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Tu Z, Pang L, Lai S, Zhu Y, Wu Y, Zhou Q, Qi H, Zhang Y, Dong Y, Gan Y, Wu J, Yu J, Tao W, Ma B, Wang H, Zhang A. The hidden threat: Comprehensive assessment of antibiotic and disinfectant resistance in commercial pig slaughterhouses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174222. [PMID: 38945230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174222] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), disinfectant resistance genes (DRGs), and pathogens in animal food processing environments (FAPE) poses a significant risk to human health. However, knowledge of the contamination and risk profiles of a typical commercial pig slaughterhouse with periodic disinfectant applications is limited. By creating the overall metagenomics-based behavior and risk profiles of ARGs, DRGs, and microbiomes in a nine-section pig slaughterhouse, an important FAPE in China. A total of 454 ARGs and 84 DRGs were detected in the slaughterhouse with resistance genes for aminoglycosides and quaternary ammonium compounds, respectively. The entire slaughtering chain is a hotspot for pathogens, including 83 human pathogenic bacteria (HPB), with 47 core HPB. In addition, 68 high-risk ARGs were significantly correlated with 55 HPB, 30 of which were recognized as potential bacteria co-resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants, confirm a three-fold risk of ARGs, DRGs, and pathogens prevailing throughout the chain. Pre-slaughter pig house (PSPH) was the major risk source for ARGs, DRGs, and HPB. Moreover, 75 Escherichia coli and 47 Proteus mirabilis isolates showed sensitivity to potassium monopersulfate and sodium hypochlorite, suggesting that slaughterhouses should use such related disinfectants. By using whole genome multi-locus sequence typing and single nucleotide polymorphism analyses, genetically closely related bacteria were identified across distinct slaughter sections, suggesting bacterial transmission across the slaughter chain. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of the PSPH section as a major source of HPB, ARGs, and DRGs contamination in commercial pig slaughterhouses. Moreover, it highlights the importance of addressing clonal transmission and cross-contamination of antibiotic- and disinfectant-resistant bacteria within and between slaughter sections. These issues are primarily attributed to the microbial load carried by animals before slaughter, carcass handling, and content exposure during visceral treatment. Our findings provide valuable insights for One Health-oriented slaughterhouse management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunfang Tu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China; Microbiological Testing and Research Department, Sichuan Institute for Drug Control (Sichuan Testing Center of Medical Devices), Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Lina Pang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Shanming Lai
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yixiao Zhu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yingting Wu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Haoxuan Qi
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yanhang Zhang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yongyi Dong
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yumeng Gan
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Weilai Tao
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bingcun Ma
- Microbiological Testing and Research Department, Sichuan Institute for Drug Control (Sichuan Testing Center of Medical Devices), Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Hongning Wang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Anyun Zhang
- Animal Disease Prevention and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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Zhou Y, Li Q. Preference and regulation mechanism mediated via mobile genetic elements for antibiotic and metal resistomes during composting amended with nano ZVI loaded on biochar. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124520. [PMID: 38992827 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124520] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of nano zero-valent iron loaded on biochar (BC-nZVI) during swine manure composting. BC-nZVI significantly reduced the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). BC-nZVI modified the preference of MGEs to carry ARGs and MRGs, and the corrosion products of BC-nZVI could destroy cell structure, hinder electron transfer between cells, and weaken the association between ARGs, MRGs, and host bacteria. Functional genes analysis revealed that BC-nZVI down-regulated the abundance of genes affecting the transmission and metabolism of ARGs and MRGs, including type IV secretion systems, transporter systems, two-component systems, and multidrug efflux pumps. Furthermore, the BC-nZVI decreased genes related to flagella and pili production and cell membrane permeability, thereby hindering the transfer of ARGs, MRGs, and MGEs in the environment. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that changes in the microbial community induced by BC-nZVI were pivotal factors impacting the abundance of ARGs, MRGs, and MGEs. Overall, this study confirmed the efficacy of BC-nZVI in reducing resistance genes during swine manure composting, offering a promising environmental strategy to mitigate the dissemination of these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qunliang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Simjee S, Weese JS, Singh R, Trott DJ, Essack S, Chuanchuen R, Mehrotra S. Redefining cross-resistance, co-resistance and co-selection: beyond confusion? J Antimicrob Chemother 2024:dkae304. [PMID: 39224984 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The similarity of current definitions of 'cross-resistance' and 'co-resistance' continues to cause confusion both in the scientific community as well as in understanding policies and in particular when looking at resistance from a risk assessment perspective. Further, lack of harmonized definitions of these terms in the regulatory space is challenging for interpretation. The purpose of this article is to: (i) provide an overview of the ambiguity in existing terminology related to cross-resistance, co-resistance and co-selection; (ii) emphasize the challenges created by the use of poor terminology in research and scientific literature; and (iii) propose a clear set of harmonized definitions that could be put into use through international regulatory agencies and institutions, such as the World Health Organization, Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Center for Disease Control, Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, World Organization for Animal Health/Office International des Epizooties and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabbir Simjee
- Elanco Animal Health, Form 2, Bartley Way, Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, UK
| | - J Scott Weese
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ruby Singh
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
| | - Darren J Trott
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, Adelaide 5371, Australia
| | - Sabiha Essack
- Antimicrobial Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rungtip Chuanchuen
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand
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Vadadoriya N, Sajeevan S, Bhojani G, Patel N, Haldar S, Chatterjee S. Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial strains emerged using frequent hand sanitizers during corona pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:868. [PMID: 39215846 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13031-0] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Hands are in fact the main route of transmission of pathogenic infections. By using proper hand sanitization, we can break the virus's transmission chain, which is especially important in the ongoing COVID pandemic outbreaks. The effectiveness of hand sanitization is solely dependent on the use of sufficient antibacterial agents, which come in a variety of levels and types, including antimicrobials commercial, water-based, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the latter being widely used during pandemics. Therefore, the sudden overuse of sanitizers also could lead to an increase in the tolerance limit for normal hand flora and the new development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this study, we investigated the relationship between hand sanitizer-tolerant bacteria and their antibiotic resistance profile to multiple antibiotic agents. On a timely basis before and after using different hand sanitizers, bacterial strains were collected from the volunteers of CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI). Sanitizer tolerant bacterial strains were observed also just after the application of sanitizers, which also showed the AMR phenomenon. The resultant sanitizers' resistant microbiome showed the dominant presence of Bacillus sp., Staphyloccocus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Lysinibacillus sp., Exiguobacterium sp. and Leclercia sp. All 36 nos of bacterial strains showed MDR (> 5 nos).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Vadadoriya
- Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, Gujarat, India
| | - Shilja Sajeevan
- Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, Gujarat, India
| | - Gopal Bhojani
- Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, Gujarat, India
| | - Neha Patel
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud Post, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Soumya Haldar
- Analytical Discipline and Centralized Instrument Facility, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Institute, GB Marg, Bhavnagar, 364002, Gujarat, India
| | - Shruti Chatterjee
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, SG Highway, Ahmedabad, 382481, Gujarat, India.
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Itoi M, Willcox MDP. Comparison of susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from keratitis to antibiotics and multipurpose disinfecting solutions. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2024:102288. [PMID: 39174367 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102288] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of ocular isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to two multi-purpose disinfectant solutions (MPDS) and to determine if there was a relationship with resistance to antibiotics. METHODS Twenty-three strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from microbial keratitis cases in Australia were utilized in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of two commercially available MPDSs, Biotrue and cleadew MPS were determined. Additionally, the MIC of the strains to five antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ceftazidime, and imipenem, were analyzed. RESULTS All strains were susceptible to 100 % of each of the MPDS. However, when MPDSs were diluted, cleadew MPS had significantly lower median MIC (median = 12.5 vs 25; p = 0.00008) and MBC (median = 25 vs 50; p = 0.0027) compared to Biotrue. All tested strains were susceptible to levofloxacin and gentamicin. Susceptibility rates to ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and ceftazidime were 52.2 %, 30.4 %, and 91.3 %, respectively. There were no significant relations between MIC or MBC to either MPDS and resistance to the antibiotics (p≧0.23). CONCLUSION Both MPDSs were active against P. aeruginosa isolated from microbial keratitis in Australia. However, after dilution, cleadew MPS remained active against P. aeruginosa at lower concentrations. Certain strains of P. aeruginosa were resistant to imipenem, ceftazidime or ciprofloxacin. The lack of association of susceptibility to MPDS and antibiotics suggest that resistance to one did not predispose to resistance to the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Itoi
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Dougenzaka Itoi Eye Clinic, Itoi Building 1-10-19 Dougenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Anedda E, Ekhlas D, Alexa E, Farrell ML, Gaffney MT, Madigan G, Morris D, Burgess CM. Characterization of antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales isolated from spinach and soil following zinc amendment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124774. [PMID: 39178936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistant bacteria can occur in the primary food production environment. The emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment can be influenced by several factors, including the presence of heavy metals. The aim of this study was to examine the presence and characteristics of antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales in soils and spinach grown in soils with and without zinc amendment. A total of 160 samples (92 soil and 68 spinach) were collected from two locations, in which some plots had been amended with zinc. Samples were cultured on selective agars for detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and ciprofloxacin-resistant Enterobacterales. Samples were also cultured for enumeration of total Enterobacterales. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out in accordance with EUCAST (2021) and CLSI (2020) criteria. The whole genome sequence (WGS) of selected isolates was determined. Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer was performed on soil samples in order to measure the concentration of zinc. In total 20 antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales were isolated from the soil (n = 8) and spinach samples (n = 12). In both sample types, Serratia fonticola (n= 16) was the dominant species, followed by Escherichia coli (n=1), Citrobacter freundii (n=1) and Morganella morganii (n=1) detected in spinach samples, and Enterobacter cloacae (n=1) detected in a soil sample. The WGS identified genes conferring resistance to different antimicrobials in agreement with the phenotypic results, 14 S. fonticola isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers and harboured the blaFONA gene. Genes that encoded for zinc resistance and multidrug efflux pumps, transporters that can target both antimicrobials and heavy metals, were also identified. Overall, the findings of this study suggest the presence of zinc did not influence the AMR Enterobacterales in soil or spinach samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Anedda
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Ekhlas
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Alexa
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M L Farrell
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - M T Gaffney
- Horticultural Development Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Madigan
- Bacteriology/Parasitology Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Complex, Celbridge, Ireland
| | - D Morris
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Ecology Group, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; Centre for One Health, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, Ireland
| | - C M Burgess
- Food Safety Department, Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, Ireland.
