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Lu C, Jiang Y, Lan M, Wang L, Zhang W, Wang F. Children's food allergy: Effects of environmental influences and antibiotic use across critical developmental windows. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134506. [PMID: 38714059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134506] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing studies linked outdoor air pollution (OAP), indoor environmental factors (IEFs), and antibiotics use (AU) with the first wave of allergies (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema), yet the role of their exposures on children's second wave of allergy (i.e., food allergy) are unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between exposure to OAP and IEFs and childhood doctor-diagnosed food allergy (DFA) during the pre-pregnancy, prenatal, early postnatal, and current periods, and to further explore the effect of OAP and IEFs on DFA in children co-exposed to antibiotics. METHODS A retrospective cohort study involving 8689 preschoolers was carried out in Changsha, China. Data on the health outcomes, antibiotic use, and home environment of each child were collected through a questionnaire. Temperature and air pollutants data were obtained from 8 and 10 monitoring stations in Changsha, respectively. Exposure levels to temperature and air pollutants at individual home addresses were calculated by the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations of childhood DFA with exposure to OAP, IEF, and AU. RESULTS Childhood ever doctor-diagnosed food allergy (DFA) was linked to postnatal PM10 exposure with OR (95% CI) of 1.18 (1.03-1.36), especially for CO and O3 exposure during the first year with ORs (95% CI) = 1.08 (1.00-1.16) and 1.07 (1.00-1.14), as well as SO2 exposure during the previous year with OR (95% CI) of 1.13 (1.02-1.25). The role of postnatal air pollution is more important for the risk of egg, milk and other food allergies. Renovation-related IAP (new furniture) and dampness-related indoor allergens exposures throughout all time windows significantly increased the risk of childhood DFA, with ORs ranging from 1.23 (1.03-1.46) to 1.54 (1.29-1.83). Furthermore, smoke-related IAP (environmental tobacco smoke [ETS], parental and grandparental smoking) exposure during pregnancy, first year, and previous year was related to DFA. Additionally, exposure to pet-related indoor allergens (cats) during first year and total plant-related allergens (particularly nonflowering plants) during previous year were associated with DFA. Moreover, exposure to plant-related allergy during first and previous year was specifically associated with milk allergy, while keeping cats during first year increased the risk of fruits/vegetables allergy. Life-time and early-life AU was associated with the increased risk of childhood DFA with ORs (95% CI) = 1.57 (1.32-1.87) and 1.46 (1.27-1.67), including different types food allergies except fruit/vegetable allergy. CONCLUSIONS Postnatal OAP, life-time and early-life IEFs and AU exposure played a vital role in the development of DFA, supporting the "fetal origin of childhood FA" hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Lu
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Healthy Building, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Ying Jiang
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengju Lan
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Wang
- XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wanzhen Zhang
- Department of GICU, Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Weiwu Road No. 1, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Faming Wang
- Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Matesun J, Petrik L, Musvoto E, Ayinde W, Ikumi D. Limitations of wastewater treatment plants in removing trace anthropogenic biomarkers and future directions: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 281:116610. [PMID: 38909392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the limitations faced by conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in effectively removing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), heavy metals (HMs), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This emphasises the limitations of current treatment methods and advocates for innovative approaches to enhance the removal efficiency. By following the PRISMA guidelines, the study systematically reviewed relevant literature on detecting and remedying these pollutants in wastewater treatment facilities. Conventional wastewater treatment plants struggle to eliminate CECs, HMs, and E. coli owing to their small size, persistence, and complex nature. The review suggests upgrading WWTPs with advanced tertiary processes to significantly improve contaminant removal. This calls for cost-effective treatment parameters and standardised assessment techniques to enhance the fate of MPs in WWTPs and WRRFs. It recommends integrating insights from mass-balance model studies on MPs in WWTP to overcome modelling challenges and ensure model reliability. In conclusion, this review underscores the urgent need for advancements in wastewater treatment processes to mitigate the environmental impact of trace anthropogenic biomarkers. Future efforts should focus on conducting comprehensive studies, implementing advanced treatment methods, and optimising management practices in WWTPs and WRRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Matesun
- Water Research Group, New Engineering Building, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and NanoScience Research Group, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
| | - Eustina Musvoto
- TruSense Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, 191 Hartley Street Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wasiu Ayinde
- Water Research Group, New Engineering Building, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - David Ikumi
- Water Research Group, New Engineering Building, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa.
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3
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Gentile A, Piccolo P, Iannece P, Cicatelli A, Castiglione S, Guarino F. Reduction of antimicrobial resistance: Advancements in nature-based wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134330. [PMID: 38678704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134330] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Water scarcity, affecting one-fifth of the global population, is exacerbated by industrial, agricultural, and population growth pressures on water resources. Wastewater, containing Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) such as antibiotics, presents environmental and health hazards. This study explores a Nature-Based Solution (NBS) using Constructed Wetlands (CWs) for wastewater reclamation and CECs removal. Two CW configurations (Vertical-VCW and Hybrid-HCW) were tested for their efficacy. Results show significant reduction in for all the chemico-physical and biological parameters meeting Italian water reuse standards. Furthermore, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Antibiotic Resistant Genes (ARGs) were effectively reduced, emphasizing the potential of the CWs in mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Lettuce seedlings irrigated with the treated wastewater exhibited no ARB/ARGs transfer, indicating the safety of the reclaimed wastewater for agricultural use. Overall, CWs emerge as sustainable Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for wastewater treatment, contributing to global water conservation efforts amid escalating water scarcity challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Gentile
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, PA, Italy.
| | - Paolo Piccolo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Iannece
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy.
| | - Angela Cicatelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, PA, Italy.
| | - Stefano Castiglione
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, PA, Italy.
| | - Francesco Guarino
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Fisciano 84084, SA, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, PA, Italy.
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Wilson GJL, Perez-Zabaleta M, Owusu-Agyeman I, Kumar A, Ghosh A, Polya DA, Gooddy DC, Cetecioglu Z, Richards LA. Discovery of sulfonamide resistance genes in deep groundwater below Patna, India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124205. [PMID: 38797351 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Global usage of pharmaceuticals has led to the proliferation of bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobial treatments, creating a substantial public health challenge. Here, we investigate the emergence of sulfonamide resistance genes in groundwater and surface water in Patna, a rapidly developing city in Bihar, India. We report the first quantification of three sulfonamide resistance genes (sulI, sulII and sulIII) in groundwater (12-107 m in depth) in India. The mean relative abundance of gene copies was found to be sulI (2.4 × 10-2 copies/16S rRNA gene) > sulII (5.4 × 10-3 copies/16S rRNA gene) > sulIII (2.4 × 10-3 copies/16S rRNA gene) in groundwater (n = 15) and surface water (n = 3). A comparison between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and wastewater indicators, particularly tryptophan:fulvic-like fluorescence, suggests that wastewater was associated with AMR gene prevalence. Urban drainage channels, containing hospital and domestic wastes, are likely a substantial source of antimicrobial resistance in groundwater and surface water, including the Ganges (Ganga) River. This study is a reference point for decision-makers in the fight against antimicrobial resistance because it quantifies and determines potential sources of AMR genes in Indian groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J L Wilson
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Mariel Perez-Zabaleta
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isaac Owusu-Agyeman
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arun Kumar
- Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Center, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505, Bihar, India
| | - Ashok Ghosh
- Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Center, Phulwarisharif, Patna, 801505, Bihar, India
| | - David A Polya
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Daren C Gooddy
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
| | - Zeynep Cetecioglu
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura A Richards
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
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Bhuin A, Udayakumar S, Gopalarethinam J, Mukherjee D, Girigoswami K, Ponraj C, Sarkar S. Photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics and antimicrobial and anticancer activities of two-dimensional ZnO nanosheets. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10406. [PMID: 38710736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59842-6] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Active pharmaceutical ingredients have emerged as an environmentally undesirable element because of their widespread exploitation and consequent pollution, which has deleterious effects on living things. In the pursuit of sustainable environmental remediation, biomedical applications, and energy production, there has been a significant focus on two-dimensional materials (2D materials) owing to their unique electrical, optical, and structural properties. Herein, we have synthesized 2D zinc oxide nanosheets (ZnO NSs) using a facile and practicable hydrothermal method and characterized them thoroughly using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The 2D nanosheets are used as an efficient photocatalyst for antibiotic (herein, end-user ciprofloxacin (CIP) was used as a model antibiotic) degradation under sunlight. It is observed that ZnO NSs photodegrade ~ 90% of CIP within two hours of sunlight illumination. The molecular mechanism of CIP degradation is proposed based on ex-situ IR analysis. Moreover, the 2D ZNO NSs are used as an antimicrobial agent and exhibit antibacterial qualities against a range of bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and MIC of the bacteria are found to be 5 μg/l and 10 μg/l, respectively. Despite having the biocompatible nature of ZnO, as-synthesized nanosheets have also shown cytotoxicity against two types of cancer cells, i.e. A549 and A375. Thus, ZnO nanosheets showed a nontoxic nature, which can be exploited as promising alternatives in different biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhik Bhuin
- Physics Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600127, India
| | - Saranya Udayakumar
- Medical Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Chennai, 603103, India
| | - Janani Gopalarethinam
- Medical Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Chennai, 603103, India
| | - Debdyuti Mukherjee
- Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT), International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), IIT-M Research Park, Taramani, Chennai, 600113, India
| | - Koyeli Girigoswami
- Medical Bionanotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam, Chennai, 603103, India
| | - Caroline Ponraj
- Physics Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600127, India.
| | - Sujoy Sarkar
- Chemistry Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600127, India.
- Electric Vehicle Incubation, Testing and Research Centre (EVIT-RC), Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600127, India.
