Plastispheres as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance: Insights from metagenomic analyses across aquatic environments. - Related Documents




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316901.0000Plastispheres as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance: Insights from metagenomic analyses across aquatic environments. Evidence suggests that plastic particles from various environments can accumulate harmful microorganisms and carry bacteria with antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The so-called "plastisphere" might facilitate the spread of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance across environments, posing risks to human and animal health. This study aimed to analyze the diversity and abundance of ARGs found in plastispheres from various aquatic environments, identify clinically relevant pathogenic species, and ascertain bacterial hosts carrying ARGs. We present data from 36 metagenomes collected from plastispheres in different environments (freshwater, raw wastewater, and treated wastewater). The diversity and abundance of ARGs in the resistome of the plastispheres were analyzed through metagenomic methods. A total of 537 high-quality metagenomic-assembled genomes (MAGs) were constructed to identify clinically relevant pathogens and to link the detected ARGs to their bacterial hosts. The results show that the environment has the greatest influence on the abundance and diversity of ARGs in the plastispheres resistome, with the wastewater plastisphere containing a resistome with the highest diversity of ARGs. Resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines were the most abundant resistance mechanisms detected in the different plastispheres. The construction of MAGs identified potential pathogens and environmental bacteria that confer resistance to one or several drug classes, with beta-lactams being the most pervasive form of AMR detected. This work enhances our understanding of the plastisphere's role in antimicrobial resistance dissemination and its ecological and public health risks.202540901934
736510.9999A case study on the distribution of the environmental resistome in Korean shrimp farms. Hundreds of tons of antibiotics are widely used in aquaculture to prevent microbial infections and promote fish growth. However, the overuse of antibiotics and chemical products can lead to the selection and spreading of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), which are of great concern considering the threat to public health worldwide. Here, in-depth metagenome sequencing was performed to explore the environmental resistome and ARB distribution across farming stages in shrimp farms and examine anthropogenic effects in nearby coastal waters. A genome-centric analysis using a metagenome binning approach allowed us to accurately investigate the distribution of pathogens and ARG hosts in shrimp farms. The diversity of resistomes was higher in shrimp farms than in coastal waters, and the distribution of resistomes was dependent on the farming stage. In particular, the tetracycline resistance gene was found mainly at the early post-larval stage regardless of the farm. The metagenome-assembled genomes of Vibrio spp. were dominant at this stage and harbored tet34, which is known to confer resistance to oxytetracycline. In addition, opportunistic pathogens such as Francisella, Mycoplasma, Photobacterium, and Vibrio were found in abundance in shrimp farms, which had multiple virulence factors. This study highlights the increased resistance diversity and environmental selection of pathogens in shrimp farms. The use of environmental pollutants on farms may cause an increase in resistome diversity/abundance and the transmission of pathogens to the surrounding environment, which may pose future risks to public health and aquatic organisms.202134653940
317020.9999A review of antibiotic resistance genes in major river basins in China: Distribution, drivers, and risk. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have complex transmission pathways and are prone to form multi-drug-resistant bacteria, threatening the ecological environment and human health. This paper elucidates the distribution and dissemination of ARGs across seven major river basins in China through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature from the past decade. It presents a comprehensive catalog of pertinent risk assessment methodologies and potential management strategies aimed at mitigating the threat posed by antibiotic resistance due to ARGs. The analysis results showed that the pollution abundance of ARGs showed a decreasing trend from east to west, with the estuarine environment and economically developed areas standing out, with sulfonamides and tetracyclines, among others, as the main types of pollution. Human activities are closely related to the occurrence and spread of ARGs. Mobile genetic factors and microbial communities act as the main drivers to promote the proliferation of ARGs among different microorganisms through horizontal transfer and other pathways. The exhibition of ARGs assessment methods was comparatively analyzed, while Chinese river basins are at medium-high risk and need to be managed rationally. This review can provide a reference for the distribution, spread and management of ARGs in Chinese river basin.202540010590
736930.9999Metagenomic Analysis Revealing Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Their Genetic Compartments in the Tibetan Environment. Comprehensive profiles of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in a minimally impacted environment are essential to understanding the evolution and dissemination of modern antibiotic resistance. Chemical analyses of the samples collected from Tibet demonstrated that the region under investigation was almost devoid of anthropogenic antibiotics. The soils, animal wastes, and sediments were different from each other in terms of bacterial community structures, and in the typical profiles of ARGs and MGEs. Diverse ARGs that encoded resistance to common antibiotics (e.g., beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, etc.) were found mainly via an efflux mechanism completely distinct from modern antibiotic resistome. In addition, a very small fraction of ARGs in the Tibetan environment were carried by MGEs, indicating the low potential of these ARGs to be transferred among bacteria. In comparison to the ARG profiles in relatively pristine Tibet, contemporary ARGs and MGEs in human-impacted environments have evolved substantially since the broad use of anthropogenic antibiotics.201627111002