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Jafarzadeh A, Matta A, Moghadam SV, Vadde KK, Dessouky S, Hutchinson J, Kapoor V. Assessing the removal of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and occurrence of metal resistance genes and antibiotic resistance genes in a stormwater bioretention system. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143043. [PMID: 39117084 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Bioretention basins are extensively used in urban areas to manage stormwater by reducing peak flows and pollution. This study evaluated the performance of a bioretention basin in removing heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and oil and grease. Using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), the presence of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the basin's soil was analyzed. The results indicated effective removal of Zn (67%), but higher concentration of Mg was observed at the outlet. Cu, Fe and Pb showed no significant differences in the in- and outflow concentrations. The system successfully removed 82% of influent PAHs. Soil samples collected in summer and fall revealed higher MRG abundance in summer, with copA being the most prevalent MRG (1.2 to 4.8 log10 copies/g soil). Among the ARGs, sul1 was consistently found throughout the basin (2.5 to 6.7 log10 copies/g soil), while tetW was detected primarily at the basin's start and end in the topsoil layer. Rubellimicrobium and Geobacter were identified as potential carriers of ARGs/MRGs. Although the concentration of metals in soil was not measured in the current study, these findings emphasize the need to understand heavy metal distribution and the occurrence of MRGs and ARGs in stormwater control systems to improve their design and effectiveness. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Various chemical pollutants, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organic compounds, pose significant health concerns in stormwater. While bioretention basins mitigate peak flows and pollution in urban areas, their role as reservoirs of metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains understudied. This study examined heavy metal, PAH, and oil & grease removal in an urban retention basin. Additionally, sulfonamide and tetracycline ARGs, and lead, zinc, and copper MRGs were assessed in the basin soil. Understanding the distribution of these elements and genes is vital for improving stormwater management design and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Jafarzadeh
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Akanksha Matta
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Sina V Moghadam
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Kiran Kumar Vadde
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Samer Dessouky
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hutchinson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Vikram Kapoor
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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Liu Y, Song X, Hou X, Wang Y, Cao X. Effect of Mn-HA on ARGs and MRGs in nitrogen-culturing sludge. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 365:121615. [PMID: 38936019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121615] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The simultaneous escalation in ARGs (antibiotic resistance genes) and MRGs (metal resistance genes) further complicates the intricate network of factors contributing to the proliferation of microbial resistance. Manganese, which has been reported to affect the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and metals, plays a vital role in microbial nitrogen metabolism. Moreover, nitrifying and denitrifying populations are potential hosts for ARGs. In this study, manganese was introduced in its prevalent organic chelated form in the environment (Manganese humus chelates, Mn-HA) to a N metabolism sludge to explore the effect of manganese on MRGs and ARGs dissemination. Metagenomics results revealed that manganese availability enhances nitrogen metabolism, while a decrease in ARGs was noted which may be attributed to the inhibition of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), reflected in the reduced integrase -encoded gene int. Population analysis revealed that nitrifier and denitrifier genus harbor MRGs and ARGs, indicating that nitrifier and denitrifier are hosts of MRGs and ARGs. This raises the question of whether the prevalence of ARGs is always increased in metal-contained environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xinshan Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuhui Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Xin Cao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Environmental Protection Engineering Center for Pollution Treatment and Control in Textile Industry, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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Cela-Dablanca R, Barreiro A, Rodríguez-López L, Arias-Estévez M, Fernández-Sanjurjo M, Álvarez-Rodríguez E, Núñez-Delgado A. Azithromycin removal using pine bark, oak ash and mussel shell. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119048. [PMID: 38697595 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119048] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Adsorption is considered an interesting option for removing antibiotics from the environment because of its simple design, low cost, and potential efficiency. In this work we evaluated three by-products (pine bark, oak ash, and mussel shell) as bio-adsorbents for the antibiotic azithromycin (AZM). Furthermore, they were added at doses of 48 t ha-1 to four different soils, then comparing AZM removal for soils with and without bio-adsorbents. Batch-type experiments were used, adding AZM concentrations between 2.5 and 600 μmol L-1 to the different bio-adsorbents and soil + bio-adsorbent mixtures. Regarding the bio-adsorbents, oak ash showed the best adsorption scores (9600 μmol kg-1, meaning >80% retention), followed by pine bark (8280 μmol kg-1, 69%) and mussel shell (between 3000 and 6000 μmol kg-1, 25-50% retention). Adsorption data were adjusted to different models (Linear, Freundlich and Langmuir), showing that just mussel shell presented an acceptable fitting to the Freundlich equation, while pine bark and oak ash did not present a good adjustment to any of the three models. Regarding desorption, the values were always below the detection limit, indicating a rather irreversible adsorption of AZM onto these three by-products. Furthermore, the results showed that when the lowest concentrations of AZM were added to the not amended soils they adsorbed 100% of the antibiotic, whereas when the highest concentrations of AZM were spread, the adsorption decreased to 55%. However, when any of the three bio-adsorbents was added to the soils, AZM adsorption reached 100% for all the antibiotic concentrations used. Desorption was null in all cases for both soils with and without bio-adsorbents. These results, corresponding to an investigation carried out for the first time for the antibiotic AZM, can be seen as relevant in the search of low-cost alternative treatments to face environmental pollution caused by this emerging contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cela-Dablanca
- Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Univ. Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana Barreiro
- Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Univ. Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain.
| | - Lucía Rodríguez-López
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Fac. Sciences, Univ. Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Manuel Arias-Estévez
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Fac. Sciences, Univ. Vigo, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Sanjurjo
- Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Univ. Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Esperanza Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Univ. Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Avelino Núñez-Delgado
- Dept. Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Engineering Polytechnic School, Univ. Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Pereira AP, Antunes P, Peixe L, Freitas AR, Novais C. Current insights into the effects of cationic biocides exposure on Enterococcus spp. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1392018. [PMID: 39006755 PMCID: PMC11242571 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1392018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cationic biocides (CBs), such as quaternary ammonium compounds and biguanides, are critical for controlling the spread of bacterial pathogens like Enterococcus spp., a leading cause of multidrug-resistant healthcare-associated infections. The widespread use of CBs in recent decades has prompted concerns about the potential emergence of Enterococcus spp. populations exhibiting resistance to both biocides and antibiotics. Such concerns arise from their frequent exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of CBs in clinical, food chain and diverse environmental settings. This comprehensive narrative review aimed to explore the complexity of the Enterococcus' response to CBs and of their possible evolution toward resistance. To that end, CBs' activity against diverse Enterococcus spp. collections, the prevalence and roles of genes associated with decreased susceptibility to CBs, and the potential for co- and cross-resistance between CBs and antibiotics are reviewed. Significant methodological and knowledge gaps are identified, highlighting areas that future studies should address to enhance our comprehension of the impact of exposure to CBs on Enterococcus spp. populations' epidemiology. This knowledge is essential for developing effective One Health strategies that ensure the continued efficacy of these critical agents in safeguarding Public Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Pereira
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Antunes
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R Freitas
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Carla Novais
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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11
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Gillieatt BF, Coleman NV. Unravelling the mechanisms of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance co-selection in environmental bacteria. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae017. [PMID: 38897736 PMCID: PMC11253441 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae017] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The co-selective pressure of heavy metals is a contributor to the dissemination and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental reservoirs. The overlapping range of antibiotic and metal contamination and similarities in their resistance mechanisms point to an intertwined evolutionary history. Metal resistance genes are known to be genetically linked to antibiotic resistance genes, with plasmids, transposons, and integrons involved in the assembly and horizontal transfer of the resistance elements. Models of co-selection between metals and antibiotics have been proposed, however, the molecular aspects of these phenomena are in many cases not defined or quantified and the importance of specific metals, environments, bacterial taxa, mobile genetic elements, and other abiotic or biotic conditions are not clear. Co-resistance is often suggested as a dominant mechanism, but interpretations are beset with correlational bias. Proof of principle examples of cross-resistance and co-regulation has been described but more in-depth characterizations are needed, using methodologies that confirm the functional expression of resistance genes and that connect genes with specific bacterial hosts. Here, we comprehensively evaluate the recent evidence for different models of co-selection from pure culture and metagenomic studies in environmental contexts and we highlight outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brodie F Gillieatt
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, F22 - LEES Building, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nicholas V Coleman
- School of Natural Sciences, and ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, 6 Wally’s Walk, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
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12
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Schürmann J, Fischer MA, Herzberg M, Reemtsma T, Strommenger B, Werner G, Schuster CF, Layer-Nicolaou F. The genes mgtE and spoVG are involved in zinc tolerance of Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0045324. [PMID: 38752746 PMCID: PMC11218649 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00453-24] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metals are essential for all living organisms, but the type of metal and its concentration determines its action. Even low concentrations of metals may have toxic effects on organisms and therefore exhibit antimicrobial activities. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary adaptation processes of Staphylococcus aureus to metals and common genes for metal tolerance. Laboratory and clinical isolates were treated with manganese, cobalt, zinc, or nickel metal salts to generate growth-adapted mutants. After growth in medium supplemented with zinc, whole-genome sequencing identified, among others, two genes, mgtE (SAUSA300_0910), a putative magnesium transporter and spoVG (SAUSA300_0475), a global transcriptional regulator, as hot spots for stress-induced single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs in mgtE were also detected in mutants treated with high levels of cobalt or nickel salts. To investigate the effect of these genes on metal tolerance, deletion mutants and complementation strains in an S. aureus USA300 LAC* laboratory strain were generated. Both, the mgtE and spoVG deletion strains were more tolerant to cobalt, manganese, and zinc. The mgtE mutant was also more tolerant to nickel exposure. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the mgtE deletion mutant accumulated less intracellular zinc than the wild type, explaining increased tolerance. From these results, we conclude that mgtE gene inactivation increases zinc tolerance presumably due to reduced uptake of zinc. For the SpoVG mutant, no direct effect on the intracellular zinc concentration was detected, indicating toward different pathways to increase tolerance. Importantly, inactivation of these genes offers a growth advantage in environments containing certain metals, pointing toward a common tolerance mechanism. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen causing tremendous public health burden and high mortality in invasive infections. Treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to antimicrobial resistances. The use of metals in animal husbandry and aquaculture to reduce bacterial growth and subsequent acquisition of metal resistances has been shown to co-select for antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, understanding adaptive mechanisms that help S. aureus to survive metal exposure is essential. Using a screening approach, we were able to identify two genes encoding the transporter MgtE and the transcriptional regulator SpoVG, which conferred increased tolerance to specific metals such as zinc when inactivated. Further testing showed that the deletion of mgtE leads to reduced intracellular zinc levels, suggesting a role in zinc uptake. The accumulation of mutations in these genes when exposed to other metals suggests that inactivation of these genes could be a common mechanism for intrinsic tolerance to certain metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Schürmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Martin A. Fischer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Martin Herzberg
- Department Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Department Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Birgit Strommenger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Guido Werner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Christopher F. Schuster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Franziska Layer-Nicolaou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
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Liu ZT, Ma RA, Zhu D, Konstantinidis KT, Zhu YG, Zhang SY. Organic fertilization co-selects genetically linked antibiotic and metal(loid) resistance genes in global soil microbiome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5168. [PMID: 38886447 PMCID: PMC11183072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49165-5] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal(loid) resistance genes (MRGs) coexist in organic fertilized agroecosystems based on their correlations in abundance, yet evidence for the genetic linkage of ARG-MRGs co-selected by organic fertilization remains elusive. Here, an analysis of 511 global agricultural soil metagenomes reveals that organic fertilization correlates with a threefold increase in the number of diverse types of ARG-MRG-carrying contigs (AMCCs) in the microbiome (63 types) compared to non-organic fertilized soils (22 types). Metatranscriptomic data indicates increased expression of AMCCs under higher arsenic stress, with co-regulation of the ARG-MRG pairs. Organic fertilization heightens the coexistence of ARG-MRG in genomic elements through impacting soil properties and ARG and MRG abundances. Accordingly, a comprehensive global map was constructed to delineate the distribution of coexistent ARG-MRGs with virulence factors and mobile genes in metagenome-assembled genomes from agricultural lands. The map unveils a heightened relative abundance and potential pathogenicity risks (range of 4-6) for the spread of coexistent ARG-MRGs in Central North America, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northeast China compared to other regions, which acquire a risk range of 1-3. Our findings highlight that organic fertilization co-selects genetically linked ARGs and MRGs in the global soil microbiome, and underscore the need to mitigate the spread of these co-resistant genes to safeguard public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Teng Liu
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Ao Ma
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Si-Yu Zhang
- Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Qu T, Wang P, Zhao X, Liang L, Ji Q, Ge Y, Chen Y. Metagenomic profiles of the antimicrobial resistance in traditional Chinese fermented meat products: Core resistome and co-occurrence patterns. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 418:110740. [PMID: 38754174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110740] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to global health, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in food poses a potential threat to public health. Traditional Chinese fermented meat products (FMPs) are highly favored because of their unique flavors and cultural value. However, microbial safety and the potential distribution and composition of AMR in these products remain unclear. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of bacterial composition and antibiotic-resistant populations in 216 samples of traditional fermented meat products from different regions of China was conducted using a metagenomic approach. Staphylococcus was the most abundant genus in the samples, accounting for an average abundance of 29.9 %, followed by Tetragenococcus (17.1 %), and Latilactobacillus (3.6 %). A core resistome of FMP samples was constructed for the first time using co-occurrence network analysis, which revealed the distribution and interrelationships of ARGs and bio/metal-resistant genes (BMRGs). Random forest analysis identified the lincosamide nucleotidyltransferase lnuA and the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) transporter abeM as potential indicators for assessing the overall abundance of the core resistome. Additionally, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were identified as hosts constituting the core resistome. Despite their low abundance, the latter two still serve as major reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. Notably, Lactococcus cremoris was identified as the key host for tetracycline resistance genes in the samples, highlighting the need for enhanced resistance monitoring in lactic acid bacteria. Based on our findings, in the microbial safety assessment of fermented meat products, beyond common foodborne pathogens, attention should be focused on detecting and controlling coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas, and addressing bacterial resistance. The quantitative detection of lnuA and abeM could provide a convenient and rapid method for assessing the overall abundance of the core resistome. Our findings have important implications for the control of bacterial resistance and prevention of pathogenic bacteria in fermented meat products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Qu
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China; College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Lijiao Liang
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China; College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qinglong Ji
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yiqiang Ge
- China Rural Technology Development Center, Beijing 100045, China; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China.