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6
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Stankiewicz K, Boroń P, Prajsnar J, Żelazny M, Heliasz M, Hunter W, Lenart-Boroń A. Second life of water and wastewater in the context of circular economy - Do the membrane bioreactor technology and storage reservoirs make the recycled water safe for further use? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170995. [PMID: 38378066 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170995] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
In recent years water demand drastically increased which is particularly evident in tourism-burdened mountain regions. In these areas, climate neutral circular economy strategies to minimize human impact on the environment can be successfully applied. Among these strategies, treated wastewater reuse and retaining water in storage reservoirs deserve particular attention. This study aimed to determine if recycled water produced with two circular economy systems, namely membrane bioreactor treatment plant (MBR) with UV-light effluent disinfection and a storage reservoir, is safe enough for further use in green areas irrigation in summer and artificial snow production in winter. The assessment was based on the presence and concentration of antimicrobial agents, antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial community composition and diversity. The treated water and wastewater was compared with natural water in their vicinity. Both systems fulfill the criteria set by the European Union in terms of reclaimed water suitable for reuse. Although the MBR/UV light wastewater treatment substantially reduced the numbers of E. coli and E. faecalis (from e.g. 32,000 CFU/100 ml to 20 CFU/100 ml and 15,000 CFU/100 ml to nearly 0 CFU/ml), bacteria resistant to ampicillin, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ertapenem and tigecycline, as well as ESBL-positive and multidrug resistant E. coli were highly prevalent in MBR-treated wastewater (88.9 %, 55.6 %, 33.3 %, 22.2 % and 11.1 % and 44.4 and 55.6 %, respectively). Applying additional tertiary treatment technology is recommended. Retaining water in storage reservoirs nearly eliminated bacterial contaminants (e.g. E. coli dropped from 350 CFU/100 ml to 10 CFU/100 ml), antibiotic resistant bacteria, resistance genes (none detected in the storage reservoir) and antibiotics (only enrofloxacin detected once in the concentration of 3.20 ng/l). Findings of this study point to the limitations of solely culture-based assessment of reclaimed water and wastewater while they may prove useful in risk management and prevention in wastewater reuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Stankiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Adam Mickiewicz Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Boroń
- Department of Forest Ecosystems Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listopada Ave. 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Prajsnar
- Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek Str. 8, 30-239 Kraków, Poland
| | - Mirosław Żelazny
- Department of Hydrology, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa Str. 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Miłosz Heliasz
- Scientific Circle of Biotechnologists, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listpada Ave. 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Walter Hunter
- Scientific Circle of Biotechnologists, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Kraków, 29 Listpada Ave. 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Lenart-Boroń
- Department of Microbiology and Biomonitoring, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Adam Mickiewicz Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland.
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7
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Wang B, Ma B, Zhang Y, Stirling E, Yan Q, He Z, Liu Z, Yuan X, Zhang H. Global diversity, coexistence and consequences of resistome in inland waters. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 253:121253. [PMID: 38350193 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121253] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Human activities have long impacted the health of Earth's rivers and lakes. These inland waters, crucial for our survival and productivity, have suffered from contamination which allows the formation and spread of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) and consequently, ARG-carrying pathogens (APs). Yet, our global understanding of waterborne pathogen antibiotic resistance remains in its infancy. To shed light on this, our study examined 1240 metagenomic samples from both open and closed inland waters. We identified 22 types of ARGs, 19 types of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and 14 types of virulence factors (VFs). Our findings showed that open waters have a higher average abundance and richness of ARGs, MGEs, and VFs, with more robust co-occurrence network compared to closed waters. Out of the samples studied, 321 APs were detected, representing a 43 % detection rate. Of these, the resistance gene 'bacA' was the most predominant. Notably, AP hotspots were identified in regions including East Asia, India, Western Europe, the eastern United States, and Brazil. Our research underscores how human activities profoundly influence the diversity and spread of resistome. It also emphasizes that both abiotic and biotic factors play pivotal roles in the emergence of ARG-carrying pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhao Wang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Bin Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, PR China
| | - Erinne Stirling
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Adelaide 5064, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Qingyun Yan
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519080, PR China
| | - Zhili He
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519080, PR China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China
| | - Xia Yuan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, PR China
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China; Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Zhejiang Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China.
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8
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Rzymski P, Gwenzi W, Poniedziałek B, Mangul S, Fal A. Climate warming, environmental degradation and pollution as drivers of antibiotic resistance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123649. [PMID: 38402936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123649] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge to public health, but human-caused environmental changes have not been widely recognized as its drivers. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the relationships between environmental degradation and antibiotic resistance, demonstrating that the former can potentially fuel the latter with significant public health outcomes. We describe that (i) global warming favors horizontal gene transfer, bacterial infections, the spread of drug-resistant pathogens due to water scarcity, and the release of resistance genes with wastewater; (ii) pesticide and metal pollution act as co-selectors of antibiotic resistance mechanisms; (iii) microplastics create conditions promoting and spreading antibiotic resistance and resistant bacteria; (iv) changes in land use, deforestation, and environmental pollution reduce microbial diversity, a natural barrier to antibiotic resistance spread. We argue that management of antibiotic resistance must integrate environmental goals, including mitigation of further increases in the Earth's surface temperature, better qualitative and quantitative protection of water resources, strengthening of sewage infrastructure and improving wastewater treatment, counteracting the microbial diversity loss, reduction of pesticide and metal emissions, and plastic use, and improving waste recycling. These actions should be accompanied by restricting antibiotic use only to clinically justified situations, developing novel treatments, and promoting prophylaxis. It is pivotal for health authorities and the medical community to adopt the protection of environmental quality as a part of public health measures, also in the context of antibiotic resistance management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, 380 New Adylin, Marlborough, Harare, Zimbabwe; Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany; Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Professor, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Department of Allergy, Lung Diseases and Internal Medicine Central Clinical Hospital, Ministry of Interior, Warsaw, Poland; Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Arnal C, Belhadj-Kaabi F, Ingrand V. [Which contribution of wastewater treatment plants in the fight against antimicrobial resistance?]. C R Biol 2024; 346:23-33. [PMID: 37655905 DOI: 10.5802/crbiol.113] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Due to the massive use of antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to spread, endangering global disease control and environmental quality. The sources of bacteria or antimicrobial resistance genes are linked to human activities: urban, hospital and industrial discharges, livestock farms). The role of sanitation systems-sewerage, wastewater treatment and sludge treatment (WWTP)-in the problem of AMR has not yet been clearly established by the scientific community. The data available to date show that they eliminate part of the bacteria, genes and antibiotics, although this is not their primary vocation. WWTPs thus play an important filtering role to limit dissemination in the environment. On the other hand, some authors warn against their potential involvement in the selection of new resistant germs, given the conditions conducive to the exchange of genetic material between microbial strains of various types and exposed to selective agents. Today, knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the selection of antibiotic resistance and the fate of bacteria and resistance genes within sanitation systems remains limited. Research is needed to better characterize the contribution of wastewater systems and the performance of wastewater, recycled water, stormwater and sludge treatment processes.
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Begmatov S, Beletsky AV, Dorofeev AG, Pimenov NV, Mardanov AV, Ravin NV. Metagenomic insights into the wastewater resistome before and after purification at large‑scale wastewater treatment plants in the Moscow city. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6349. [PMID: 38491069 PMCID: PMC10942971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56870-0] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be hotspots for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). We performed a metagenomic analysis of the raw wastewater, activated sludge and treated wastewater from two large WWTPs responsible for the treatment of urban wastewater in Moscow, Russia. In untreated wastewater, several hundred ARGs that could confer resistance to most commonly used classes of antibiotics were found. WWTPs employed a nitrification/denitrification or an anaerobic/anoxic/oxic process and enabled efficient removal of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as fecal microbiota. The resistome constituted about 0.05% of the whole metagenome, and after water treatment its share decreased by 3-4 times. The resistomes were dominated by ARGs encoding resistance to beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, quaternary ammonium compounds, and sulfonamides. ARGs for macrolides and tetracyclines were removed more efficiently than beta-lactamases, especially ampC, the most abundant ARG in the treated effluent. The removal efficiency of particular ARGs was impacted by the treatment technology. Metagenome-assembled genomes of multidrug-resistant strains were assembled both for the influent and the treated effluent. Ccomparison of resistomes from WWTPs in Moscow and around the world suggested that the abundance and content of ARGs depend on social, economic, medical, and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahjahon Begmatov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071.
| | - Alexey V Beletsky
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071
| | - Alexander G Dorofeev
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071
| | - Nikolai V Pimenov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071
| | - Andrey V Mardanov
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071
| | - Nikolai V Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp, bld. 33‑2, Moscow, Russia, 119071.
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Abdulkadir N, Saraiva JP, Zhang J, Stolte S, Gillor O, Harms H, Rocha U. Genome-centric analyses of 165 metagenomes show that mobile genetic elements are crucial for the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes to pathogens in activated sludge and wastewater. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0291823. [PMID: 38289113 PMCID: PMC10913551 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02918-23] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater is considered a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), where the abundant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and mobile genetic elements facilitate horizontal gene transfer. However, the prevalence and extent of these phenomena in different taxonomic groups that inhabit wastewater are still not fully understood. Here, we determined the presence of ARGs in metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and evaluated the risks of MAG-carrying ARGs in potential human pathogens. The potential of these ARGs to be transmitted horizontally or vertically was also determined. A total of 5,916 MAGs (completeness >50%, contamination <10%) were recovered, covering 68 phyla and 279 genera. MAGs were dereplicated into 1,204 genome operational taxonomic units (gOTUs) as a proxy for species ( average nucleotide identity >0.95). The dominant ARG classes detected were bacitracin, multi-drug, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS), glycopeptide, and aminoglycoside, and 10.26% of them were located on plasmids. The main hosts of ARGs belonged to Escherichia, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Gresbergeria, Mycobacterium, and Thauera. Our data showed that 253 MAGs carried virulence factor genes (VFGs) divided into 44 gOTUs, of which 45 MAGs were carriers of ARGs, indicating that potential human pathogens carried ARGs. Alarmingly, the MAG assigned as Escherichia coli contained 159 VFGs, of which 95 were located on chromosomes and 10 on plasmids. In addition to shedding light on the prevalence of ARGs in individual genomes recovered from activated sludge and wastewater, our study demonstrates a workflow that can identify antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in complex microbial communities. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the health of humans, animals, and natural ecosystems. In our study, an analysis of 165 metagenomes from wastewater revealed antibiotic-targeted alteration, efflux, and inactivation as the most prevalent AMR mechanisms. We identified several genera correlated with multiple ARGs, including Klebsiella, Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Nitrospira, Ottowia, Pseudomonas, and Thauera, which could have significant implications for AMR transmission. The abundance of bacA, mexL, and aph(3")-I in the genomes calls for their urgent management in wastewater. Our approach could be applied to different ecosystems to assess the risk of potential pathogens containing ARGs. Our findings highlight the importance of managing AMR in wastewater and can help design measures to reduce the transmission and evolution of AMR in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafi’u Abdulkadir
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joao Pedro Saraiva
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Junya Zhang
- Department of Isotope Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Stefan Stolte
- Institute of Water Chemistry, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Osnat Gillor
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, J. Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Israel
| | - Hauke Harms
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulisses Rocha
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Nasser-Ali M, Aja-Macaya P, Conde-Pérez K, Trigo-Tasende N, Rumbo-Feal S, Fernández-González A, Bou G, Poza M, Vallejo JA. Emergence of Carbapenemase Genes in Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from the Wastewater Treatment Plant in A Coruña, Spain. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:194. [PMID: 38391580 PMCID: PMC10886265 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020194] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized as important niches of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be easily spread to the environment. In this study, we collected wastewater samples from the WWTP of A Coruña (NW Spain) from April 2020 to February 2022 to evaluate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria harboring carbapenemase genes. Bacteria isolated from wastewater were classified and their antimicrobial profiles were determined. In total, 252 Gram-negative bacteria carrying various carbapenemase genes were described. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 55 selected carbapenemase producing isolates using Oxford Nanopore technology. This study revealed the presence of a significant population of bacteria carrying carbapenemase genes in WWTP, which constitutes a public health problem due to their risk of dissemination to the environment. This emphasizes the usefulness of WWTP monitoring for combating antibiotic resistance. Data revealed the presence of different types of sequences harboring carbapenemase genes, such as blaKPC-2, blaGES-5, blaGES-6, blaIMP-11, blaIMP-28, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-217, and blaVIM-2. Importantly, the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene in wastewater, several months before any clinical case was detected in University Hospital of A Coruña, suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology can be used as an early warning system for the surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nasser-Ali