317640.9999Comprehensive profiling and risk assessment of antibiotic resistance genes in a drinking water watershed by integrated analysis of air-water-soil. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in diverse habitats threatens public health. Watersheds represent critical freshwater ecosystems that interact with both the soil and atmosphere. However, a holistic understanding of ARGs distribution across these environmental media is currently inadequate. We profiled ARGs and bacterial communities in air-water-soil in the same watershed area during four seasons using high-throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our findings demonstrated that aminoglycoside resistance genes (58.5%) were dominant in water, and multidrug resistance genes (55.2% and 54.2%) were dominant in soil and air. Five ARGs and nineteen bacterial genera were consistently detected in all samples, were named as shared genes or bacteria. Co-occurrence Network analysis revealed the co-occurrence module of resistance genes, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and potential bacterial hosts, indicating that shared genes and bacteria may persist and co-spread across different environmental media. The risk assessment framework, based on ARGs' abundance, detection rate, and mobility, identified 33 high-risk ARGs. This is essential to evaluate the health risks of ARGs and to develop strategies to limit the threat of antibiotic resistance. Our study offers new insights into the risks associated with ARGs in the environment and suggests that ARGs may depend on specific bacterial cohabitants that co-exist with MGEs to facilitate their spread across environmental interfaces.202337742410
737150.9999Plastisphere and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in a 40-year-old abandoned coastal landfill site in Chile. Plastispheres are microbial communities that inhabit plastic surfaces and have been extensively studied in aquatic environments. However, little is known about their occurrence in landfills. We investigated plastisphere communities in a 40-year-old coastal abandoned landfill in Rocuant-Andalién, Chile, and aimed to characterize landfill plastisphere communities and assess their potential role as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). High-density polyethylene was the predominant plastic type (56 %). Microscopy revealed diverse bacterial morphotypes, including bacilli, cocci, and filamentous forms, forming clusters on plastic surfaces. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria dominated most samples, with high overall diversity and richness. Beta diversity analysis indicated significant variation in bacterial communities among sites but not among polymer types. Notably, the intI1 gene, associated with the spread of antibiotic resistance, was detected at 67 % of the sampled sites. These findings reveal that landfills act as reservoirs for a wide range of bacteria, some of which may have clinical significance, highlighting their ecological and public health impact. Furthermore, plastics are likely to transport resistance genes originating from human activities, spreading them into nearby ecosystems, such as wetlands and oceans, where they interact with wildlife.202541109620
732260.9999Beach sand plastispheres are hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes and potentially pathogenic bacteria even in beaches with good water quality. Massive amounts of microplastics are transported daily from the oceans and rivers onto beaches. The ocean plastisphere is a hotspot and a vector for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potentially pathogenic bacteria. However, very little is known about the plastisphere in beach sand. Thus, to describe whether the microplastics from beach sand represent a risk to human health, we evaluated the bacteriome and abundance of ARGs on microplastic and sand sampled at the drift line and supralittoral zones of four beaches of poor and good water quality. The bacteriome was evaluated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, and the ARGs and bacterial abundances were evaluated by high-throughput real-time PCR. The results revealed that the microplastic harbored a bacterial community that is more abundant and distinct from that of beach sand, as well as a greater abundance of potential human and marine pathogens, especially the microplastics deposited closer to seawater. Microplastics also harbored a greater number and abundance of ARGs. All antibiotic classes evaluated were found in the microplastic samples, but not in the beach sand ones. Additionally, 16 ARGs were found on the microplastic alone, including genes related to multidrug resistance (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, tetM, mdtE and acrB_1), genes that have the potential to rapidly and horizontally spread (blaKPC, blaCTX-M, and tetM), and the gene that confers resistance to antibiotics that are typically regarded as the ultimate line of defense against severe multi-resistant bacterial infections (blaKPC). Lastly, microplastic harbored a similar bacterial community and ARGs regardless of beach water quality. Our findings suggest that the accumulation of microplastics in beach sand worldwide may constitute a potential threat to human health, even in beaches where the water quality is deemed satisfactory. This phenomenon may facilitate the emergence and dissemination of bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs.202438159625
729270.9999Class 1 integron and related antimicrobial resistance gene dynamics along a complex freshwater system affected by different anthropogenic pressures. The risk for human health posed by polluted aquatic environments, and especially those carrying antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of clinical interest, is still debated. This is because of our limited knowledge of the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the environment, the selection mechanisms underlying the spread of ARGs, and the ecological factors potentially favoring their return to humans. The Class 1 integron is one of the most effective platforms for the dissemination of ARGs. In this study we investigated a freshwater system consisting of a lake-river-lake continuum, determining the abundance of class 1 integrons and their associated ARGs by a modulated metagenomic approach. Bacterial abundance and community composition were used to identify the potential carriers of class 1 integrons and their associated ARGs over a period of six months. Class 1 integrons and their ARG cargoes were significantly more abundant in riverine sampling sites receiving treated wastewater. Further, class 1 integrons carried ARGs ranked at the highest risk for human health (e.g., catB genes), in particular, genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides. Genera of potential pathogens, such as Pseudomonas and Escherichia-Shigella, were correlated with class 1 integrons. The lake-river-lake system demonstrated a clear relationship between the integrase gene of class 1 integrons (intI1) and anthropogenic impact, but also a strong environmental filtering that favored the elimination of intI1 once the human derived stressors were reduced. Overall, the results of this study underline the role class 1 integrons as proxy of anthropogenic pollution and suggest this genetic platform as an important driver of aminoglycoside resistance genes, including high risk ARGs, of potential concern for human health.202336351483
