates, 18 stains contained variable regions. Horizontal transferability by conjugation confirmed the successful transfer of integrons between cells and WGS confirmed their presence in conjugative plasmids. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA14) was the most prevalent (34.8%) gene cassette in class 1 integrons. MLST analysis detected predominantly ST-231 and ST-395. BlaOXA-232 and blaCTX-M-15 were the most frequently detected carbapenemases and beta-lactamases in the sequenced isolates. This study highlighted the high transmissibility of MDR-conferring conjugative plasmids in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Therefore, the wise use of antibiotics and the adherence to effective infection control measures are necessary to limit the further dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meher Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
| | - Munawr AL-Quraini
- Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.-Q.); (Z.A.-M.)
| | - Zakariya AL-Muharrmi
- Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat 123, Oman; (M.A.-Q.); (Z.A.-M.)
| | - Zaaima AL-Jabri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman;
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Fuzi M, Sokurenko E. Commensal Fitness Advantage May Contribute to the Global Dissemination of Multidrug-Resistant Lineages of Bacteria-The Case of Uropathogenic E. coli. Pathogens 2023; 12:1150. [PMID: 37764958 PMCID: PMC10536240 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091150] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that favorable fitness in commensal colonization is one of the prime facilitators of clonal dissemination in bacteria. The question arises as to what kind of fitness advantage may be wielded by uropathogenic strains of the two predominant fluoroquinolone- and multidrug-resistant clonal groups of E. coli-ST131-H30 and ST1193, which has permitted their unprecedented pandemic-like global expansion in the last few decades. The colonization-associated genes' content, carriage of low-cost plasmids, and integrons with weak promoters could certainly contribute to the fitness of the pandemic groups, although those genetic factors are common among other clonal groups as well. Also, ST131-H30 and ST1193 strains harbor fluoroquinolone-resistance conferring mutations targeting serine residues in DNA gyrase (GyrA-S83) and topoisomerase IV (ParC-S80) that, in those clonal backgrounds, might result in a commensal fitness benefit, i.e., beyond the antibiotic resistance per se. This fitness gain might have contributed not only to the widespread dissemination of these major clones in the healthcare setting but also to their long-term colonization of healthy individuals and, thus, circulation in the community, even in a low or no fluoroquinolone use environment. This evolutionary shift affecting commensal E. coli, initiated by mutations co-favorable in both antibiotics-treated patients and healthy individuals warrants more in-depth studies to monitor further changes in the epidemiological situation and develop effective measures to reduce the antibiotic resistance spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklos Fuzi
- Independent Researcher, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Evgeni Sokurenko
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1705 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
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Fadare FT, Fadare TO, Okoh AI. Prevalence, molecular characterization of integrons and its associated gene cassettes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca recovered from diverse environmental matrices. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14373. [PMID: 37658232 PMCID: PMC10474106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of infections arising from Klebsiella species is related to their ability to acquire and disseminate exogenous genes associated with mobile genetic elements such as integrons. We assessed the prevalence, diversity, and associated gene cassettes (GCs) of integrons in Klebsiella species. The isolates recovered from wastewater and hospital effluents, rivers, and animal droppings were identified using the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the gryA, pehX, and 16S-23S genes. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the Extended-Spectrum and Metallo β-lactamases production were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. PCR, DNA sequencing analyses, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism were used to characterize the integrons and their associated GCs. Furthermore, the genotypic relationships between the different isolated K. pneumoniae were determined using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR. About 98% (51/52) of the confirmed isolates harboured an integrase gene, with 80% intI1, while the remaining 20% concurrently harboured intI1 and intI2, with no intI3 observed. About 78% (40/51) of the bacterial strains were positive for a promoter, the P2R2, investigated, while 80% (41/51) harboured at least one of the qacEΔ1 and sul1. Three different GCs arrangements identified were aac(6')-Ib, aadA1-dfrA1, and dfrA1-sat2. At a similarity index of 60%, the ERIC-PCR fingerprints generated were categorized into nine clusters. Our study is the first to reveal the features of integrons in Klebsiella spp. recovered from environmental sources in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. We conclude that the organisms' sources are repositories of integrons harbouring various gene cassettes, which can be readily mobilized to other microorganisms in similar or varied niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folake Temitope Fadare
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.
| | - Taiwo Olawole Fadare
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
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50
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Bhat BA, Mir RA, Qadri H, Dhiman R, Almilaibary A, Alkhanani M, Mir MA. Integrons in the development of antimicrobial resistance: critical review and perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231938. [PMID: 37720149 PMCID: PMC10500605 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance development and pathogen cross-dissemination are both considered essential risks to human health on a worldwide scale. Antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRs) are acquired, expressed, disseminated, and traded mainly through integrons, the key players capable of transferring genes from bacterial chromosomes to plasmids and their integration by integrase to the target pathogenic host. Moreover, integrons play a central role in disseminating and assembling genes connected with antibiotic resistance in pathogenic and commensal bacterial species. They exhibit a large and concealed diversity in the natural environment, raising concerns about their potential for comprehensive application in bacterial adaptation. They should be viewed as a dangerous pool of resistance determinants from the "One Health approach." Among the three documented classes of integrons reported viz., class-1, 2, and 3, class 1 has been found frequently associated with AMRs in humans and is a critical genetic element to serve as a target for therapeutics to AMRs through gene silencing or combinatorial therapies. The direct method of screening gene cassettes linked to pathogenesis and resistance harbored by integrons is a novel way to assess human health. In the last decade, they have witnessed surveying the integron-associated gene cassettes associated with increased drug tolerance and rising pathogenicity of human pathogenic microbes. Consequently, we aimed to unravel the structure and functions of integrons and their integration mechanism by understanding horizontal gene transfer from one trophic group to another. Many updates for the gene cassettes harbored by integrons related to resistance and pathogenicity are extensively explored. Additionally, an updated account of the assessment of AMRs and prevailing antibiotic resistance by integrons in humans is grossly detailed-lastly, the estimation of AMR dissemination by employing integrons as potential biomarkers are also highlighted. The current review on integrons will pave the way to clinical understanding for devising a roadmap solution to AMR and pathogenicity. Graphical AbstractThe graphical abstract displays how integron-aided AMRs to humans: Transposons capture integron gene cassettes to yield high mobility integrons that target res sites of plasmids. These plasmids, in turn, promote the mobility of acquired integrons into diverse bacterial species. The acquisitions of resistant genes are transferred to humans through horizontal gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basharat Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, India
| | - Hafsa Qadri
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Abdullah Almilaibary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustfa Alkhanani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Hafr Al Batin University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafar Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Bio-Resources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
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