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Pablo Aja-Macaya
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Kelly Conde-Pérez
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Noelia Trigo-Tasende
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Soraya Rumbo-Feal
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-González
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Germán Bou
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Margarita Poza
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
- Microbiome and Health Group, Faculty of Sciences, Campus da Zapateira, 15071 A Coruna, Spain
| | - Juan A Vallejo
- Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research (INIBIC)-University Hospital of A Coruña (CHUAC)-Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA)-University of A Coruña (UDC)-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII). Servicio de Microbiología, 3° planta, Edificio Sur, Hospital Universitario, As Xubias, 15006 A Coruna, Spain
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Arroyo-Urea EM, Lázaro-Díez M, Garmendia J, Herranz F, González-Paredes A. Lipid-based nanomedicines for the treatment of bacterial respiratory infections: current state and new perspectives. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:325-343. [PMID: 38270350 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0243] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance demands urgent action and the development of effective drugs. Lower respiratory tract infections remain the deadliest communicable disease worldwide, often challenging to treat due to the presence of bacteria that form recalcitrant biofilms. There is consensus that novel anti-infectives with reduced resistance compared with conventional antibiotics are needed, leading to extensive research on innovative antibacterial agents. This review explores the recent progress in lipid-based nanomedicines developed to counteract bacterial respiratory infections, especially those involving biofilm growth; focuses on improved drug bioavailability and targeting and highlights novel strategies to enhance treatment efficacy while emphasizing the importance of continued research in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva María Arroyo-Urea
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Lázaro-Díez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Gobierno de Navarra (IdAB-CSIC), Av. de Pamplona, 123, 31192, Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
| | - Junkal Garmendia
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Gobierno de Navarra (IdAB-CSIC), Av. de Pamplona, 123, 31192, Mutilva, Navarra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Herranz
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Paredes
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006, Madrid, Spain
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Jampani M, Mateo-Sagasta J, Chandrasekar A, Fatta-Kassinos D, Graham DW, Gothwal R, Moodley A, Chadag VM, Wiberg D, Langan S. Fate and transport modelling for evaluating antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments: Current knowledge and research priorities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132527. [PMID: 37788551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132527] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics have revolutionised medicine in the last century and enabled the prevention of bacterial infections that were previously deemed untreatable. However, in parallel, bacteria have increasingly developed resistance to antibiotics through various mechanisms. When resistant bacteria find their way into terrestrial and aquatic environments, animal and human exposures increase, e.g., via polluted soil, food, and water, and health risks multiply. Understanding the fate and transport of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and the transfer mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments is critical for evaluating and mitigating the risks of resistant-induced infections. The conceptual understanding of sources and pathways of antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs from society to the water environments is essential for setting the scene and developing an appropriate framework for modelling. Various factors and processes associated with hydrology, ecology, and climate change can significantly affect the fate and transport of ARB and ARGs in natural environments. This article reviews current knowledge, research gaps, and priorities for developing water quality models to assess the fate and transport of ARB and ARGs. The paper also provides inputs on future research needs, especially the need for new predictive models to guide risk assessment on AR transmission and spread in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Jampani
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
| | - Javier Mateo-Sagasta
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Aparna Chandrasekar
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department Computational Hydrosystems, Leipzig, Germany; Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Despo Fatta-Kassinos
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and Nireas International Water Research Center, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - David W Graham
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ritu Gothwal
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Arshnee Moodley
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - David Wiberg
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Simon Langan
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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15
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Yu Z, He W, Klincke F, Madsen JS, Kot W, Hansen LH, Quintela-Baluja M, Balboa S, Dechesne A, Smets B, Nesme J, Sørensen SJ. Insights into the circular: The cryptic plasmidome and its derived antibiotic resistome in the urban water systems. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108351. [PMID: 38041983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmids have been a concern in the dissemination and evolution of antibiotic resistance in the environment. In this study, we investigated the total pool of plasmids (plasmidome) and its derived antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different compartments of urban water systems (UWSs) in three European countries representing different antibiotic usage regimes. We applied a direct plasmidome approach using wet-lab methods to enrich circular DNA in the samples, followed by shotgun sequencing and in silico contig circularisation. We identified 9538 novel sequences in a total of 10,942 recovered circular plasmids. Of these, 66 were identified as conjugative, 1896 mobilisable and 8970 non-mobilisable plasmids. The UWSs' plasmidome was dominated by small plasmids (≤10 Kbp) representing a broad diversity of mobility (MOB) types and incompatibility (Inc) groups. A shared collection of plasmids from different countries was detected in all treatment compartments, and plasmids could be source-tracked in the UWSs. More than half of the ARGs-encoding plasmids carried mobility genes for mobilisation/conjugation. The richness and abundance of ARGs-encoding plasmids generally decreased with the flow, while we observed that non-mobilisable ARGs-harbouring plasmids maintained their abundance in the Spanish wastewater treatment plant. Overall, our work unravels that the UWS plasmidome is dominated by cryptic (i.e., non-mobilisable, non-typeable and previously unknown) plasmids. Considering that some of these plasmids carried ARGs, were prevalent across three countries and could persist throughout the UWSs compartments, these results should alarm and call for attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuofeng Yu
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wanli He
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Klincke
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Stenløkke Madsen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Witold Kot
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Marcos Quintela-Baluja
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Praza do Obradoiro, 0, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sabela Balboa
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, NE1 7RX Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Barth Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Joseph Nesme
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Søren Johannes Sørensen
- Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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16
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English J, Newberry F, Hoyles L, Patrick S, Stewart L. Genomic analyses of Bacteroides fragilis: subdivisions I and II represent distinct species. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37910167 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Bacteroides fragilis is a Gram-negative anaerobe that is a member of the human gastrointestinal microbiota and is frequently found as an extra-intestinal opportunistic pathogen. B. fragilis comprises two distinct groups - divisions I and II - characterized by the presence/absence of genes [cepA and ccrA (cfiA), respectively] that confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics by either serine or metallo-β-lactamase production. No large-scale analyses of publicly available B. fragilis sequence data have been undertaken, and the resistome of the species remains poorly defined.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Reclassification of divisions I and II B. fragilis as two distinct species has been proposed but additional evidence is required.Aims. To investigate the genomic diversity of GenBank B. fragilis genomes and establish the prevalence of division I and II strains among publicly available B. fragilis genomes, and to generate further evidence to demonstrate that B. fragilis division I and II strains represent distinct genomospecies.Methodology. High-quality (n=377) genomes listed as B. fragilis in GenBank were included in pangenome and functional analyses. Genome data were also subject to resistome profiling using The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database.Results. Average nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analyses showed B. fragilis divisions I and II represent distinct species: B. fragilis sensu stricto (n=275 genomes) and B. fragilis A (n=102 genomes; Genome Taxonomy Database designation), respectively. Exploration of the pangenome of B. fragilis sensu stricto and B. fragilis A revealed separation of the two species at the core and accessory gene levels.Conclusion. The findings indicate that B. fragilis A, previously referred to as division II B. fragilis, is an individual species and distinct from B. fragilis sensu stricto. The B. fragilis pangenome analysis supported previous genomic, phylogenetic and resistome screening analyses collectively reinforcing that divisions I and II are two separate species. In addition, it was confirmed that differences in the accessory genes of B. fragilis divisions I and II are primarily associated with carbohydrate metabolism and suggest that differences other than antimicrobial resistance could also be used to distinguish between these two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie English
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Fiona Newberry
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lesley Hoyles
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sheila Patrick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Linda Stewart
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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Xu M, Gao P, Chen HQ, Shen XX, Xu RZ, Cao JS. Metagenomic insight into the prevalence and driving forces of antibiotic resistance genes in the whole process of three full-scale wastewater treatment plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118369. [PMID: 37356328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118369] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is an emerging global health concern, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as an essential carrier for the occurrence and transmission of ARGs, deserves more attention. Based on the Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing platform, this study conducted a metagenomic analysis of 18 samples from three full-scale WWTPs to explore the fate of ARGs in the whole process (influent, biochemical treatment, advanced treatment, and effluent) of wastewater treatment. Total 70 ARG subtypes were detected, among which multidrug, aminoglycoside, tetracycline, and macrolide ARGs were most abundant. The different treatment processes used for three WWTPs were capable of reducing ARG diversity, but did not significantly reduce ARG abundance. Compared to that by denitrification filters, the membrane bioreactor (MBR) process was advantageous in controlling the prevalence of multidrug ARGs in WWTPs. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) suggested g_Nitrospira, g_Curvibacter, and g_Mycobacterium as the key bacteria responsible for differential ARG prevalence among different WWTPs. Meanwhile, adeF, sul1, and mtrA were the persistent antibiotic resistance genes (PARGs) and played dominant roles in the prevalence of ARGs. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the host bacteria of majority ARGs in WWTPs, while Pseudomonas and Nitrospira were the most crucial host bacteria influencing the dissemination of critical ARGs (e.g., adeF). In addition, microbial richness was determined to be the decisive factor affecting the diversity and abundance of ARGs in wastewater treatment processes. Overall, regulating the abundance of microorganisms and key host bacteria by selecting processes with microbial interception, such as MBR process, may be beneficial to control the prevalence of ARGs in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Hao-Qiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Run-Ze Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Jia-Shun Cao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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18
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Luo T, Dai X, Wei W, Xu Q, Ni BJ. Microplastics Enhance the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Anaerobic Sludge Digestion by Enriching Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Surface Biofilm and Facilitating the Vertical and Horizontal Gene Transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14611-14621. [PMID: 37733635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02815] [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: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants and threats to global human health. Despite both of them being significantly detected in their "hotspots", i.e., waste activated sludge (WAS), rare studies on how MPs affect ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in anaerobic sludge digestion are available. Herein, the fate of ARGs and ARB after exposure to MPs of three dosages (10, 30, and 80 particles/g-TS), three polymer types (LDPE, PET, and PS), and three branching extents (LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE) in anaerobic sludge digestion was investigated. Metagenomic results indicated that all variants of MPs resulted in an increase of the relative abundance of ARGs in the digester compared to the control. The abundance of ARGs demonstrated a dosage-dependent relationship within the range from 10 to 80 particles/g-TS, resulting in an increase from 4.5 to 27.9% compared to the control. Branching structure and polymer type influence ARG level in the sludge digester as well. Mechanism studies revealed that LDPE selectively enriched potential ARB and ARGs in the surface biofilm, possibly creating a favorable environment for ARB proliferation and ARG exchange. Furthermore, vertical transfer of ARGs was facilitated by LDPE through increasing bacterial cell proliferation accompanied by the enhancement of relevant functional genes. The elevated abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and ARGs-carrying plasmids also demonstrated that MGE-mediated horizontal transfer was promoted by LDPE at 80 particles/g-TS. This effect was compounded by increased oxidative stress, cell membrane permeability, and cell cohesion, collectively facilitating horizontal ARG transfer. Consequently, both vertical and horizontal transfer of ARGs could be concurrently promoted by LDPE an in anaerobic sludge digester.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Qiuxiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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19
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Avatsingh AU, Sharma S, Kour S, Arora Y, Sharma S, Joshi D, Chaudhary PP, Perveen K, Kamal MA, Singh N. Prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria having extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotypes in polluted irrigation-purpose wastewaters from Indian agro-ecosystems. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1227132. [PMID: 37608947 PMCID: PMC10440439 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1227132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has emerged as a serious public health threat worldwide. Aquatic environments including irrigation-purpose wastewaters facilitate the emergence and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes leading to detrimental effects on human health and environment sustainability. Considering the paramount threat of ever-increasing antibiotic resistance to human health, there is an urgent need for continuous environmental monitoring of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater being used for irrigation in Indian agro-ecosystems. In this study, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from irrigation-purpose wastewater samples from Sirmaur and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh was determined. Bacterial isolates of genera Escherichia, Enterobacter, Hafnia, Shigella, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella obtained from 11 different geographical locations were found to exhibit resistance against ampicillin, amoxyclav, cefotaxime, co-trimoxazole, tobramycin, cefpodoxime and ceftazidime. However, all the isolates were sensitive to aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin. Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli showed predominance among all the isolates. Multidrug-resistance phenotype was observed with isolate AUK-06 (Enterobacter sp.) which exhibited resistant to five antibiotics. Isolate AUK-02 and AUK-09, both E. coli strains showed resistant phenotypes to four antibiotics each. Phenotypic detection revealed that six isolates were positive for extended-spectrum β-lactamases which includes two isolates from Enterobacter spp. and E. coli each and one each from Shigella sp. and Citrobacter sp. Overall, the findings revealed the occurrence of antibiotic resistant and ESBL-positive bacterial isolates in wastewaters utilized for irrigation purpose in the study area and necessitate continuous monitoring and precautionary interventions. The outcomes of the study would be of significant clinical, epidemiological, and agro-environmental importance in designing effective wastewater management and environmental pollution control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achhada Ujalkaur Avatsingh