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15
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Xiao X, Li J, Wang X, Ding L, Shen S, Liu T, Ren Z, Luo X. Salinity-mediated enhancement of quaternary ammonium compounds resistance and removal in endophytic bacteria LSE01. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118688. [PMID: 38493855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The widespread usage of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic poses significant environmental risks, such as toxicity to organisms and the emergence of superbugs. In this study, different inorganic salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, MgCl2) were used to induce endophytes LSE01 isolated from hyperaccumulating plants. After five generations of cultivation under 80 g/L NaCl, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LSE01 to QACs increased by about 3-fold, while its degradation extent increased from 8% to 84% for C12BDMA-Cl and 5%-89% for C14BDMA-Cl. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra indicated that the cells induced by high concentration of salt caused plasmolysis and secreted more bound extracellular polymeric substances (B-EPS); these changes are likely to be an important reason for the observed increased resistance and enhanced degradation extent of LSE01 to QACs. Our findings suggest that salt-induction could be an effective way to enhance the resistance and removal of toxic organic pollutants by functional microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Junjie Li
- The School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China; China National Gold Group Jiangxi Mining Co., Ltd, Shangrao 334213, PR China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Lin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
| | - Shengju Shen
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Zhong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China
| | - Xubiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Heavy Metals Pollutants Control and Resources Utilization, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China.
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16
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Ruan S, Bourne CR. Escherichia coli cells evade inducible parE toxin expression by reducing plasmid copy number. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0397323. [PMID: 38700352 PMCID: PMC11237751 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03973-23] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmids play important roles in microbial ecosystems, serving as carriers of antibiotic resistance and virulence. In the laboratory, they are essential tools for genetic manipulation and recombinant protein expression. We uncovered an intriguing survival phenotype in a fraction of the bacterial population while using plasmid-mediated arabinose-inducible gene expression to monitor the production of toxic ParE proteins. This phenotype was not correlated with changes to the plasmid sequence and could not be rescued by increasing arabinose uptake. Instead, survival correlates with a marked reduction in plasmid copy number (PCN). Reduced PCN is reproducible, not a function of the pre-existing population, and can be sequentially enriched by continual passage with induction. The reduction in PCN appears to allow mitigation of toxicity from the expression of ParE proteins while balancing the need to maintain a threshold PCN to withstand selection conditions. This indicates an adaptive cellular response to stressful conditions, likely by altering the regulation of plasmid replication. Furthermore, this survival mechanism appears to not be limited to a specific bacterial strain of Escherichia coli or ParE toxin family member, suggesting a generalized response. Finally, bacterial whole genome sequencing indicated an N845S residue substitution in DNA polymerase I, which correlates with the observed reduction in PCN and has been previously reported to impact plasmid replication. Further understanding this molecular mechanism has broader implications for this adaptive response of the dynamics of plasmid-mediated gene expression, microbial adaptation, and genetic engineering methodologies. IMPORTANCE This research has increased our understanding of how bacteria respond to the pressure from plasmid-borne toxic genes, such as those found in toxin-antitoxin systems. Surprisingly, we found that bacteria survived toxic ParE protein expression by reducing the number of these plasmids in the cells. This discovery reveals another way in which bacteria can balance toxin expression with antibiotic selection to attenuate the effects of deleterious genes. This insight is not only valuable for understanding bacterial survival strategies but may also influence the development of better tools in biotechnology, where plasmids are often used to study the functional roles of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Ruan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Christina R. Bourne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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17
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Elsen S, Simon V, Attrée I. Cross-regulation and cross-talk of conserved and accessory two-component regulatory systems orchestrate Pseudomonas copper resistance. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011325. [PMID: 38861577 PMCID: PMC11195947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011325] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use diverse strategies and molecular machinery to maintain copper homeostasis and to cope with its toxic effects. Some genetic elements providing copper resistance are acquired by horizontal gene transfer; however, little is known about how they are controlled and integrated into the central regulatory network. Here, we studied two copper-responsive systems in a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas paraeruginosa and deciphered the regulatory and cross-regulation mechanisms. To do so, we combined mutagenesis, transcriptional fusion analyses and copper sensitivity phenotypes. Our results showed that the accessory CusRS two-component system (TCS) responds to copper and activates both its own expression and that of the adjacent nine-gene operon (the pcoA2 operon) to provide resistance to elevated levels of extracellular copper. The same locus was also found to be regulated by two core-genome-encoded TCSs-the copper-responsive CopRS and the zinc-responsive CzcRS. Although the target palindromic sequence-ATTCATnnATGTAAT-is the same for the three response regulators, transcriptional outcomes differ. Thus, depending on the operon/regulator pair, binding can result in different activation levels (from none to high), with the systems demonstrating considerable plasticity. Unexpectedly, although the classical CusRS and the noncanonical CopRS TCSs rely on distinct signaling mechanisms (kinase-based vs. phosphatase-based), we discovered cross-talk in the absence of the cognate sensory kinases. This cross-talk occurred between the proteins of these two otherwise independent systems. The cusRS-pcoA2 locus is part of an Integrative and Conjugative Element and was found in other Pseudomonas strains where its expression could provide copper resistance under appropriate conditions. The results presented here illustrate how acquired genetic elements can become part of endogenous regulatory networks, providing a physiological advantage. They also highlight the potential for broader effects of accessory regulatory proteins through interference with core regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Elsen
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
| | - Victor Simon
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
| | - Ina Attrée
- University Grenoble Alpes, Institute of Structural Biology, UMR5075, Team Bacterial Pathogenesis and Cellular Responses, Grenoble, France
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18
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Díaz-Torres O, Los Cobos EOVD, Kreft JU, Loge FJ, Díaz-Vázquez D, Mahlknecht J, Gradilla-Hernández MS, Senés-Guerrero C. A metagenomic study of antibiotic resistance genes in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake contaminated by anthropogenic sources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172216. [PMID: 38583614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172216] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a major threat to human and environmental health. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán, a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in Mexico contaminated by anthropogenic sources (urban wastewater and runoff from crop and livestock production). ARGs (a total of 475 genes) were detected in 22 bacterial genera, with Pseudomonas (144 genes), Stenotrophomonas (88 genes), Mycobacterium (54 genes), and Rhodococcus (27 genes) displaying the highest frequencies of ARGs. Among these, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed the highest number of ARGs. The results revealed a diverse array of ARGs, including resistance to macrolides (11.55 %), aminoglycosides (8.22 %), glycopeptides (6.22 %), tetracyclines (4 %), sulfonamides (4 %), carbapenems (1.11 %), phenicols (0.88 %), fluoroquinolones (0.44 %), and lincosamides (0.22 %). The most frequently observed ARGs were associated with multidrug resistance (63.33 %), with MexF (42 genes), MexW (36 genes), smeD (31 genes), mtrA (25 genes), and KHM-1 (22 genes) being the most common. Lake Cajititlán is a recreational area for swimming, fishing, and boating, while also supporting irrigation for agriculture and potentially acting as a drinking water source for some communities. This raises concerns about the potential for exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria through these activities. The presence of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán poses a significant threat to both human and environmental health. Developing strategies to mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance, including improving wastewater treatment, and promoting strategic antibiotic use and disposal, is crucial. This study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of antibiotic resistance dynamics in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in a developing country, providing valuable insights for the scientific community and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osiris Díaz-Torres
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramon Corona 2514, Nuevo México, Zapopan, CP, 45138 Jalisco, México.
| | - Eric Oswaldo Valencia-de Los Cobos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramon Corona 2514, Nuevo México, Zapopan, CP, 45138 Jalisco, México
| | - Jan-Ulrich Kreft
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection & School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Frank J Loge
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, N.L. 64849, Mexico
| | - Diego Díaz-Vázquez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramon Corona 2514, Nuevo México, Zapopan, CP, 45138 Jalisco, México
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, N.L. 64849, Mexico
| | - Misael Sebastián Gradilla-Hernández
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramon Corona 2514, Nuevo México, Zapopan, CP, 45138 Jalisco, México.
| | - Carolina Senés-Guerrero
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramon Corona 2514, Nuevo México, Zapopan, CP, 45138 Jalisco, México.