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shilpa Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shilippreet Kour
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Yukta Arora
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sheetal Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Divya Joshi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Prem Prashant Chaudhary
- Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kahkashan Perveen
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohab Amin Kamal
- Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasib Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Akal College of Basic Sciences, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India
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20
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Moradigaravand D, Li L, Dechesne A, Nesme J, de la Cruz R, Ahmad H, Banzhaf M, Sørensen SJ, Smets BF, Kreft JU. Plasmid permissiveness of wastewater microbiomes can be predicted from 16S rRNA sequences by machine learning. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad400. [PMID: 37348862 PMCID: PMC10318386 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad400] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) harbor a dense and diverse microbial community. They constantly receive antimicrobial residues and resistant strains, and therefore provide conditions for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants. This facilitates the transmission of clinically important genes between, e.g. enteric and environmental bacteria, and vice versa. Despite the clinical importance, tools for predicting HGT remain underdeveloped. RESULTS In this study, we examined to which extent water cycle microbial community composition, as inferred by partial 16S rRNA gene sequences, can predict plasmid permissiveness, i.e. the ability of cells to receive a plasmid through conjugation, based on data from standardized filter mating assays using fluorescent bio-reporter plasmids. We leveraged a range of machine learning models for predicting the permissiveness for each taxon in the community, representing the range of hosts a plasmid is able to transfer to, for three broad host-range resistance IncP plasmids (pKJK5, pB10, and RP4). Our results indicate that the predicted permissiveness from the best performing model (random forest) showed a moderate-to-strong average correlation of 0.49 for pB10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-0.55], 0.43 for pKJK5 (0.95% CI: 0.41-0.49), and 0.53 for RP4 (0.95% CI: 0.48-0.57) with the experimental permissiveness in the unseen test dataset. Predictive phylogenetic signals occurred despite the broad host-range nature of these plasmids. Our results provide a framework that contributes to the assessment of the risk of AMR pollution in wastewater systems. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The predictive tool is available as an application at https://github.com/DaneshMoradigaravand/PlasmidPerm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danesh Moradigaravand
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, KAUST Smart-Health Initiative and Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Liguan Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Joseph Nesme
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roberto de la Cruz
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Huda Ahmad
- Laboratory of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, KAUST Smart-Health Initiative and Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Banzhaf
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Søren J Sørensen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jan-Ulrich Kreft
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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21
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Nõlvak H, Truu M, Tiirik K, Devarajan AK, Peeb A, Truu J. The effect of synthetic silver nanoparticles on the antibiotic resistome and the removal efficiency of antibiotic resistance genes in a hybrid filter system treating municipal wastewater. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 237:119986. [PMID: 37098287 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are released into the environment mainly through wastewater treatment systems. Knowledge of the impact of AgNPs on the abundance and removal efficiency of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment facilities, including constructed wetlands (CWs), is essential in the context of public health. This study evaluated the effect of increased (100-fold) collargol (protein-coated AgNPs) and ionic Ag+ in municipal wastewater on the structure, abundance, and removal efficiency of the antibiotic resistome, integron-integrase genes, and pathogens in a hybrid CW using quantitative PCR and metagenomic approaches. The abundance of ARGs in wastewater and the removal efficiency of ARGs in the hybrid system were significantly affected by higher Ag concentrations, especially with collargol treatment, resulting in an elevated ARG discharge of system effluent into the environment. The accumulated Ag in the filters had a more profound effect on the absolute and relative abundance of ARGs in the treated water than the Ag content in the water. This study recorded significantly enhanced relative abundance values for tetracycline (tetA, tetC, tetQ), sulfonamide (sul1, sul2), and aminoglycoside (aadA) resistance genes, which are frequently found on mobile genetic elements in collargol- and, to a lesser extent, AgNO3-treated subsystems. Elevated plasmid and integron-integrase gene levels, especially intI1, in response to collargol presence indicated the substantial role of AgNPs in promoting horizontal gene transfer in the treatment system. The pathogenic segment of the prokaryotic community was similar to a typical sewage community, and strong correlations between pathogen and ARG proportions were recorded in vertical subsurface flow filters. Furthermore, the proportion of Salmonella enterica was positively related to the Ag content in these filter effluents. The effect of AgNPs on the nature and characteristics of prominent resistance genes carried by mobile genetic elements in CWs requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiie Nõlvak
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia.
| | - Marika Truu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Kertu Tiirik
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Arun Kumar Devarajan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Angela Peeb
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Jaak Truu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, Tartu 51010, Estonia
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22
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Ramatla T, Ramaili T, Lekota KE, Ndou R, Mphuti N, Bezuidenhout C, Thekisoe O. A systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from water in africa (2000-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e16123. [PMID: 37274713 PMCID: PMC10238873 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Water is essential for the survival of humans, animals and plants. Numerous research has been conducted on the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water from various African countries, however, there is lack of comprehensive analysis of published literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines where articles published in English language between January 2000 and March 2022 were searched from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, African Journal Online (AJO), and Africa Index Medicus (AIM). Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) Ver 3.0 software was used to analyze the data. The pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) with 95% confidence interval was calculated using the random-effects model (CI). The overall PPE and antimicrobial resistance trends of E. coli isolated from water was screened from 4009 isolates which were isolated from 2586 samples. We extracted data from 17 studies including drinking water (n = 6), rivers (n = 5), wastewaters (n = 4) and wastewater/river (n = 1) which are all covering 27 countries in Africa with 3438 isolates. The PPE of E. coli in water was 71.7% (0.717; 95% CI: 0.562-0.833). The highest PPE antibiotic resistance was against penicillin followed by erythromycin, and ampicilin with resistance rates of 93.4%, 92.3%, and 69.4%, respectively. This systematic review provides critical evidence of E. coli consolidated prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles, as well as regions where future studies and enhanced reporting could be beneficial in the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Taole Ramaili
- Department of Animal Health, School of Agriculture, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | - Kgaugelo E. Lekota
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Rendani Ndou
- Department of Animal Health, School of Agriculture, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | - Nthabiseng Mphuti
- Department of Animal Health, School of Agriculture, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | - Carlos Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa
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23
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Marutescu LG, Popa M, Gheorghe-Barbu I, Barbu IC, Rodríguez-Molina D, Berglund F, Blaak H, Flach CF, Kemper MA, Spießberger B, Wengenroth L, Larsson DGJ, Nowak D, Radon K, de Roda Husman AM, Wieser A, Schmitt H, Pircalabioru Gradisteanu G, Vrancianu CO, Chifiriuc MC. Wastewater treatment plants, an "escape gate" for ESCAPE pathogens. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1193907. [PMID: 37293232 PMCID: PMC10244645 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1193907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are an essential tool of modern medicine, contributing to significantly decreasing mortality and morbidity rates from infectious diseases. However, persistent misuse of these drugs has accelerated the evolution of antibiotic resistance, negatively impacting clinical practice. The environment contributes to both the evolution and transmission of resistance. From all anthropically polluted aquatic environments, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are probably the main reservoirs of resistant pathogens. They should be regarded as critical control points for preventing or reducing the release of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) into the natural environment. This review focuses on the fate of the pathogens Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae spp. (ESCAPE) in WWTPs. All ESCAPE pathogen species, including high-risk clones and resistance determinants to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems, colistin, and multi-drug resistance platforms, were detected in wastewater. The whole genome sequencing studies demonstrate the clonal relationships and dissemination of Gram-negative ESCAPE species into the wastewater via hospital effluents and the enrichment of virulence and resistance determinants of S. aureus and enterococci in WWTPs. Therefore, the efficiency of different wastewater treatment processes regarding the removal of clinically relevant ARB species and ARGs, as well as the influence of water quality factors on their performance, should be explored and monitored, along with the development of more effective treatments and appropriate indicators (ESCAPE bacteria and/or ARGs). This knowledge will allow the development of quality standards for point sources and effluents to consolidate the WWTP barrier role against the environmental and public health AR threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luminita Gabriela Marutescu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marcela Popa
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Gheorghe-Barbu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilda Czobor Barbu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daloha Rodríguez-Molina
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology – IBE, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Fanny Berglund
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hetty Blaak
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Carl-Fredrik Flach
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Merel Aurora Kemper
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Beate Spießberger
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Wengenroth
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - D. G. Joakim Larsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Maria de Roda Husman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Andreas Wieser
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Gratiela Pircalabioru Gradisteanu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences Section, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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24
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Tuvo B, Scarpaci M, Bracaloni S, Esposito E, Costa AL, Ioppolo M, Casini B. Microplastics and Antibiotic Resistance: The Magnitude of the Problem and the Emerging Role of Hospital Wastewater. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105868. [PMID: 37239594 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The role of microplastics (MPs) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly attracting global research attention due to their unique ecological and environmental effects. The ubiquitous use of plastics and their release into the environment by anthropic/industrial activities are the main sources for MP contamination, especially of water bodies. Because of their physical and chemical characteristics, MPs represent an ideal substrate for microbial colonization and formation of biofilm, where horizontal gene transfer is facilitated. In addition, the widespread and often injudicious use of antibiotics in various human activities leads to their release into the environment, mainly through wastewater. For these reasons, wastewater treatment plants, in particular hospital plants, are considered hotspots for the selection of ARGs and their diffusion in the environment. As a result, the interaction of MPs with drug-resistant bacteria and ARGs make them vectors for the transport and spread of ARGs and harmful microorganisms. Microplastic-associated antimicrobial resistance is an emerging threat to the environment and consequently for human health. More studies are required to better understand the interaction of these pollutants with the environment as well as to identify effective management systems to reduce the related risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Tuvo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Scarpaci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Bracaloni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Esposito
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Costa
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Ioppolo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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25
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Zhang T, Cheng F, Chen X, Zhang YN, Qu J, Chen J, Peijnenburg WJGM. Dark repair of sunlight-inactivated tetracycline-resistant bacteria: Mechanisms and important role of bacteria in viable but non-culturable state. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 454:131560. [PMID: 37148796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in the environment poses a potential threat to human health, and the reactivation of inactivated ARB accelerated the spread of ARB. However, little is known about the reactivation of sunlight-inactivated ARB in natural waters. In this study, the reactivation of sunlight-inactivated ARB in dark conditions was investigated with tetracycline-resistant E. coli (Tc-AR E. coli) as a representative. Results showed that sunlight-inactivated Tc-AR E. coli underwent dark repair to regain tetracycline resistance with dark repair ratios increasing from (0.124 ± 0.012)‱ within 24 h dark treatment to (0.891 ± 0.033)‱ within 48 h. The presence of Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) promoted the reactivation of sunlight-inactivated Tc-AR E. coli and tetracycline inhibited their reactivation. The reactivation of sunlight-inactivated Tc-AR E. coli is mainly attributed to the repair of the tetracycline-specific efflux pump in the cell membrane. Tc-AR E. coli in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state was observed and dominated the reactivation as the inactivated ARB remain present in the dark for more than 20 h. These results explained the reason for distribution difference of Tc-ARB at different depths in natural waters, which are of great significance for understanding the environmental behavior of ARB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Fangyuan Cheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Jiao Qu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Vegetation Restoration, School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130117, China.
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Willie J G M Peijnenburg
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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26
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El-Azazy M, El-Shafie AS, Al-Mulla R, Hassan SS, Nimir HI. Enhanced adsorptive removal of rifampicin and tigecycline from single system using nano-ceria decorated biochar of mango seed kernel. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15802. [PMID: 37180896 PMCID: PMC10172925 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) represent an emerging class of contaminants. With a potential to negatively impact human health and the ecosystem, existence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic systems is becoming a worrying concern. Antibiotics is a major class of PhACs and their existence in wastewater signifies a health risk on the long run. With the purpose of competently removing antibiotics from wastewater, cost-effective, and copiously available waste-derived adsorbents were structured. In this study, mango seeds kernel (MSK), both as a pristine biochar (Py-MSK) and as a nano-ceria-laden (Ce-Py-MSK) were applied for the remediation of rifampicin (RIFM) and tigecycline (TIGC). To save time and resources, adsorption experiments were managed using a multivariate-based scheme executing the fractional factorial design (FrFD). Percentage removal (%R) of both antibiotics was exploited in terms of four variables: pH, adsorbent dosage, initial drug concentration, and contact time. Preliminary experiments showed that Ce-Py-MSK has higher adsorption efficiency for both RIFM and TIGC compared to Py-MSK. The %R was 92.36% for RIFM compared to 90.13% for TIGC. With the purpose of comprehending the adsorption process, structural elucidation of both sorbents was performed using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, and XRD analyses which confirmed the decoration of the adsorbent surface with the nano-ceria. BET analysis revealed that Ce-Py-MSK has a higher surface area (33.83 m2/g) contrasted to the Py-MSK (24.72 m2/g). Isotherm parameters revealed that Freundlich model best fit Ce-Py-MSK-drug interactions. A maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 102.25 and 49.28 mg/g was attained for RIFM and TIGC, respectively. Adsorption kinetics for both drugs conformed well with both pseudo-second order (PSO) and Elovich models. This study, therefore, has established the suitability of Ce-Py-MSK as a green, sustainable, cost-effective, selective, and efficient adsorbent for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.
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Sério J, Marques AP, Huertas R, Crespo JG, Pereira VJ. Occurrence and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Present in Surface Water. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:425. [PMID: 37103852 PMCID: PMC10141635 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the main threats to global health. The excessive use of several antibiotics has led to the widespread distribution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in various environment matrices, including surface water. In this study, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci, as well as total coliforms and Escherichia coli resistant to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ampicillin, streptomycin, and imipenem, were monitored in several surface water sampling events. A hybrid reactor was used to test the efficiency of membrane filtration, direct photolysis (using UV-C light emitting diodes that emit light at 265 nm and UV-C low pressure mercury lamps that emit light at 254 nm), and the combination of both processes to ensure the retention and inactivation of total coliforms and Escherichia coli as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) present in river water at occurrence levels. The membranes used (unmodified silicon carbide membranes and the same membrane modified with a photocatalytic layer) effectively retained the target bacteria. Direct photolysis using low-pressure mercury lamps and light-emitting diode panels (emitting at 265 nm) achieved extremely high levels of inactivation of the target bacteria. The combined treatment (unmodified and modified photocatalytic surfaces in combination with UV-C and UV-A light sources) successfully retained the bacteria and treated the feed after 1 h of treatment. The hybrid treatment proposed is a promising approach to use as point-of-use treatment by isolated populations or when conventional systems and electricity fail due to natural disasters or war. Furthermore, the effective treatment obtained when the combined system was used with UV-A light sources indicates that the process may be a promising approach to guarantee water disinfection using natural sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Sério
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Marques
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rosa Huertas
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - João Goulão Crespo
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Jorge Pereira
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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Baran A, Kwiatkowska A, Potocki L. Antibiotics and Bacterial Resistance-A Short Story of an Endless Arms Race. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065777. [PMID: 36982857 PMCID: PMC10056106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065777] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the undisputed development of medicine, antibiotics still serve as first-choice drugs for patients with infectious disorders. The widespread use of antibiotics results from a wide spectrum of their actions encompassing mechanisms responsible for: the inhibition of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, the disruption of cell membrane integrity, the suppression of nucleic acids and/or proteins synthesis, as well as disturbances of metabolic processes. However, the widespread availability of antibiotics, accompanied by their overprescription, acts as a double-edged sword, since the overuse and/or misuse of antibiotics leads to a growing number of multidrug-resistant microbes. This, in turn, has recently emerged as a global public health challenge facing both clinicians and their patients. In addition to intrinsic resistance, bacteria can acquire resistance to particular antimicrobial agents through the transfer of genetic material conferring resistance. Amongst the most common bacterial resistance strategies are: drug target site changes, increased cell wall permeability to antibiotics, antibiotic inactivation, and efflux pumps. A better understanding of the interplay between the mechanisms of antibiotic actions and bacterial defense strategies against particular antimicrobial agents is crucial for developing new drugs or drug combinations. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the current nanomedicine-based strategies that aim to improve the efficacy of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Baran
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kwiatkowska
- Institute of Physical Culture Studies, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, ul. Towarnickiego 3, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Leszek Potocki
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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Gill SP, Snelling WJ, Dooley JSG, Ternan NG, Banat IM, Arnscheidt J, Hunter WR. Biological and synthetic surfactant exposure increases antimicrobial gene occurrence in a freshwater mixed microbial biofilm environment. Microbiologyopen 2023; 12:e1351. [PMID: 37186226 PMCID: PMC10022493 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquatic habitats are particularly susceptible to chemical pollution, such as antimicrobials, from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources. This has led to the rapid increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene prevalence. Alternate approaches to counteract pathogenic bacteria are in development including synthetic and biological surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and rhamnolipids. In the aquatic environment, these surfactants may be present as pollutants with the potential to affect biofilm formation and AMR gene occurrence. We tested the effects of rhamnolipid and SDS on aquatic biofilms in a freshwater stream in Northern Ireland. We grew biofilms on contaminant exposure substrates deployed within the stream over 4 weeks. We then extracted DNA and carried out shotgun sequencing using a MinION portable sequencer to determine microbial community composition, with 16S rRNA analyses (64,678 classifiable reads identified), and AMR gene occurrence (81 instances of AMR genes over 9 AMR gene classes) through a metagenomic analysis. There were no significant changes in community composition within all systems; however, biofilm exposed to rhamnolipid had a greater number of unique taxa as compared to SDS treatments and controls. AMR gene prevalence was higher in surfactant‐treated biofilms, although not significant, with biofilm exposed to rhamnolipids having the highest presence of AMR genes and classes compared to the control or SDS treatments. Our results suggest that the presence of rhamnolipid encourages an increase in the prevalence of AMR genes in biofilms produced in mixed‐use water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P. Gill
- Department of Geography and Environmental StudiesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - William J. Snelling
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE)Ulster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland,School of Biomedical SciencesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - James S. G. Dooley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE)Ulster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland,School of Biomedical SciencesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - Nigel G. Ternan
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE)Ulster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland,School of Biomedical SciencesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - Ibrahim M. Banat
- School of Biomedical SciencesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - Joerg Arnscheidt
- Department of Geography and Environmental StudiesUlster University ColeraineLondonderryNorthern Ireland
| | - William R. Hunter
- Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems BranchAgri‐Food and Biosciences InstituteBelfastNorthern Ireland
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Sidhu AS, Mikolajczyk FN, Fisher JC. Antimicrobial Resistance Linked to Septic System Contamination in the Indiana Lake Michigan Watershed. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030569. [PMID: 36978436 PMCID: PMC10044017 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases confer resistance to a variety of β-lactam antimicrobials, and the genes for these enzymes are often found on plasmids that include additional antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG). We surveyed aquatic environments in the Indiana Lake Michigan watershed in proximity to areas with high densities of residential septic systems to determine if human fecal contamination from septic effluent correlated with the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and phenotypically resistant bacteria. Of the 269 E. coli isolated from environmental samples and one septic source, 97 isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin. A subset of those isolates showed phenotypic resistance to other β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Quantitative PCR was used to quantify human-associated Bacteroides dorei gene copies (Human Bacteroides) from water samples and to identify the presence of ARG harbored on plasmids from E. coli isolates or in environmental DNA. We found a strong correlation between the presence of ARG and human fecal concentrations, which supports our hypothesis that septic effluent is a source of ARG and resistant organisms. The observed plasmid-based resistance adds an additional level of risk, as human-associated bacteria from septic systems may expand the environmental resistome by acting as a reservoir of transmissible resistance genes.