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Pourrostami Niavol K, Bordoloi A, Suri R. An overview of the occurrence, impact of process parameters, and the fate of antibiotic resistance genes during anaerobic digestion processes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:41745-41774. [PMID: 38853230 PMCID: PMC11219439 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33844-3] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as a significant global health threat, contributing to fatalities worldwide. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and livestock farms serve as primary reservoirs for these genes due to the limited efficacy of existing treatment methods and microbial adaptation to environmental stressors. Anaerobic digestion (AD) stands as a prevalent biological treatment for managing sewage sludge and manure in these settings. Given the agricultural utility of AD digestate as biofertilizers, understanding ARGs' fate within AD processes is essential to devise effective mitigation strategies. However, understanding the impact of various factors on ARGs occurrence, dissemination, and fate remains limited. This review article explores various AD treatment parameters and correlates to various resistance mechanisms and hotspots of ARGs in the environment. It further evaluates the dissemination and occurrence of ARGs in AD feedstocks and provides a comprehensive understanding of the fate of ARGs in AD systems. This review explores the influence of key AD parameters such as feedstock properties, pretreatments, additives, and operational strategies on ARGs. Results show that properties such as high solid content and optimum co-digestion ratios can enhance ARG removal, while the presence of heavy metals, microplastics, and antibiotics could elevate ARG abundance. Also, operational enhancements, such as employing two-stage digestion, have shown promise in improving ARG removal. However, certain pretreatment methods, like thermal hydrolysis, may exhibit a rebounding effect on ARG levels. Overall, this review systematically addresses current challenges and offers future perspectives associated with the fate of ARGs in AD systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Pourrostami Niavol
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Achinta Bordoloi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Rominder Suri
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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20
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Puangseree J, Prathan R, Srisanga S, Chuanchuen R. Molecular basis of the persistence of chloramphenicol resistance among Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from pigs, pork and humans in Thailand. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304250. [PMID: 38787814 PMCID: PMC11125496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304250] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms associated with the persistence of chloramphenicol (CHP) resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica isolated from pigs, pork, and humans in Thailand. The CHP-resistant E. coli (n = 106) and Salmonella (n = 57) isolates were tested for their CHP susceptibility in the presence and absence of phenylalanine arginine β-naphthylamide (PAβN). The potential co-selection of CHP resistance was investigated through conjugation experiments. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to analyze the E. coli (E329, E333, and E290) and Salmonella (SA448, SA461, and SA515) isolates with high CHP MIC (32-256 μg/mL) and predominant plasmid replicon types. The presence of PAβN significantly reduced the CHP MICs (≥4-fold) in most E. coli (67.9%) and Salmonella (64.9%). Ampicillin, tetracycline, and streptomycin co-selected for CHP-resistant Salmonella and E. coli-transconjugants carrying cmlA. IncF plasmids were mostly detected in cmlA carrying Salmonella (IncFIIAs) and E. coli (IncFIB and IncF) transconjugants. The WGS analysis revealed that class1 integrons with cmlA1 gene cassette flanked by IS26 and TnAs1 were located on IncX1 plasmid, IncFIA(HI1)/HI1B plasmids and IncFII/FIB plasmids. IncFIA(HI1)/HI1B/Q1in SA448 contained catA flanked by IS1B and TnAs3. In conclusion, cross resistance through proton motive force-dependent mechanisms and co-selection by other antimicrobial agents involved the persistence of CHP-resistance in E. coli in this collection. Dissemination of CHP-resistance genes was potentially facilitated by mobilization via mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiratchaya Puangseree
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rangsiya Prathan
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring in Food-borne Pathogens, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songsak Srisanga
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring in Food-borne Pathogens, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rungtip Chuanchuen
- Research Unit in Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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21
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Joannard B, Sanchez-Cid C. Bacterial dynamics of the plastisphere microbiome exposed to sub-lethal antibiotic pollution. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:97. [PMID: 38790062 PMCID: PMC11127405 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01803-2] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics and microplastics are two major aquatic pollutants that have been associated to antibiotic resistance selection in the environment and are considered a risk to human health. However, little is known about the interaction of these pollutants at environmental concentrations and the response of the microbial communities in the plastisphere to sub-lethal antibiotic pollution. Here, we describe the bacterial dynamics underlying this response in surface water bacteria at the community, resistome and mobilome level using a combination of methods (next-generation sequencing and qPCR), sequencing targets (16S rRNA gene, pre-clinical and clinical class 1 integron cassettes and metagenomes), technologies (short and long read sequencing), and assembly approaches (non-assembled reads, genome assembly, bacteriophage and plasmid assembly). RESULTS Our results show a shift in the microbial community response to antibiotics in the plastisphere microbiome compared to surface water communities and describe the bacterial subpopulations that respond differently to antibiotic and microplastic pollution. The plastisphere showed an increased tolerance to antibiotics and selected different antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Several metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) derived from the antibiotic-exposed plastisphere contained ARGs, virulence factors, and genes involved in plasmid conjugation. These include Comamonas, Chryseobacterium, the opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and other MAGs belonging to genera that have been associated to human infections, such as Achromobacter. The abundance of the integron-associated ciprofloxacin resistance gene aac(6')-Ib-cr increased under ciprofloxacin exposure in both freshwater microbial communities and in the plastisphere. Regarding the antibiotic mobilome, although no significant changes in ARG load in class 1 integrons and plasmids were observed in polluted samples, we identified three ARG-containing viral contigs that were integrated into MAGs as prophages. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates how the selective nature of the plastisphere influences bacterial response to antibiotics at sub-lethal selective pressure. The microbial changes identified here help define the selective role of the plastisphere and its impact on the maintenance of environmental antibiotic resistance in combination with other anthropogenic pollutants. This research highlights the need to evaluate the impact of aquatic pollutants in environmental microbial communities using complex scenarios with combined stresses. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brune Joannard
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAe 1418, VetAgro Sup, Ecologie Microbienne, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Concepcion Sanchez-Cid
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5557, UMR INRAe 1418, VetAgro Sup, Ecologie Microbienne, 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
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22
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Franklin AM, Weller DL, Durso LM, Bagley M, Davis BC, Frye JG, Grim CJ, Ibekwe AM, Jahne MA, Keely SP, Kraft AL, McConn BR, Mitchell RM, Ottesen AR, Sharma M, Strain EA, Tadesse DA, Tate H, Wells JE, Williams CF, Cook KL, Kabera C, McDermott PF, Garland JL. A one health approach for monitoring antimicrobial resistance: developing a national freshwater pilot effort. FRONTIERS IN WATER 2024; 6:10.3389/frwa.2024.1359109. [PMID: 38855419 PMCID: PMC11157689 DOI: 10.3389/frwa.2024.1359109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a world-wide public health threat that is projected to lead to 10 million annual deaths globally by 2050. The AMR public health issue has led to the development of action plans to combat AMR, including improved antimicrobial stewardship, development of new antimicrobials, and advanced monitoring. The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) led by the United States (U.S) Food and Drug Administration along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of Agriculture has monitored antimicrobial resistant bacteria in retail meats, humans, and food animals since the mid 1990's. NARMS is currently exploring an integrated One Health monitoring model recognizing that human, animal, plant, and environmental systems are linked to public health. Since 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has led an interagency NARMS environmental working group (EWG) to implement a surface water AMR monitoring program (SWAM) at watershed and national scales. The NARMS EWG divided the development of the environmental monitoring effort into five areas: (i) defining objectives and questions, (ii) designing study/sampling design, (iii) selecting AMR indicators, (iv) establishing analytical methods, and (v) developing data management/analytics/metadata plans. For each of these areas, the consensus among the scientific community and literature was reviewed and carefully considered prior to the development of this environmental monitoring program. The data produced from the SWAM effort will help develop robust surface water monitoring programs with the goal of assessing public health risks associated with AMR pathogens in surface water (e.g., recreational water exposures), provide a comprehensive picture of how resistant strains are related spatially and temporally within a watershed, and help assess how anthropogenic drivers and intervention strategies impact the transmission of AMR within human, animal, and environmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Franklin
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Daniel L. Weller
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa M. Durso
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA, ARS), Agroecosystem Management Research, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Mark Bagley
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Benjamin C. Davis
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jonathan G. Frye
- USDA ARS, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Poultry Microbiological Safety and Processing Research Unit, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Christopher J. Grim
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Abasiofiok M. Ibekwe
- USDA, ARS, Agricultural Water Efficiency and Salinity Research Unit, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Jahne
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Scott P. Keely
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Autumn L. Kraft
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Betty R. McConn
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Richard M. Mitchell
- Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Andrea R. Ottesen
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Manan Sharma
- USDA, ARS Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Errol A. Strain
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Daniel A. Tadesse
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Heather Tate
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Jim E. Wells
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Meat Safety and Quality, Clay Center, NE, United States
| | - Clinton F. Williams
- USDA, ARS, US Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ, United States
| | - Kim L. Cook
- USDA, ARS Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality National Program Staff, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Claudine Kabera
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Patrick F. McDermott
- Center for Veterinary Medicine, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD, United States
| | - Jay L. Garland
- United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Xu C, Zhang Y, Hu C, Shen C, Li F, Xu Y, Liu W, Shi D. From disinfection to pathogenicity: Occurrence, resistome risks and assembly mechanism of biocide and metal resistance genes in hospital wastewaters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123910. [PMID: 38570158 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123910] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Hospital wastewaters (HWWs) represent critical reservoir for the accumulation and propagation of resistance genes. However, studies on biocide and metal resistance genes (BMRGs) and their associated resistome risks and driving mechanisms in HWWs are still in their infancy. Here, metagenomic assembly was firstly used to investigate host pathogenicity and transferability profiles of BMGRs in a typical HWWs system. As a result, genes conferring resistance to Ethidium Bromide, Benzylkonium Chloride, and Cetylpyridinium Chloride dominated biocide resistance genes (BRGs), whereas Cu resistance gene was the largest contributor of metal resistance genes (MRGs). Most BMRGs experienced significant reduction from anoxic-aerobic treatment to sedimentation stages but exhibited enrichment after chlorine disinfection. Network analysis indicated intense interactions between BMRGs and virulence factors (VFs). Polar_flagella, belonging to the adherence was identified to play important role in the network. Contig-based analysis further revealed noteworthy shifts in host associations along the treatment processes, with Pseudomonadota emerging as the primary carrier, hosting 91.1% and 85.3% of the BRGs and MRGs. A total of 199 opportunistic pathogens were identified to carry 285 BMRG subtypes, which mainly included Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas lundensis, and Escherichia coli. Notably, ruvB conferring resistance to Cr, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, and Dodine were characterized with the highest frequency carried by pathogens. Diverse co-occurrence patterns between BMRGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were found from the raw influent to final effluent. Overall, 10.5% BRGs and 8.84% MRGs were mobile and among the 4 MGEs, transposase exhibited the greatest potential for the BMRGs dissemination. Furthermore, deterministic processes played a dominant role in bacterial communities and BMRGs assembly in HWWs. Bacterial communities contributed more than MGEs in shaping the resistome. Taken together, this work demonstrated widespread BMRGs pollution throughout the HWWs treatment system, emphasizing the potential for informing resistome risk and ecological mechanism in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Department of Infection Control, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chun Hu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yumin Xu
- Department of Infection Control, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Dake Shi
- Department of Infection Control, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Correa Velez KE, Alam M, Baalousha MA, Norman RS. Wildfire Ashes from the Wildland-Urban Interface Alter Vibrio vulnificus Growth and Gene Expression. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8169-8181. [PMID: 38690750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08658] [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: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Climate change-induced stressors are contributing to the emergence of infectious diseases, including those caused by marine bacterial pathogens such as Vibrio spp. These stressors alter Vibrio temporal and geographical distribution, resulting in increased spread, exposure, and infection rates, thus facilitating greater Vibrio-human interactions. Concurrently, wildfires are increasing in size, severity, frequency, and spread in the built environment due to climate change, resulting in the emission of contaminants of emerging concern. This study aimed to understand the potential effects of urban interface wildfire ashes on Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) growth and gene expression using transcriptomic approaches. V. vulnificus was exposed to structural and vegetation ashes and analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes using the HTSeq-DESeq2 strategy. Exposure to wildfire ash altered V. vulnificus growth and gene expression, depending on the trace metal composition of the ash. The high Fe content of the vegetation ash enhanced bacterial growth, while the high Cu, As, and Cr content of the structural ash suppressed growth. Additionally, the overall pattern of upregulated genes and pathways suggests increased virulence potential due to the selection of metal- and antibiotic-resistant strains. Therefore, mixed fire ashes transported and deposited into coastal zones may lead to the selection of environmental reservoirs of Vibrio strains with enhanced antibiotic resistance profiles, increasing public health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlen Enid Correa Velez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
- NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Mahbub Alam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Mohammed A Baalousha
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - R Sean Norman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
- NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly St., Suite 401, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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25
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Li X, Brejnrod A, Trivedi U, Russel J, Thorsen J, Shah SA, Vestergaard GA, Rasmussen MA, Nesme J, Bisgaard H, Stokholm J, Sørensen SJ. Co-localization of antibiotic resistance genes is widespread in the infant gut microbiome and associates with an immature gut microbial composition. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:87. [PMID: 38730321 PMCID: PMC11084089 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01800-5] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In environmental bacteria, the selective advantage of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can be increased through co-localization with genes such as other ARGs, biocide resistance genes, metal resistance genes, and virulence genes (VGs). The gut microbiome of infants has been shown to contain numerous ARGs, however, co-localization related to ARGs is unknown during early life despite frequent exposures to biocides and metals from an early age. RESULTS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic co-localization of resistance genes in a cohort of 662 Danish children and examined the association between such co-localization and environmental factors as well as gut microbial maturation. Our study showed that co-localization of ARGs with other resistance and virulence genes is common in the early gut microbiome and is associated with gut bacteria that are indicative of low maturity. Statistical models showed that co-localization occurred mainly in the phylum Proteobacteria independent of high ARG content and contig length. We evaluated the stochasticity of co-localization occurrence using enrichment scores. The most common forms of co-localization involved tetracycline and fluoroquinolone resistance genes, and, on plasmids, co-localization predominantly occurred in the form of class 1 integrons. Antibiotic use caused a short-term increase in mobile ARGs, while non-mobile ARGs showed no significant change. Finally, we found that a high abundance of VGs was associated with low gut microbial maturity and that VGs showed even higher potential for mobility than ARGs. CONCLUSIONS We found that the phenomenon of co-localization between ARGs and other resistance and VGs was prevalent in the gut at the beginning of life. It reveals the diversity that sustains antibiotic resistance and therefore indirectly emphasizes the need to apply caution in the use of antimicrobial agents in clinical practice, animal husbandry, and daily life to mitigate the escalation of resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanji Li
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Asker Brejnrod
- Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Urvish Trivedi
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Russel
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shiraz A Shah
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gisle Alberg Vestergaard
- Section of Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten Arendt Rasmussen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joseph Nesme
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Vincent J, Tenore A, Mattei MR, Frunzo L. Modelling Plasmid-Mediated Horizontal Gene Transfer in Biofilms. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:63. [PMID: 38664322 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01289-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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we present a mathematical model for plasmid spread in a growing biofilm, formulated as a nonlocal system of partial differential equations in a 1-D free boundary domain. Plasmids are mobile genetic elements able to transfer to different phylotypes, posing a global health problem when they carry antibiotic resistance factors. We model gene transfer regulation influenced by nearby potential receptors to account for recipient-sensing. We also introduce a promotion function to account for trace metal effects on conjugation, based on literature data. The model qualitatively matches experimental results, showing that contaminants like toxic metals and antibiotics promote plasmid persistence by favoring plasmid carriers and stimulating conjugation. Even at higher contaminant concentrations inhibiting conjugation, plasmid spread persists by strongly inhibiting plasmid-free cells. The model also replicates higher plasmid density in biofilm's most active regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Vincent
- Department of Mathematics and Applications "Renato Caccioppoli", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, 80126, Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
- Microbial Ecology Laboratory, University of Galway, University Road, Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Alberto Tenore
- Department of Mathematics and Applications "Renato Caccioppoli", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, 80126, Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Mattei
- Department of Mathematics and Applications "Renato Caccioppoli", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, 80126, Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Frunzo
- Department of Mathematics and Applications "Renato Caccioppoli", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 26, 80126, Monte S. Angelo, Naples, Italy
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27
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Singh CK, Sodhi KK, Shree P, Nitin V. Heavy Metals as Catalysts in the Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Mechanisms Underpinning Co-selection. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:148. [PMID: 38642082 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The menace caused by antibiotic resistance in bacteria is acknowledged on a global scale. Concerns over the same are increasing because of the selection pressure exerted by a huge number of different antimicrobial agents, including heavy metals. Heavy metals are non-metabolizable and recalcitrant to degradation, therefore the bacteria can expel the pollutants out of the system and make it less harmful via different mechanisms. The selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be influenced by heavy metals present in environmental reservoirs. Through co-resistance and cross-resistance processes, the presence of heavy metals in the environment can act as co-selecting agents, hence increasing resistance to both heavy metals and antibiotics. The horizontal gene transfer or mutation assists in the selection of mutant bacteria resistant to the polluted environment. Hence, bioremediation and biodegradation are sustainable methods for the natural clean-up of pollutants. This review sheds light on the occurrence of metal and antibiotic resistance in the environment via the co-resistance and cross-resistance mechanisms underpinning co-selection emphasizing the dearth of studies that specifically examine the method of co-selection in clinical settings. Furthermore, it is advised that future research incorporate both culture- and molecular-based methodologies to further our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying bacterial co- and cross-resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kushneet Kaur Sodhi
- Department of Zoology, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Pallee Shree
- Department of Zoology, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110001, India
| | - V Nitin
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110075, India
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28
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Sajjad W, Ilahi N, Haq A, Shang Z, Nabi G, Rafiq M, Bahadur A, Banerjee A, Kang S. Bacteria populating freshly appeared supraglacial lake possess metals and antibiotic-resistant genes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 247:118288. [PMID: 38262510 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118288] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (AR) has been extensively studied in natural habitats and clinical applications. AR is mainly reported with the use and misuse of antibiotics; however, little is known about its presence in antibiotic-free remote supraglacial lake environments. This study evaluated bacterial strains isolated from supraglacial lake debris and meltwater in Dook Pal Glacier, northern Pakistan, for antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) and metal-tolerant genes (MTGs) using conventional PCR. Several distinct ARGs were reported in the bacterial strains isolated from lake debris (92.5%) and meltwater (100%). In lake debris, 57.5% of isolates harbored the blaTEM gene, whereas 58.3% of isolates in meltwater possessed blaTEM and qnrA each. Among the ARGs, qnrA was dominant in debris isolates (19%), whereas in meltwater isolates, qnrA (15.2%) and blaTEM (15.2%) were dominant. ARGs were widely distributed among the bacterial isolates and different bacteria shared similar types of ARGs. Relatively greater number of ARGs were reported in Gram-negative bacterial strains. In addition, 92.5% of bacterial isolates from lake debris and 83.3% of isolates from meltwater harbored MTGs. Gene copA was dominant in meltwater isolates (50%), whereas czcA was greater in debris bacterial isolates (45%). Among the MTGs, czcA (18.75%) was dominant in debris strains, whereas copA (26.0%) was greater in meltwater isolates. This presents the co-occurrence and co-selection of MTGs and ARGs in a freshly appeared supraglacial lake. The same ARGs and MTGs were present in different bacteria, exhibiting horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Both positive and negative correlations were determined between ARGs and MTGs. The research provides insights into the existence of MTGs and ARGs in bacterial strains isolated from remote supraglacial lake environments, signifying the need for a more detailed study of bacteria harboring ARGs and MTGs in supraglacial lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Sajjad
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Nikhat Ilahi
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Abdul Haq
- Peshawar Laboratories Complex, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Zhanhuan Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Ali Bahadur
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Abhishek Banerjee
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Agarwal V, Meier B, Schreiner C, Figi R, Tao Y, Wang J. Airborne antibiotic and metal resistance genes - A neglected potential risk at e-waste recycling facilities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170991. [PMID: 38365028 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170991] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Heavy metal-rich environments can promote the selection of metal-resistance genes (MRGs) in bacteria, often leading to the simultaneous selection of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through a process known as co-selection. To comprehensively evaluate the biological pollutants at electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling facilities, air, soil, and river samples were collected at four distinct Swiss e-waste recycling facilities and analyzed for ARGs, MRGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), endotoxins, and bacterial species, with correlations drawn to heavy metal occurrence. To our knowledge, the present work marks the first attempt to quantify these bio-pollutants in the air of e-waste recycling facilities, that might pose a significant health risk to workers. Although ARG and MRG's profiles varied among the different sample types, intl1 consistently exhibited high relative abundance rates, identifying it as the predominant MGE across all sample types and facilities. These findings underscore its pivol role in driving diverse bacterial adaptations to extreme heavy metal exposure by selection and dissemination of ARGs and MRGs. All air samples exhibited consistent profiles of ARGs and MRGs, with blaTEM emerging as the predominant ARG, alongside pbrT and nccA as the most prevalent MRGs. However, one facility, engaged in batteries recycling and characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of heavy metals, showcased a more diverse resistance gene profile, suggesting that bacteria in this environment required more complex resistance mechanisms to cope with extreme metal exposure. Furthermore, this study unveiled a strong association between gram-negative bacteria and ARGs and less with MRGs. Overall, this research emphasizes the critical importance of studying biological pollutants in the air of e-waste recycling facilities to inform robust safety measures and mitigate the risk of resistance gene dissemination among workers. These findings establish a solid foundation for further investigations into the complex interplay among heavy metal exposure, bacterial adaptation, and resistance patterns in such distinctive ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Agarwal
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8983, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - B Meier
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8983, Switzerland
| | - C Schreiner
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - R Figi
- Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Y Tao
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8983, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - J Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8983, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland.