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Analytical key issues and challenges in the LC-MS/MS determination of antibiotics in wastewater. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1239:340739. [PMID: 36628733 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The research on antibiotics occurrence in the aquatic environment has become a hot topic in the last years due to their potential negative effects, associated to possible bacterial antibiotic-resistance, after continuous exposure to these compounds. Most of antibiotic residues are not completely removed in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and end up in the aquatic environment through treated wastewater (WW). The development of reliable analytical methodologies for the determination of antibiotics in influent (IWW) and effluent wastewater (EWW) is needed with different purposes, among others: monitoring their occurrence in the aquatic environment, performing environmental risk assessment, estimating removal efficiencies of WWTPs, or estimating the consumption of these compounds. In this paper, we perform an in-depth investigation on analytical key issues that pose difficulties in the determination of antibiotics in complex matrices, such as WW, and we identify challenges to be properly addressed for successful analysis. The analytical technique selected was liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as it is the most powerful and widely applied at present for antibiotic residues determination. The mass spectrometric behavior of 18 selected antibiotics, the chromatographic performance, ion ratio variations associated to the sample matrix when using different precursor ions or protomers, and the macrolides adsorption to glass vial, were some of the issues studied in this work. On the basis of the detailed study performed, an analytical LC-MS/MS method based on sample direct injection has been developed for quantification of 18 antibiotics in IWW and EWW, allowing their determination at low ng L-1 levels.
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Mosaka TBM, Unuofin JO, Daramola MO, Tizaoui C, Iwarere SA. Inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes in wastewater streams: Current challenges and future perspectives. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1100102. [PMID: 36733776 PMCID: PMC9888414 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics, which was once regarded as a timely medical intervention now leaves a bitter aftertaste: antimicrobial resistance (AMR), due to the unregulated use of these compounds and the poor management receiving wastewaters before discharge into pristine environments or the recycling of such treated waters. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been regarded a central sink for the mostly unmetabolized or partially metabolised antibiotics and is also pivotal to the incidence of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARBs) and their resistance genes (ARGs), which consistently contribute to the global disease burden and deteriorating prophylaxis. In this regard, we highlighted WWTP-antibiotics consumption-ARBs-ARGs nexus, which might be critical to understanding the epidemiology of AMR and also guide the precise prevention and remediation of such occurrences. We also discovered the unsophistication of conventional WWTPs and treatment techniques for adequate treatment of antibiotics, ARBs and ARGs, due to their lack of compliance with environmental sustainability, then ultimately assessed the prospects of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). Herein, we observed that CAP technologies not only has the capability to disinfect wastewater polluted with copious amounts of chemicals and biologicals, but also have a potential to augment bioelectricity generation, when integrated into bio electrochemical modules, which future WWTPs should be retrofitted to accommodate. Therefore, further research should be conducted to unveil more of the unknowns, which only a snippet has been highlighted in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabang B. M. Mosaka
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - John O. Unuofin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael O. Daramola
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chedly Tizaoui
- Water and Resources Recovery Research Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel A. Iwarere
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa,*Correspondence: Samuel A. Iwarere, ✉
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Apostolescu N, Tataru Farmus RE, Harja M, Vizitiu MA, Cernatescu C, Cobzaru C, Apostolescu GA. Photocatalytic Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater Using the CeO 2/ZnO Heterojunction. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:850. [PMID: 36676586 PMCID: PMC9866605 DOI: 10.3390/ma16020850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CeO2/ZnO-based photocatalytic materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method in order to establish heterojunctions that increase the degradation efficiency of some types of antibiotics by preventing the recombination of electron-hole pairs. The synthesized materials were analysed by XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and UV-Vis. After several tests, the optimal concentration of the catalyst was determined to be 0.05 g‧L-1 and 0.025 g‧L-1 for chlortetracycline and 0.05 g‧L-1 for ceftriaxone. CeO2/ZnO assemblies showed much better degradation efficiency compared to ZnO or CeO2 tested individually. Sample S3 shows good photocatalytic properties for the elimination of ceftriaxone and tetracycline both from single solutions and from the binary solution. This work provides a different perspective to identify other powerful and inexpensive photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Harja
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (G.A.A.); Tel.: +407-4790-9645 (M.H.); +407-542-4231 (G.A.A.)
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Ng K, Alygizakis NA, Thomaidis NS, Slobodnik J. Wide-Scope Target and Suspect Screening of Antibiotics in Effluent Wastewater from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Europe. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010100. [PMID: 36671300 PMCID: PMC9854574 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010100] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of antibiotics in the environment could result in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could result in a public health crisis. The occurrence of 676 antibiotics and the main transformation products (TPs) was investigated in the 48 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from 11 countries (Germany, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Cyprus, and Greece) by target and suspect screening. Target screening involved the investigation of antibiotics with reference standards (40 antibiotics). Suspect screening covered 676 antibiotics retrieved from the NORMAN Substance Database (antibiotic list on NORMAN network). Forty-seven antibiotics were detected in effluent wastewater samples: thirty-two by target screening and fifteen additional ones by suspect screening. An ecotoxicological risk assessment was performed based on occurrence data and predicted no effect concentration (PNEC), which involved the derivation of frequency of appearance (FoA), frequency of PNEC exceedance (FoE), and extent of PNEC exceedance (EoE). Azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were prioritized as the calculated risk score was above 1. The median of antibiotics' load to freshwater ecosystems was 0.59 g/day/WWTP. The detection of antibiotics across countries indicates the presence of antibiotics in the ecosystems of Europe, which may trigger unwanted responses from the ecosystem, including antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Ng
- Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241 Koš, Slovakia
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikiforos A. Alygizakis
- Environmental Institute, Okružná 784/42, 97241 Koš, Slovakia
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Nikolaos S. Thomaidis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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Zagui GS, Almeida OGGD, Moreira NC, Abichabki N, Machado GP, De Martinis ECP, Darini ALC, Andrade LN, Segura-Muñoz SI. A set of antibiotic-resistance mechanisms and virulence factors in GES-16-producing Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae from hospital wastewater revealed by whole-genome sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120645. [PMID: 36375580 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae has emerged as a human pathogen and sporadic isolates from non-clinical sources were reported. Here, we described the phenotypic- and genomic-characteristics of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) and potentially hypervirulent (MDR-hv) Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (KqA1) isolated from hospital wastewater. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of KqA1 was investigated using disk-diffusion method, broth microdilution method, and agar dilution method, and the genetic characteristics of antimicrobial resistance, mobile genetics elements, and virulence were evaluated by genomic DNA sequencing on the Illumina® NovaSeq6000 platform as well as by bioinformatic analysis. Resistome analyses revealed the presence of genes related to resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, macrolides, and fosfomycin. New genetic contexts to blaGES-16 (carbapenemase gene) and to fosA (fosfomycin resistance gene) were described. A set of mechanisms that can contribute to antibiotic resistance, commonly detected in Klebsiella spp., was also found including chromosomal mutations, efflux systems, proteins, and regulators. Moreover, KqA1 presented genes related to tolerance to metals (arsenic, copper, nickel, cobalt, magnesium, cadmium, zinc, tellurium, selenium) and to biocides (quaternary-ammonium compounds). The isolate was classified as potentially hypervirulent due to a wide range of virulence factors found associated to regulation, motility, biofilm, effector delivery systems, immune modulation, nutritional/metabolic factors, adherence, invasion, and competitive advantage. The occurrence of MDR-hv KqA1 in hospital wastewater points out how this environment matrix plays a crucial role in the maintenance and selection of critical bacterial pathogens. Regarding One Health perspective, it is evident the need for multidisciplinary implementation of control measures for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, not only in hospital settings but also in a general environmental context to mitigate the dissemination of MDR and hv bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nathália Abichabki
- School of Pharmaceuticals Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
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36
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Basiry D, Entezari Heravi N, Uluseker C, Kaster KM, Kommedal R, Pala-Ozkok I. The effect of disinfectants and antiseptics on co- and cross-selection of resistance to antibiotics in aquatic environments and wastewater treatment plants. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1050558. [PMID: 36583052 PMCID: PMC9793094 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1050558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to increased use of disinfectants and antiseptics (DAs), resulting in higher concentrations of these compounds in wastewaters, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and receiving water bodies. Their constant presence in water bodies may lead to development and acquisition of resistance against the DAs. In addition, they may also promote antibiotic resistance (AR) due to cross- and co-selection of AR among bacteria that are exposed to the DAs, which is a highly important issue with regards to human and environmental health. This review addresses this issue and provides an overview of DAs structure together with their modes of action against microorganisms. Relevant examples of the most effective treatment techniques to increase the DAs removal efficiency from wastewater are discussed. Moreover, insight on the resistance mechanisms to DAs and the mechanism of DAs enhancement of cross- and co-selection of ARs are presented. Furthermore, this review discusses the impact of DAs on resistance against antibiotics, the occurrence of DAs in aquatic systems, and DA removal mechanisms in WWTPs, which in principle serve as the final barrier before releasing these compounds into the receiving environment. By recognition of important research gaps, research needs to determine the impact of the majority of DAs in WWTPs and the consequences of their presence and spread of antibiotic resistance were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Basiry
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Nooshin Entezari Heravi
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Cansu Uluseker
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Krista Michelle Kaster
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Roald Kommedal
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ilke Pala-Ozkok
- Department of Chemistry, Bioscience and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Wang KL, Zhang JX, Min D, Lv JL, Liu DF, Yu HQ. Detection and Quantification of Antimicrobial-Resistant Cells in Aquatic Environments by Bioorthogonal Noncanonical Amino Acid Tagging. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15685-15694. [PMID: 36251006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic environments are important reservoirs of antibiotic wastes, antibiotic resistance genes, and bacteria, enabling the persistence and proliferation of antibiotic resistance in different bacterial populations. To prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance, effective approaches to detect antimicrobial susceptibility in aquatic environments are highly desired. In this work, we adopt a metabolism-based bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) method to detect, visualize, and quantify active antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in water samples by exploiting the differences in bacterial metabolic responses to antibiotics. The BONCAT approach can be applied to rapidly detect bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics within 20 min of incubation, regardless of whether they act on proteins or DNA. In addition, the combination of BONCAT with the microscope enables the intuitive characterization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in mixed systems at single-cell resolution. Furthermore, BONCAT coupled with flow cytometry exhibits good performance in determining bacterial resistance ratios to chloramphenicol and population heterogeneity in hospital wastewater samples. In addition, this approach is also effective in detecting antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural water samples. Therefore, such a simple, fast, and efficient BONCAT-based approach will be valuable in monitoring the increase and spread of antibiotic resistance within natural and engineered aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Li Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Di Min
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jun-Lu Lv
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Dong-Feng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Han-Qing Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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Global Distribution and Diversity of Prevalent Sewage Water Plasmidomes. mSystems 2022; 7:e0019122. [PMID: 36069451 PMCID: PMC9600348 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00191-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sewage water from around the world contains an abundance of short plasmids, several of which harbor antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The global dynamics of plasmid-derived antimicrobial resistance and functions are only starting to be unveiled. Here, we utilized a previously created data set of 159,332 assumed small plasmids from 24 different global sewage samples. The detailed phylogeny, as well as the interplay between their protein domains, ARGs, and predicted bacterial host genera, were investigated to understand sewage plasmidome dynamics globally. A total of 58,429 circular elements carried genes encoding plasmid-related features, and MASH distance analyses showed a high degree of diversity. A single (yet diverse) cluster of 520 predicted Acinetobacter plasmids was predominant among the European sewage water. Our results suggested a prevalence of plasmid-backbone gene combinations over others. This could be related to selected bacterial genera that act as bacterial hosts. These combinations also mirrored the geographical locations of the sewage samples. Our functional domain network analysis identified three groups of plasmids. However, these backbone domains were not exclusive to any given group, and Acinetobacter was the dominant host genus among the theta-replicating plasmids, which contained a reservoir of the macrolide resistance gene pair msr(E) and mph(E). Macrolide resistance genes were the most common in the sewage plasmidomes and were found in the largest number of unique plasmids. While msr(E) and mph(E) were limited to Acinetobacter, erm(B) was disseminated among a range of Firmicutes plasmids, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, highlighting a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance for these pathogens from around the globe. IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to human health, as it inhibits our ability to treat infectious diseases. This study utilizes sewage water plasmidomes to identify plasmid-derived features and highlights antimicrobial resistance genes, particularly macrolide resistance genes, as abundant in sewage water plasmidomes in Firmicutes and Acinetobacter hosts. The emergence of macrolide resistance in these bacteria suggests that macrolide selective pressure exists in sewage water and that the resident bacteria can readily acquire macrolide resistance via small plasmids.