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30
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Nie Y, Zhang T, Xu Y, Du Y, Ai J, Xue N. Study on mechanism of removal of sudden Tetracycline by compound modified biological sand filtration process. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120709. [PMID: 38537460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120709] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The removal of tetracycline from the sewage plant effluents through advanced treatment methods is key to controlling tetracycline levels in the water environment. In this study, modified quartz sands (QS) were used in a biological sand filter to remove tetracycline. The modified QS, with different surface characteristics, were prepared using glass etching technology combined with subsequent chemical modification methods, including hydroxylation treatment, metal ion modification, and amino modification. The adsorption efficiency of hydroxylated QS was higher than that of metal ion modified and amino modified QS, with adsorption efficiencies of 20.4331 mg/kg, 12.8736 mg/kg, and 10.1737 mg/kg, respectively. Results indicated that QS primarily reduce tetracycline through adsorption. Adsorption on ordinary QS fit the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, while adsorption on other modified QS and biofilm-coated QS fit the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Biodegradation was identified as another mechanism for tetracycline reduction, which fit the zero-order kinetic model. Pseudomonas alcaligenes and unclassified Pseudomonas accounted for 96.6% of the total tetracycline-degrading bacteria. This study elucidates the effectiveness and mechanisms of five types of QS in treating tetracycline from sewage plant effluents. It provides a novel method for tetracycline reduction in real-world wastewater scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Nie
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100085, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100085, China.
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100085, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control Theory and Technology, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Water Pollution Control and Water Safety in Karst Area, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China.
| | - Yunfei Du
- School of Foreign Languages, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
| | - Junjie Ai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
| | - Na Xue
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
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Itzhari D, Shuai W, Hartmann EM, Ronen Z. Heterogeneous Antibiotic Resistance Gene Removal Impedes Evaluation of Constructed Wetlands for Effective Greywater Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:315. [PMID: 38666991 PMCID: PMC11047525 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13040315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms carrying antimicrobial resistance genes are often found in greywater. As the reuse of greywater becomes increasingly needed, it is imperative to determine how greywater treatment impacts antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Using qPCR and SmartChip™ qPCR, we characterized ARG patterns in greywater microbial communities before, during, and after treatment by a recirculating vertical flow constructed wetland. In parallel, we examined the impact of greywater-treated irrigation on soil, including the occurrence of emerging micropollutants and the taxonomic and ARG compositions of microbial communities. Most ARGs in raw greywater are removed efficiently during the winter season, while some ARGs in the effluents increase in summer. SmartChip™ qPCR revealed the presence of ARGs, such as tetracycline and beta-lactam resistance genes, in both raw and treated greywater, but most abundantly in the filter bed. It also showed that aminoglycoside and vancomycin gene abundances significantly increased after treatment. In the irrigated soil, the type of water (potable or treated greywater) had no specific impact on the total bacterial abundance (16S rRNA gene). No overlapping ARGs were found between treated greywater and greywater-irrigated soil. This study indicates ARG abundance and richness increased after treatment, possibly due to the concentration effects of the filter beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Itzhari
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba 8499000, Israel;
| | - Weitao Shuai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; (W.S.); (E.M.H.)
| | - Erica M. Hartmann
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; (W.S.); (E.M.H.)
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zeev Ronen
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba 8499000, Israel;
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Wight J, Byrne AS, Tahlan K, Lang AS. Anthropogenic contamination sources drive differences in antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli in three urban lakes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0180923. [PMID: 38349150 PMCID: PMC10952509 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01809-23] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an ever-present threat to the treatment of infectious diseases. However, the potential relevance of this phenomenon in environmental reservoirs still raises many questions. Detection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in the environment is a critical aspect for understanding the prevalence of resistance outside of clinical settings, as detection in the environment indicates that resistance is likely already widespread. We isolated antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from three urban waterbodies over a 15-month time series, determined their antimicrobial susceptibilities, investigated their population structure, and identified genetic determinants of resistance. We found that E. coli populations at each site were composed of different dominant phylotypes and showed distinct patterns of antimicrobial and multidrug resistance, despite close geographic proximity. Many strains that were genome-sequenced belonged to sequence types of international concern, particularly the ST131 clonal complex. We found widespread resistance to clinically important antimicrobials such as amoxicillin, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin, but found that all strains were susceptible to amikacin and the last-line antimicrobials meropenem and fosfomycin. Resistance was most often due to acquirable antimicrobial resistance genes, while chromosomal mutations in gyrA, parC, and parE conferred resistance to quinolones. Whole-genome analysis of a subset of strains further revealed the diversity of the population of E. coli present, with a wide array of AMR and virulence genes identified, many of which were present on the chromosome, including blaCTX-M. Finally, we determined that environmental persistence, transmission between sites, most likely mediated by wild birds, and transfer of mobile genetic elements likely contributed significantly to the patterns observed.IMPORTANCEA One Health perspective is crucial to understand the extent of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally, and investigation of AMR in the environment has been increasing in recent years. However, most studies have focused on waterways that are directly polluted by sewage, industrial manufacturing, or agricultural activities. Therefore, there remains a lack of knowledge about more natural, less overtly impacted environments. Through phenotypic and genotypic investigation of AMR in Escherichia coli, this study adds to our understanding of the extent and patterns of resistance in these types of environments, including over a time series, and showed that complex biotic and abiotic factors contribute to the patterns observed. Our study further emphasizes the importance of incorporating the surveillance of microbes in freshwater environments in order to better comprehend potential risks for both human and animal health and how the environment may serve as a sentinel for potential future clinical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Wight
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Alexander S. Byrne
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Kapil Tahlan
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
| | - Andrew S. Lang
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
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Menezes KV, Duarte CEDS, Moreira MG, Moreno TDJC, Pereira VJDS, Ucella-Filho JGM, Otenio MH, Ignacchiti MDC, Resende JA. Enterobacteria in anaerobic digestion of dairy cattle wastewater: Assessing virulence and resistance for one health security. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 252:121192. [PMID: 38309066 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Samples from a dairy cattle waste-fed anaerobic digester were collected across seasons to assess sanitary safety for biofertilizer use. Isolated enterobacteria (suggestive of Escherichia coli) were tested for susceptibility to biocides, antimicrobials, and biofilm-forming capability. Results revealed a decrease in total bacteria, coliforms, and enterobacteria in biofertilizer compared to the effluent. Among 488 isolates, 98.12 % exhibited high biofilm formation. Biofertilizer isolates exhibited a similar biofilm formation capability as effluent isolates in summer, but greater propensity in winter. Resistance to biocides and antimicrobials varied, with tetracycline resistance reaching 19 %. Of the isolates, 25 were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 64 % resistant to three drugs. Positive correlations were observed between MDR and increased biofilm formation capacity in both samples, while there was negative correlation between MDR and increased biocide resistance. A higher number of MDR bacteria were found in biofertilizer compared to the effluent, revealing the persistence of E. coli resistance, posing challenges to food safety and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kássia Vidal Menezes
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Center for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering - CCAE, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Alto Universitário, no number, Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | | | - Myleny Goularte Moreira
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | | | - Vitor José da Silva Pereira
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil
| | - João Gilberto Meza Ucella-Filho
- Department of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Jerônimo Monteiro, ES 29550-000, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliana Alves Resende
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Center for Agricultural Sciences and Engineering - CCAE, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Alto Universitário, no number, Guararema, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil; Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, Alegre, ES 29500-000, Brazil.
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34
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Kang Y, Wang J, Li Z. Meta-analysis addressing the characterization of antibiotic resistome in global hospital wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133577. [PMID: 38281357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Hospital wastewater (HWW) is a significant environmental reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, currently, no comprehensive understanding exists of the antibiotic resistome in global HWW. In this study, we attempted to address this knowledge gap through an in silico reanalysis of publicly accessible global HWW metagenomic data. We reanalyzed ARGs in 338 HWW samples from 13 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. In total, 2420 ARG subtypes belonging to 30 ARG types were detected, dominated by multidrug, beta-lactam, and aminoglycoside resistance genes. ARG composition in Europe differed from that in Asia and Africa. Notably, the ARGs presented co-occurrence with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), metal resistance genes (MRGs), and human bacterial pathogens (HBP), indicating a potential dissemination risk of ARGs in the HWW. Multidrug resistance genes presented co-occurrence with MGEs, MRGs, and HBP, is particularly pronounced. The abundance of contigs that contained ARG, contigs that contained ARG and HBP, contigs that contained ARG and MGE, contigs that contained ARG and MRG were used for health and transmission risk assessment of antibiotic resistome and screened out 40 high risk ARGs in the global HWW. This study first provides a comprehensive characterization and risk of the antibiotic resistome in global HWW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Kang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102200, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenjun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102200, China.
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35
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Gao FZ, He LY, He LX, Bai H, Zhang M, Chen ZY, Qiao LK, Liu YS, Ying GG. Swine farming shifted the gut antibiotic resistome of local people. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133082. [PMID: 38016315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133082] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are prevalent in the livestock environment, but little is known about impacts of animal farming on the gut antibiotic resistome of local people. Here we conducted metagenomic sequencing to investigate gut microbiome and resistome of residents in a swine farming village as well as environmental relevance by comparing with a nearby non-farming village. Results showed a shift of gut microbiome towards unhealthy status in the residents of swine farming village, with an increased abundance and diversity in pathogens and ARGs. The resistome composition in human guts was more similar with that in swine feces and air than that in soil and water. Mobile gene elements were closely associated with the prevalence of gut resistome. Some plasmid-borne ARGs were colocalized in similar genetic contexts in gut and environmental samples. Metagenomic binning obtained 47 ARGs-carrying families in human guts, and therein Enterobacteriaceae posed the highest threats in antibiotic resistance and virulence. Several ARGs-carrying families were shared by gut and environmental samples (mainly in swine feces and air), and the ARGs were evolutionarily conservative within genera. The findings highlight that swine farming can shape gut resistome of local people with close linkage to farm environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Zhou Gao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Liang-Ying He
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Lu-Xi He
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Hong Bai
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zi-Yin Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lu-Kai Qiao
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - You-Sheng Liu
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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36
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Ni B, Zhang TL, Cai TG, Xiang Q, Zhu D. Effects of heavy metal and disinfectant on antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factor genes in the plastisphere from diverse soil ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133335. [PMID: 38142651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) are world-wide contaminants posing potential health risks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) and heavy metals can apply selective pressure on antibiotic resistance. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their coupled effect on changes in ARGs and virulence factor genes (VFGs) in various soil types and their plastispheres. Herein, we conducted a microcosm experiment to explore the abundances and profiles of ARGs and VFGs in soil plastispheres from three distinct types of soils amended with Cu and disinfectants. The plastispheres enriched the ARGs' abundance compared to soils and stimulated the coupling effect of combined pollutants on promoting the abundances of ARGs and VFGs. Horizontal gene transfer inevitably accelerates the propagation of ARGs and VFGs in plastispheres under pollutant stress. In plastispheres, combined exposure to disinfectants and Cu increased some potential pathogens' relative abundances. Moreover, the combined effect of disinfectants and Cu on ARGs and VFGs changed with soil type in plastispheres, emphasising the necessity to incorporate soil type considerations into health risk assessments for ARGs and VFGs. Overall, this study highlights the high health risks of ARGs under the selective pressure of combined pollutants in plastispheres and provides valuable insights for future risk assessments related to antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Ni
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Lun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Gui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, People's Republic of China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, People's Republic of China.
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Short B. SMR transporters meet the challenge of metformin metabolites. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202413549. [PMID: 38324209 PMCID: PMC10849910 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202413549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
JGP study (Lucero et al. http://www.doi.org/10.1085/jgp.202313464) shows that members of the SMRGdx subtype can export the degradation products of metformin, helping bacteria adapt to high environmental levels of the commonly prescribed diabetes medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Short
- Science Writer, Rockefeller University Press, New York, NY, USA
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Lucero RM, Demirer K, Yeh TJ, Stockbridge RB. Transport of metformin metabolites by guanidinium exporters of the small multidrug resistance family. J Gen Physiol 2024; 156:e202313464. [PMID: 38294434 PMCID: PMC10829512 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins from the small multidrug resistance (SMR) family are frequently associated with horizontally transferred multidrug resistance gene arrays found in bacteria from wastewater and the human-adjacent biosphere. Recent studies suggest that a subset of SMR transporters might participate in the metabolism of the common pharmaceutical metformin by bacterial consortia. Here, we show that both genomic and plasmid-associated transporters of the SMRGdx functional subtype export byproducts of microbial metformin metabolism, with particularly high export efficiency for guanylurea. We use solid-supported membrane electrophysiology to evaluate the transport kinetics for guanylurea and native substrate guanidinium by four representative SMRGdx homologs. Using an internal reference to normalize independent electrophysiology experiments, we show that transport rates are comparable for genomic and plasmid-associated SMRGdx homologs, and using a proteoliposome-based transport assay, we show that 2 proton:1 substrate transport stoichiometry is maintained. Additional characterization of guanidinium and guanylurea export properties focuses on the structurally characterized homolog, Gdx-Clo, for which we examined the pH dependence and thermodynamics of substrate binding and solved an x-ray crystal structure with guanylurea bound. Together, these experiments contribute in two main ways. By providing the first detailed kinetic examination of the structurally characterized SMRGdx homolog Gdx-Clo, they provide a functional framework that will inform future mechanistic studies of this model transport protein. Second, this study casts light on a potential role for SMRGdx transporters in microbial handling of metformin and its microbial metabolic byproducts, providing insight into how native transport physiologies are co-opted to contend with new selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Lucero
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kemal Demirer
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Randy B. Stockbridge
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Woyda R, Oladeinde A, Endale D, Strickland T, Plumblee Lawrence J, Abdo Z. Genetic Characteristics of Salmonella Isolates Recovered From Reused Broiler Litter Over Three Successive Flocks. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100236. [PMID: 38307462 PMCID: PMC11000695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100236] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Salmonella infections are a leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness worldwide. Infections are highly associated with the consumption of contaminated food, and in particular, chicken meat. The severity of Salmonella infections depends on the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. While there are many studies which have investigated Salmonella strains isolated from postharvest chicken samples, there is a gap in our understanding of the genetic properties that influence the persistence of Salmonella in preharvest and in particular their makeup of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. We used whole genome sequencing and hierarchical clustering to characterize and classify the genetic diversity of Salmonella enterica isolates (n = 55) recovered from the litter of commercial broiler chicken raised in four colocated broiler houses of one integrated farm over three consecutive flocks. The chicken were raised under a newly adopted "No Antibiotics Ever" program, and copper sulfate was administered via drinking water. In-silico serovar prediction identified three S. enterica serovars: Enteritidis (n = 12), Kentucky (n = 40), and Senftenberg (n = 3). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that only one S. Kentucky isolate was resistant to streptomycin, while the remaining isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Metal resistance operons, including copper and silver, were identified chromosomally and on plasmids in serovar Senftenberg and Kentucky isolates, respectively, while serovar Enteritidis carried several virulence factors on plasmids. Serovar Kentucky isolates harboring metal resistance operons were the only Salmonella isolates recovered from the litter of third flock cohort. These results suggest that there might be environmental selection for Salmonella strains carrying plasmid-associated metal resistance and virulence genes, which could play a role in their persistence in litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Woyda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Dinku Endale
- Southeast Watershed Research, USDA, Tifton, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Zaid Abdo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Bünemann EK, Reimer M, Smolders E, Smith SR, Bigalke M, Palmqvist A, Brandt KK, Möller K, Harder R, Hermann L, Speiser B, Oudshoorn F, Løes AK, Magid J. Do contaminants compromise the use of recycled nutrients in organic agriculture? A review and synthesis of current knowledge on contaminant concentrations, fate in the environment and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168901. [PMID: 38042198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168901] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Use of nutrients recycled from societal waste streams in agriculture is part of the circular economy, and in line with organic farming principles. Nevertheless, diverse contaminants in waste streams create doubts among organic farmers about potential risks for soil health. Here, we gather the current knowledge on contaminant levels in waste streams and recycled nutrient sources, and discuss associated risks. For potentially toxic elements (PTEs), the input of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) from mineral feed supplements remains of concern, while concentrations of PTEs in many waste streams have decreased substantially in Europe. The same applies to organic contaminants, although new chemical groups such as flame retardants are of emerging concern and globally contamination levels differ strongly. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, application of organic fertilizers derived from human or animal feces is associated with an increased risk for environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The risk depends on the quality of the organic fertilizers, which varies between geographical regions, but farmland application of sewage sludge appears to be a safe practice as shown by some studies (e.g. from Sweden). Microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils show a wide spread and our understanding of its toxicity is limited, hampering a sound risk assessment. Methods for assessing public health risks for organic contaminants must include emerging contaminants and potential interactions of multiple compounds. Evidence from long-term field experiments suggests that soils may be more resilient and capable to degrade or stabilize pollutants than often assumed. In view of the need to source nutrients for expanding areas under organic farming, we discuss inputs originating from conventional farms vs. non-agricultural (i.e. societal) inputs. Closing nutrient cycles between agriculture and society is feasible in many cases, without being compromised by contaminants, and should be enhanced, aided by improved source control, waste treatment and sound risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Bünemann
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland.
| | - M Reimer
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - E Smolders
- Division Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S R Smith
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - M Bigalke
- Department of Soil Mineralogy and Soil Chemistry, Institute for Applied Geosciences, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 9, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - A Palmqvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - K K Brandt
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - K Möller
- University of Hohenheim, Department of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Fruwirthstr. 20, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - R Harder
- Environmental Engineering Group, Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L Hermann
- Proman Management GmbH, Weingartenstrasse 92, 2214 Auersthal, Austria
| | - B Speiser
- Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse 113, 5070 Frick, Switzerland
| | - F Oudshoorn
- Innovation Centre for Organic Farming (ICOEL), Agro Food Park 26, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A K Løes
- Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture (NORSØK), Gunnars veg 6, N-6630 Tingvoll, Norway
| | - J Magid
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Gunarathne V, Phillips AJ, Zanoletti A, Rajapaksha AU, Vithanage M, Di Maria F, Pivato A, Korzeniewska E, Bontempi E. Environmental pitfalls and associated human health risks and ecological impacts from landfill leachate contaminants: Current evidence, recommended interventions and future directions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169026. [PMID: 38056656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169026] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The improper management of solid waste, particularly the dumping of untreated municipal solid waste, poses a growing global challenge in both developed and developing nations. The generation of leachate is one of the significant issues that arise from this practice, and it can have harmful impacts on both the environment and public health. This paper presents an overview of the primary waste types that generate landfill leachate and their characteristics. This includes examining the distribution of waste types in landfills globally and how they have changed over time, which can provide valuable insights into potential pollutants in a given area and their trends. With a lack of specific regulations and growing concerns regarding environmental and health impacts, the paper also focuses on emerging contaminants. Furthermore, the environmental and ecological impacts of leachate, along with associated health risks, are analyzed. The potential applications of landfill leachate, suggested interventions and future directions are also discussed in the manuscript. Finally, this work addresses future research directions in landfill leachate studies, with attention, for the first time to the potentialities that artificial intelligence can offer for landfill leachate management, studies, and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viraj Gunarathne
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, CO 10250, Sri Lanka; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ankur J Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Alessandra Zanoletti
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, CO 10250, Sri Lanka; Instrument Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, CO 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Francesco Di Maria
- LAR5 Laboratory, Dipartimento di Ingegneria, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 93, 06125 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Pivato
- DICEA - Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Ewa Korzeniewska
- Department of Water Protection Engineering and Environmental Microbiology, The Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawocheńskiego 1 Str., 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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Zhang M, Xiong Y, Sun H, Xiao T, Xiao E, Sun X, Li B, Sun W. Selective pressure of arsenic and antimony co-contamination on microbial community in alkaline sediments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132948. [PMID: 37984136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132948] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Although response of microbial community to arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) co-contamination has been investigated in neutral and acidic environments, little is known in alkaline environment. Herein, the microbial response and survival strategies under the stress of As and Sb co-contamination were determined in the alkaline sediments. Elevated concentrations of As (13700 ± 5012 mg/kg) and Sb (10222 ± 1619 mg/kg) were introduced into the alkaline sediments by the mine drainage, which was partially adopted in the aquatic environment and resulted in a relatively lower contamination (As, 6633 ± 1707 mg/kg; Sb, 6108 ± 1095 mg/kg) in the downstream sediments. The microbial richness was significantly damaged and the microbial compositions were dramatically shifted by the As and Sb co-contamination. Metagenomic analysis shed light on the survival strategies of the microbes under the pressure of As and Sb co-contamination including metal oxidation coupled with denitrification, metal reduction, and metal resistance. The representative microbes were revealed in the sediments with higher (Halomonas) and lower (Thiobacillus, Hydrogenophaga and Flavihumibacter) As and Sb concentration, respectively. In addition, antibiotic resistance genes were found to co-occur with metal resistance genes in the assembled bins. These findings might provide theoretical guidance for bioremediation of As and Sb co-contamination in alkaline environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yiqun Xiong
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Huicai Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Enzong Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxu Sun
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, China
| | - Baoqin Li
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Weimin Sun
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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43
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Odey TOJ, Tanimowo WO, Afolabi KO, Jahid IK, Reuben RC. Antimicrobial use and resistance in food animal production: food safety and associated concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:1-23. [PMID: 38055165 PMCID: PMC10830768 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00462-x] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of antimicrobials in food animal (FA) production is a common practice all over the world, with even greater usage and dependence in the developing world, including Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, this practice which serves obvious economic benefits to producers has raised public health concerns over the last decades, thus driving the selection and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and adversely impacting food safety and environmental health. This review presents the current and comprehensive antimicrobial usage practices in food animal production across SSA. We further highlighted the overall regional drivers as well as the public health, environmental, and economic impact of antimicrobial use in the production of food animals. Antimicrobial use is likely to increase with even exacerbated outcomes unless cost-effective, safe, and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics, especially probiotics, prebiotics, bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, vaccines, etc. are urgently advocated for and used in food animal production in SSA. These, in addition to the implementation of strong legislation on antimicrobial use, and improved hygiene will help mitigate the public health concerns associated with antimicrobial use in food animals and improve the well-being and safety of food animals and their products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Obiebe Jason Odey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, Anchor University, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Williams Omotola Tanimowo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, Anchor University, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kayode Olayinka Afolabi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, Anchor University, Lagos, Nigeria
- Pathogenic Yeasts Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of The Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Iqbal Kabir Jahid
- Department of Microbiology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Rine Christopher Reuben
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, Anchor University, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, OneHealth-UR Research Group, University of La Rioja, 26006, Logroño, Spain.