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Waśko I, Kozińska A, Kotlarska E, Baraniak A. Clinically Relevant β-Lactam Resistance Genes in Wastewater Treatment Plants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113829. [PMID: 36360709 PMCID: PMC9657204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the largest global concerns due to its influence in multiple areas, which is consistent with One Health's concept of close interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environments. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) circulate constantly in various niches, sediments, water sources, soil, and wastes of the animal and plant sectors, and is linked to human activities. Sewage of different origins gets to the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where ARB and ARG removal efficiency is still insufficient, leading to their transmission to discharge points and further dissemination. Thus, WWTPs are believed to be reservoirs of ARGs and the source of spreading AMR. According to a World Health Organization report, the most critical pathogens for public health include Gram-negative bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems (last-choice drugs), which represent β-lactams, the most widely used antibiotics. Therefore, this paper aimed to present the available research data for ARGs in WWTPs that confer resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, with a particular emphasis on clinically important life-threatening mechanisms of resistance, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases (KPC, NDM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Waśko
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chelmska 30/34, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-228-410-623
| | - Aleksandra Kozińska
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chelmska 30/34, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kotlarska
- Genetics and Marine Biotechnology Department, Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstancow Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Anna Baraniak
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chelmska 30/34, 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
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Czatzkowska M, Wolak I, Harnisz M, Korzeniewska E. Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on the Dissemination of ARGs in the Environment-A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912853. [PMID: 36232152 PMCID: PMC9564893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, due to the excessive consumption of drugs in human and veterinary medicine, the antimicrobial resistance (AR) of microorganisms has risen considerably across the world, and this trend is predicted to intensify. Many worrying research results indicate the occurrence of pools of AR, both directly related to human activity and environmental factors. The increase of AR in the natural environment is mainly associated with the anthropogenic activity. The dissemination of AR is significantly stimulated by the operation of municipal facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or landfills, as well as biogas plants, agriculture and farming practices, including animal production and land application of manure. These activities entail a risk to public health by spreading bacteria resistant to antimicrobial products (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Furthermore, subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial substances additionally predispose microbial consortia and resistomes to changes in particular environments that are permeated by these micropollutants. The current state of knowledge on the fate of ARGs, their dissemination and the complexity of the AR phenomenon in relation to anthropogenic activity is inadequate. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on AR in the environment, in particular focusing on AR spread in an anthropogenically altered environment and related environmental consequences.
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Hou L, Li J, Wang H, Chen Q, Su JQ, Gad M, Ahmed W, Yu CP, Hu A. Storm promotes the dissemination of antibiotic resistome in an urban lagoon through enhancing bio-interactions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 168:107457. [PMID: 35963060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and resistant bacteria (ARB) are abundant in stormwater that could cause serious infections, posing a potential threat to public health. However, there is no inference about how stormwater contributes to ARG profiles as well as the dynamic interplay between ARGs and bacteria via vertical gene transfer (VGT) or horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in urban water ecosystems. In this study, the distribution of ARGs, their host communities, and the source and community assembly process of ARGs were investigated in Yundang Lagoon (China) via high-throughput quantitative PCR, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and application of SourceTracker before, after and recovering from an extreme precipitation event (132.1 mm). The abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was the highest one day after precipitation and then decreased 2 days after precipitation and so on. Based on SourceTracker and NMDS analysis, the ARG and bacterial communities in lagoon surface water from one day after precipitation were mainly contributed by the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent. However, the contribution of WWTP to ARG communities was minor 11 days after the precipitation, suggesting that the storm promoted the ARG levels by introducing the input of ARGs, MGEs, and ARB from point and non-point sources, such as sewer overflow and land-applied manure. Based on a novel microbial network analysis framework, the contribution of positive biological interactions between ARGs and MGEs or bacteria was the highest one day after precipitation, indicating a promoted VGT and HGT for ARG dissemination. The microbial networks deconstructed 11 days after precipitation, suggesting the stormwater practices (e.g., tide gate opening, diversion channels, and pumping) alleviated the spread of ARGs. These results advanced our understanding of the distribution and transport of ARGs associated with their source in urban stormwater runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jiangwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qingfu Chen
- Yundang Lake Management Center, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian 361021, China
| | - Mahmoud Gad
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Warish Ahmed
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Chang-Ping Yu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Anyi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Gheorghe-Barbu I, Barbu IC, Popa LI, Pîrcălăbioru GG, Popa M, Măruțescu L, Niță-Lazar M, Banciu A, Stoica C, Gheorghe Ș, Lucaciu I, Săndulescu O, Paraschiv S, Surleac M, Talapan D, Muntean AA, Preda M, Muntean MM, Dragomirescu CC, Popa MI, Oțelea D, Chifiriuc MC. Temporo-spatial variations in resistance determinants and clonality of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from Romanian hospitals and wastewaters. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:115. [PMID: 36104761 PMCID: PMC9476303 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Romania is one of the European countries reporting very high antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates and consumption of antimicrobials. We aimed to characterize the AMR profiles and clonality of 304 multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) strains isolated during two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) from hospital settings, hospital collecting sewage tanks and the receiving wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the main geographical regions of Romania. Methods The strains were isolated on chromogenic media and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and confirmation of ESBL- and CP- producing phenotypes and genotypes were performed. The genetic characterization also included horizontal gene transfer experiments, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), assembling, annotation and characterization.
Results Both clinical and aquatic isolates exhibited high MDR rates, especially the Ab strains isolated from nosocomial infections and hospital effluents. The phenotypic resistance profiles and MDR rates have largely varied by sampling point and geographic location. The highest MDR rates in the aquatic isolates were recorded in Galați WWTP, followed by Bucharest. The Ab strains harbored mostly blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaSHV, blaTEM and blaGES, while Pa strains blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaVEB, blaGES and blaTEM, with high variations depending on the geographical zone and the sampling point. The WGS analysis revealed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to other antibiotic classes, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, fosfomycin, phenicols, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as well as class 1 integrons. The molecular analyses highlighted: (i) The presence of epidemic clones such as ST2 for Ab and ST233 and ST357 for Pa; (ii) The relatedness between clinical and hospital wastewater strains and (iii) The possible dissemination of clinical Ab belonging to ST2 (also proved in the conjugation assays for blaOXA-23 or blaOXA-72 genes), ST79 and ST492 and of Pa strains belonging to ST357, ST640 and ST621 in the wastewaters. Conclusion Our study reveals the presence of CP-producing Ab and Pa in all sampling points and the clonal dissemination of clinical Ab ST2 strains in the wastewaters. The prevalent clones were correlated with the presence of class 1 integrons, suggesting that these isolates could be a significant reservoir of ARGs, being able to persist in the environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01156-1.
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Metagenomics Analysis of Microbial Species and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) in Untreated Wastewater from Different Types of Hospitals in Hangzhou. ADSORPT SCI TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/3344026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are contaminants that can propagate through a variety of environmental media. They contribute to an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant microbes and thereby pose a danger to human health. Discharge from hospitals is the most significant contributor of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria to the natural environment. A comprehensive understanding of the microbiological structure and the distribution of ARGs in hospital wastewater can facilitate appropriate treatment of such wastewater and can improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of several epidemic illnesses. In this work, metagenomics techniques were used to compare the microbial species and ARGs in a control group with those in untreated wastewater from three types of hospitals (a general hospital, a hospital of traditional Chinese medicine, and an oral specialty hospital). The microbiota found in the hospital wastewater represented 6,415 species and 244 phyla. The composition of the bacterial community in the wastewater from the three hospitals was significantly different from that in the control group. The ARGs in the samples were also analyzed using the Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database (ARDB) and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). Finally, the link between abundant species and ARGs in the samples was examined. The findings of this study indicate that a connection exists between the microbial species and the ARG composition found in the wastewater samples. A variety of distinct genera of ARGs, each having their own unique correlations, have been found in wastewater from various hospitals. Consequently, the ARGs and microbial species found in the untreated wastewater from various hospitals have unique characteristics. Therefore, more detailed protocols need to be established to treat wastewater from various types of hospitals. Further studies should examine whether a connection exists between the various microbial species found in the wastewater of various types of hospitals and certain illnesses.