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44
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Stevenson EM, Buckling A, Cole M, Lindeque PK, Murray AK. Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168234. [PMID: 37924893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168234] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst the impact of each of these contaminants has been studied in isolation, the influence of this co-occurrence in driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR)1 in microplastic-adhered microbial communities, known as 'the Plastisphere', is not well understood. This review proposes the mechanisms by which interactions between antimicrobials and microplastics may drive selection for AMR in the Plastisphere. These include: 1) increased rates of horizontal gene transfer in the Plastisphere compared with free-living counterparts and natural substrate controls due to the proximity of cells, co-occurrence of environmental microplastics with AMR selective compounds and the sequestering of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in the biofilm matrix. 2) An elevated AMR selection pressure in the Plastisphere due to the adsorbing of AMR selective or co-selective compounds to microplastics at concentrations greater than those found in surrounding mediums and potentially those adsorbed to comparator particles. 3) AMR selection pressure may be further elevated in the Plastisphere due to the incorporation of antimicrobial or AMR co-selective chemicals in the plastic matrix during manufacture. Implications for both ecological functioning and environmental risk assessments are discussed, alongside recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Stevenson
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK; Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Angus Buckling
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Aimee K Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
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Zhang T, Liao P, Fang L, Zhang D. Effect of booster disinfection on the prevalence of microbial antibiotic resistance and bacterial community in a simulated drinking water distribution system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122902. [PMID: 37949160 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122902] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Booster disinfection was often applied to control the microorganism's growth in long-distance water supply systems. The effect of booster disinfection on the changing patterns of antibiotic resistance and bacterial community was investigated by a simulated water distribution system (SWDS). The results showed that the antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were initially removed after dosing disinfectants (chlorine and chloramine), but then increased with the increasing water age. However, the relative abundance of ARGs significantly increased after booster disinfection both in buck water and biofilm, then decreased along the pipeline. The pipe materials and disinfectant type also affected the antibiotic resistance. Chlorine was more efficient in controlling microbes and ARGs than chloramine. Compared with UPVC and PE pipes, SS pipes had the lowest total bacteria, ARB concentration, and ARB percentage, mainly due to higher disinfectant residuals and a smoother surface. The significant correlation (rs = 0.77, p < 0.001) of the 16S rRNA genes was observed between buck water and biofilm, while the correlations of targeted ARGs were found to be weak. Bray-Curtis similarity index indicated that booster disinfection significantly changed the biofilm bacterial community and the disinfectant type also had a marked impact on the bacterial community. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Methylobacterium significantly increased after booster disinfection. Mycobacterium increased after chloramination while decreased after chlorination, indicating Mycobacterium might resist chloramine. Pseudomonas, Methylobacterium, and Phreatobacter were found to correlate well with the relative abundance of ARGs. These results highlighted antibiotic resistance shift and bacterial community alteration after booster disinfection, which may be helpful in controlling potential microbial risk in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuqiao Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Future Water Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314000, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Pubin Liao
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Future Water Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314000, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Lei Fang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Future Water Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing, 314000, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Dongyang Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety and Distribution Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Kläui A, Bütikofer U, Naskova J, Wagner E, Marti E. Fresh produce as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes: A case study of Switzerland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167671. [PMID: 37813266 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167671] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be transferred to humans through food and fresh produce can be an ideal vector as it is often consumed raw or minimally processed. The production environment of fresh produce and the agricultural practices and regulations can vary substantially worldwide, and consequently, the contamination sources of AMR. In this study, 75 imported and 75 non-imported fresh produce samples purchased from Swiss retailers were tested for the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Moreover, the plasmidome of 4 selected samples was sequenced to have an insight on the diversity of mobile resistome. In total, 91 ARB were isolated from fresh produce, mainly cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (n = 64) and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (n = 13). All P. aeruginosa, as well as 16 Enterobacterales' isolates were multidrug-resistant. No differences between imported and Swiss fresh produce were found regarding the number of ARB. In 95 % of samples at least one ARG was detected, being the most frequent sul1, blaTEM, and ermB. Abundance of sul1 and intI1 correlated strongly with the total amount of ARGs, suggesting they could be good indicators for AMR in fresh produce. Furthermore, sul1 correlated with the fecal marker yccT, indicating that fecal contamination could be one of the sources of AMR. The gene sulI was significantly higher in most imported samples, suggesting higher anthropogenic contamination in the food production chain of imported produce. The analyses of the plasmidome of coriander and carrot samples revealed the presence of several ARGs as well as genes conferring resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants in mobile genetic elements. Overall, this study demonstrated that fresh produce contributes to the dissemination of ARGs and ARB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kläui
- Food Microbial Systems, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Bütikofer
- Food Microbial Systems, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Javorka Naskova
- Food Microbial Systems, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elvira Wagner
- Food Microbial Systems, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisabet Marti
- Food Microbial Systems, Agroscope, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
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Wang X, Zhang H, Yu S, Li D, Gillings MR, Ren H, Mao D, Guo J, Luo Y. Inter-plasmid transfer of antibiotic resistance genes accelerates antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad032. [PMID: 38366209 PMCID: PMC10881300 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad032] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat for public health. Plasmids play a critical role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance via horizontal gene transfer between bacterial species. However, it remains unclear how plasmids originally recruit and assemble various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we track ARG recruitment and assembly in clinically relevant plasmids by combining a systematic analysis of 2420 complete plasmid genomes and experimental validation. Results showed that ARG transfer across plasmids is prevalent, and 87% ARGs were observed to potentially transfer among various plasmids among 8229 plasmid-borne ARGs. Interestingly, recruitment and assembly of ARGs occur mostly among compatible plasmids within the same bacterial cell, with over 88% of ARG transfers occurring between compatible plasmids. Integron and insertion sequences drive the ongoing ARG acquisition by plasmids, especially in which IS26 facilitates 63.1% of ARG transfer events among plasmids. In vitro experiment validated the important role of IS26 involved in transferring gentamicin resistance gene aacC1 between compatible plasmids. Network analysis showed four beta-lactam genes (blaTEM-1, blaNDM-4, blaKPC-2, and blaSHV-1) shuffling among 1029 plasmids and 45 clinical pathogens, suggesting that clinically alarming ARGs transferred accelerate the propagation of antibiotic resistance in clinical pathogens. ARGs in plasmids are also able to transmit across clinical and environmental boundaries, in terms of the high-sequence similarities of plasmid-borne ARGs between clinical and environmental plasmids. This study demonstrated that inter-plasmid ARG transfer is a universal mechanism for plasmid to recruit various ARGs, thus advancing our understanding of the emergence of multidrug-resistant plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Hanhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shenbo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Donghang Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Michael R Gillings
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Daqing Mao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yi Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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48
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Kopf A, Bunk B, Riedel T, Schröttner P. The zoonotic pathogen Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica - current findings from a clinical and genomic perspective. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38172653 PMCID: PMC10763324 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03139-7] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic pathogen Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica can cause several diseases in humans, including sepsis and bacteremia. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, the bacterium is thought to enter traumatic skin lesions via fly larvae, resulting in severe myiasis and/or wound contamination. Infections are typically associated with, but not limited to, infestation of an open wound by fly larvae, poor sanitary conditions, cardiovascular disease, substance abuse, and osteomyelitis. W. chitiniclastica is generally sensitive to a broad spectrum of antibiotics with the exception of fosfomycin. However, increasing drug resistance has been observed and its development should be monitored with caution. In this review, we summarize the currently available knowledge and evaluate it from both a clinical and a genomic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kopf
- Clinic for Cardiology, Sana Heart Center, Leipziger Str. 50, 03048, Cottbus, Germany
- 2nd Medical Clinic for Hematology, Oncology, Pneumology and Nephrology, Carl-Thiem Hospital Cottbus gGmbH, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Boyke Bunk
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Inhoffenstrasse 7 B, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thomas Riedel
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Inhoffenstrasse 7 B, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Percy Schröttner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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49
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Rihacek M, Kosaristanova L, Fialova T, Kuthanova M, Eichmeier A, Hakalova E, Cerny M, Berka M, Palkovicova J, Dolejska M, Svec P, Adam V, Zurek L, Cihalova K. Zinc effects on bacteria: insights from Escherichia coli by multi-omics approach. mSystems 2023; 8:e0073323. [PMID: 37905937 PMCID: PMC10734530 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00733-23] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A long-term exposure of bacteria to zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles leads to major alterations in bacterial morphology and physiology. These included biochemical and physiological processes promoting the emergence of strains with multi-drug resistance and virulence traits. After the removal of zinc pressure, bacterial phenotype reversed back to the original state; however, certain changes at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic level remained. Why is this important? The extensive and intensive use of supplements in animal feed effects the intestinal microbiota of livestock and this may negatively impact the health of animals and people. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the impact of feed supplements on intestinal microorganisms in order to adequately assess and prevent potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Rihacek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ludmila Kosaristanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Tatiana Fialova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Michaela Kuthanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ales Eichmeier
- Faculty of Horticulture, Mendeleum—Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Eliska Hakalova
- Faculty of Horticulture, Mendeleum—Institute of Genetics, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Cerny
- Department of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology, Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Miroslav Berka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology, Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jana Palkovicova
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Monika Dolejska
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, The University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Svec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ludek Zurek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kristyna Cihalova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czechia
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50
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Bagra K, Bellanger X, Merlin C, Singh G, Berendonk TU, Klümper U. Environmental stress increases the invasion success of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in river microbial communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166661. [PMID: 37652387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microbiomes are constantly exposed to invasion events through foreign, antibiotic resistant bacteria that were enriched in the anthropic sphere. However, the biotic and abiotic factors, as well as the natural barriers that determine the invasion success of these invader bacteria into the environmental microbiomes are poorly understood. A great example of such invasion events are river microbial communities constantly exposed to resistant bacteria originating from wastewater effluents. Here, we aim at gaining comprehensive insights into the key factors that determine their invasion success with a particular focus on the effects of environmental stressors, regularly co-released in wastewater effluents. Understanding invasion dynamics of resistant bacteria is crucial for limiting the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance. To achieve this, we grew natural microbial biofilms on glass slides in rivers for one month. The biofilms were then transferred to laboratory, recirculating flume systems and exposed to a single pulse of a model resistant invader bacterium (Escherichia coli) either in presence or absence of stress induced by Cu2+. The invasion dynamics of E. coli into the biofilms were then monitored for 14 days. Despite an initially successful introduction of E. coli into the biofilms, independent of the imposed stress, over time the invader perished in absence of stress. However, under stress the invading strain successfully established and proliferated in the biofilms. Noteworthy, the increased establishment success of the invader coincided with a loss in microbial community diversity under stress conditions, likely due to additional niche space becoming available for the invader.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyum Bagra
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Hydrobiology, Dresden, Germany; Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Xavier Bellanger
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Villers-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Merlin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, UMR 7564, Villers-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Gargi Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Thomas U Berendonk
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Hydrobiology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uli Klümper
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Hydrobiology, Dresden, Germany.
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