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Yang K, Bu H, Zhang Y, Yu H, Huang S, Ke L, Hong P. Efficacy of simultaneous hexavalent chromium biosorption and nitrogen removal by the aerobic denitrifying bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri YC-34 from chromium-rich wastewater. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:961815. [PMID: 35992714 PMCID: PMC9389319 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.961815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of high concentrations of heavy metals and the loss of functional microorganisms usually affect the nitrogen removal process in wastewater treatment systems. In the study, a unique auto-aggregating aerobic denitrifier (Pseudomonas stutzeri strain YC-34) was isolated with potential applications for Cr(VI) biosorption and reduction. The nitrogen removal efficiency and denitrification pathway of the strain were determined by measuring the concentration changes of inorganic nitrogen during the culture of the strain and amplifying key denitrification functional genes. The changes in auto-aggregation index, hydrophobicity index, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) characteristic index were used to evaluate the auto-aggregation capacity of the strain. Further studies on the biosorption ability and mechanism of cadmium in the process of denitrification were carried out. The changes in tolerance and adsorption index of cadmium were measured and the micro-characteristic changes on the cell surface were analyzed. The strain exhibited excellent denitrification ability, achieving 90.58% nitrogen removal efficiency with 54 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen as the initial nitrogen source and no accumulation of ammonia and nitrite-nitrogen. Thirty percentage of the initial nitrate-nitrogen was converted to N2, and only a small amount of N2O was produced. The successful amplification of the denitrification functional genes, norS, norB, norR, and nosZ, further suggested a complete denitrification pathway from nitrate to nitrogen. Furthermore, the strain showed efficient aggregation capacity, with the auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity indices reaching 78.4 and 75.5%, respectively. A large amount of protein-containing EPS was produced. In addition, the strain effectively removed 48.75, 46.67, 44.53, and 39.84% of Cr(VI) with the initial concentrations of 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/L, respectively, from the nitrogen-containing synthetic wastewater. It also could reduce Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III). FTIR measurements and characteristic peak deconvolution analysis demonstrated that the strain had a robust hydrogen-bonded structure with strong intermolecular forces under the stress of high Cr(VI) concentrations. The current results confirm that the novel denitrifier can simultaneously remove nitrogen and chromium and has potential applications in advanced wastewater treatment for the removal of multiple pollutants from sewage.
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Gomes HIAS, Sales MGF. Natural Materials Modified and Applied to the Detection of Drugs In Situ: Modification of Eggshell and Quantification of Oxytetracycline. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22155746. [PMID: 35957305 PMCID: PMC9371227 DOI: 10.3390/s22155746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work describes a novel sensing system using eggshells as substrate for the first time, targeting the detection and semiquantitative determination of antibiotics in waters from aquaculture, enabling simple, inexpensive, and in situ drug monitoring. Eggshell was ground and the resulting powder was modified by adsorption of suitable reagents, and it takes a typical colour after contact with the antibiotic. The colour intensity is correlated with the concentration of the antibiotic. This novel approach was applied to oxytetracycline, one of the antibiotics commonly used in aquaculture. The chemical changes on the eggshell powder were evaluated and optimised to produce an intense colour change as a function of the concentration of the antibiotic. The colour changes were evaluated by visual comparison with images taken with a digital camera, applying an appropriate mathematical treatment to the colour coordinates of the HSL system used by Windows. The selectivity of the response was tested against other antibiotic drugs. The materials were also used in the analysis of a spiked environmental water sample. Overall, this work presents a rapid, inexpensive, simple and equipment-free method for screening and discrimination of tetracycline drugs in aquaculture. The method is a green approach by reusing eggshells and decreasing the level of contamination correlated to analytical methods, thus being a promising tool for local, rapid, and cost-effective antibiotic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena I. A. S. Gomes
- BioMark@ISEP/CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering/LABBELS, School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal;
| | - M. Goreti F. Sales
- BioMark@ISEP/CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering/LABBELS, School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal;
- BioMark@UC/CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering/LABBELS, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Polo II, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239798733
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Mutuku C, Gazdag Z, Melegh S. Occurrence of antibiotics and bacterial resistance genes in wastewater: resistance mechanisms and antimicrobial resistance control approaches. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:152. [PMID: 35781751 PMCID: PMC9250919 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial pharmaceuticals are classified as emergent micropollutants of concern, implying that even at low concentrations, long-term exposure to the environment can have significant eco-toxicological effects. There is a lack of a standardized regulatory framework governing the permissible antibiotic content for monitoring environmental water quality standards. Therefore, indiscriminate discharge of antimicrobials at potentially active concentrations into urban wastewater treatment facilities is rampant. Antimicrobials may exert selective pressure on bacteria, leading to resistance development and eventual health consequences. The emergence of clinically important multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria in untreated hospital effluents and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been linked to the continuous exposure of bacteria to antimicrobials. The levels of environmental exposure to antibiotics and their correlation to the evolution and spread of resistant bacteria need to be elucidated to help in the formulation of mitigation measures. This review explores frequently detected antimicrobials in wastewater and gives a comprehensive coverage of bacterial resistance mechanisms to different antibiotic classes through the expression of a wide variety of antibiotic resistance genes either inherent and/or exchanged among bacteria or acquired from the reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater systems. To complement the removal of antibiotics and ARGs from WWTPs, upscaling the implementation of prospective interventions such as vaccines, phage therapy, and natural compounds as alternatives to widespread antibiotic use provides a multifaceted approach to minimize the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mutuku
- Department of General and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság u. 6, Pecs, 7624, Hungary.
| | - Zoltan Gazdag
- Department of General and Environmental Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Ifjúság u. 6, Pecs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Melegh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7622, Pecs, Hungary
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Review of Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater in Japan: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070849. [PMID: 35884103 PMCID: PMC9312076 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) circulates through humans, animals, and the environments, requiring a One Health approach. Recently, urban sewage has increasingly been suggested as a hotspot for AMR even in high-income countries (HICs), where the water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure are well-developed. To understand the current status of AMR in wastewater in a HIC, we reviewed the epidemiological studies on AMR in the sewage environment in Japan from the published literature. Our review showed that a wide variety of clinically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and antimicrobial residues are present in human wastewater in Japan. Their concentrations are lower than in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and are further reduced by sewage treatment plants (STPs) before discharge. Nevertheless, the remaining ARB and ARGs could be an important source of AMR contamination in river water. Furthermore, hospital effluence may be an important reservoir of clinically important ARB. The high concentration of antimicrobial agents commonly prescribed in Japan may contribute to the selection and dissemination of AMR within wastewater. Our review shows the importance of both monitoring for AMR and antimicrobials in human wastewater and efforts to reduce their contamination load in wastewater.
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Pattis I, Weaver L, Burgess S, Ussher JE, Dyet K. Antimicrobial Resistance in New Zealand-A One Health Perspective. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060778. [PMID: 35740184 PMCID: PMC9220317 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global threat that affects human, animal and, often less acknowledged, environmental health. This complex issue requires a multisectoral One Health approach to address the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the natural environment. The prevalence of AMR in these reservoirs varies widely among countries and thus often requires a country-specific approach. In New Zealand (NZ), AMR and antimicrobial usage in humans are relatively well-monitored and -understood, with high human use of antimicrobials and the frequency of resistant pathogens increasing in hospitals and the community. In contrast, on average, NZ is a low user of antimicrobials in animal husbandry systems with low rates of AMR in food-producing animals. AMR in New Zealand’s environment is little understood, and the role of the natural environment in AMR transmission is unclear. Here, we aimed to provide a summary of the current knowledge on AMR in NZ, addressing all three components of the One Health triad with a particular focus on environmental AMR. We aimed to identify knowledge gaps to help develop research strategies, especially towards mitigating AMR in the environment, the often-neglected part of the One Health triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Pattis
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Sara Burgess
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - James E Ussher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Kristin Dyet
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd., Porirua 5022, New Zealand
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Degradation of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Genes during Exposure to Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060747. [PMID: 35740152 PMCID: PMC9219888 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major public health problem in recent years. The occurrence of antibiotics in the environment, especially in wastewater treatment plants, has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite the potential of some conventional processes used in wastewater treatment plants, the removal of ARB and ARGs remains a challenge that requires further research and development of new technologies to avoid the release of emerging contaminants into aquatic environments. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas (NTAPPs) have gained a significant amount of interest for wastewater treatment due to their oxidizing potential. They have shown their effectiveness in the inactivation of a wide range of bacteria in several fields. In this review, we discuss the application of NTAPPs for the degradation of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment.
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Zhu X, Ji L, Cheng M, Wei H, Wang Z, Ning K. Sustainability of the rice-crayfish co-culture aquaculture model: microbiome profiles based on multi-kingdom analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:27. [PMID: 35599327 PMCID: PMC9124410 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
While the rice-crayfish culture (RCFP) model, an important aquaculture model in Asia, is generally considered a sustainable model, its sustainability in terms of microbial community profiles has not been evaluated. In this study, multi-kingdom analyses of microbiome profiles (i.e., bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotes) were performed using environmental (i.e., water and sediment) and animal gut (i.e., crayfish and crab gut) microbial samples from the RCFP and other aquaculture models, including the crab-crayfish co-culture, crayfish culture, and crab culture models, to evaluate the sustainability of the RCFP systematically. Results showed that RCFP samples are enriched with a distinct set of microbes, including Shewanella, Ferroplasma, Leishmania, and Siphoviridae, when compared with other aquaculture models. Additionally, most microbes in the RCFP samples, especially microbes from different kingdoms, were densely and positively connected, which indicates their robustness against environmental stress. Whereas microbes in different aquaculture models demonstrated moderate levels of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) across kingdoms, the RCFP showed relatively lower frequencies of HGT events, especially those involving antibiotic resistance genes. Finally, environmental factors, including pH, oxidation-reduction potential, temperature, and total nitrogen, contributed profoundly to shaping the microbial communities in these aquaculture models. Interestingly, compared with other models, the microbial communities of the RCFP model were less influenced by these environmental factors, which suggests that microbes in the latter have stronger ability to resist environmental stress. The findings collectively reflect the unique multi-kingdom microbial patterns of the RCFP model and suggest that this model is a sustainable model from the perspective of microbiome profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Molecular-Imaging, Center of AI Biology, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Molecular-Imaging, Center of AI Biology, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Mingyue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Molecular-Imaging, Center of AI Biology, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Huimin Wei
- Key Laboratory for Environment and Disaster Monitoring and Evaluation of Hubei, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Environment and Disaster Monitoring and Evaluation of Hubei, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430077, China.
| | - Kang Ning
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Molecular-Imaging, Center of AI Biology, Department of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
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