686780.9999Comparative analysis of characteristics of antibiotic resistomes between Arctic soils and representative contaminated samples using metagenomic approaches. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most concerned global health issues. However, comprehensive profiles of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in various environmental settings are still needed to address modern antibiotic resistome. Here, Arctic soils and representative contaminated samples from ARG pollution sources were analyzed using metagenomic approaches. The diversity and abundance of ARGs in Arctic soils were significantly lower than those in contaminated samples (p < 0.01). ARG profiles in Arctic soils were featured with the dominance of vanF, ceoB, and bacA related to multidrug and bacitracin, whereas those from ARG pollution sources were characterized by prevalent resistance to anthropogenic antibiotics such as sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and beta-lactams. Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were found in all samples, and their abundance and relatedness to ARGs were both lower in Arctic soils than in polluted samples. Significant relationships between bacterial communities and ARGs were observed (p < 0.01). Cultural bacteria in Arctic soils had clinically-concerned resistance to erythromycin, vancomycin, ampicillin, etc., but ARGs relevant to those antibiotics were undetectable in their genomes. Our results suggested that Arctic environment could be an important reservoir of novel ARGs, and antibiotic stresses could cause ARG pollution via horizontal gene transfer and enrichment of resistant bacteria.202438452676
317590.9998A multi-pronged approach to assessing antimicrobial resistance risks in coastal waters and aquaculture systems. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge that has impacted aquaculture and surrounding marine environments. In this study, a year-long monitoring program was implemented to evaluate AMR in two different aquaculture settings (i.e., open cage farming, recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)) and surrounding marine environment within a tropical coastal region. The objectives of this study are to (i) investigate the prevalence and co-occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), antibiotics (AB) and various associated chemical compounds at these study sites; (ii) explore the contributing factors to development and propagation of AMR in the coastal environment; and (iii) assess the AMR risks from different perspectives based on the three AMR determinants (i.e., ARB, ARGs and AB). Key findings revealed a distinct pattern of AMR across the different aquaculture settings, notably a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Vibrio at RAS outfalls, suggesting a potential accumulation of microorganisms within the treatment system. Despite the relative uniform distribution of ARGs across marine sites, specific genes such as qepA, bla(CTX)(-)(M) and bacA, were found to be abundant in fish samples, especially from the RAS. Variations in chemical contaminant prevalence across sites highlighted possible anthropogenic impacts. Moreover, environmental and seasonal variations were found to significantly influence the distribution of ARGs and chemical compounds in the coastal waters. Hierarchical cluster analysis that was based on ARGs, chemical compounds and environmental data, categorized the sites into three distinct clusters which reflected strong association with location, seasonality and aquaculture activities. The observed weak correlations between ARGs and chemical compounds imply that low environmental concentrations may be insufficient for resistance selection. A comprehensive risk assessment using methodologies such as the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index, comparative AMR risk index (CAMRI) and Risk quotient (RQ) underscored the complexity of AMR risks. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of AMR dynamics in natural aquatic systems and provides valuable insights for managing and mitigating AMR risks in coastal environments.202439241380
6869100.9998Contaminant-degrading bacteria are super carriers of antibiotic resistance genes in municipal landfills: A metagenomics-based study. Municipal landfills are hotspot sources of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and are also important habitats of contaminant-degrading bacteria. However, high diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfills hinders assessing AMR risks in the affected environment. More concerned, whether there is co-selection or enrichment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contaminant-degrading bacteria in these extremely polluted environments is far less understood. Here, we collected metagenomic datasets of 32 raw leachate and 45 solid waste samples in 22 municipal landfills of China. The antibiotic resistome, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contaminant-degrading bacteria were explored, and were then compared with other environmental types. Results showed that the antibiotic resistome in landfills contained 1,403 ARG subtypes, with the total abundance over the levels in natural environments and reaching the levels in human feces and sewage. Therein, 49 subtypes were listed as top priority ARGs for future surveillance based on the criteria of enrichment in landfills, mobilizable and present in pathogens. By comparing to those in less contaminated river environments, we elucidated an enrichment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria with contaminant-degrading potentials in landfills. Bacteria in Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae, Xanthomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae deserved the most concerns since 72.2 % of ARG hosts were classified to them. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter nosocomialis and Escherichia coli were abundant multidrug-resistant pathogenic species in raw leachate (∼10.2 % of total microbiomes), but they rarely carried contaminant-degradation genes. Notably, several bacterial genera belonging to Pseudomonadaceae had the most antibiotic-resistant, pathogenic, and contaminant-degrading potentials than other bacteria. Overall, the findings highlight environmental selection for contaminant-degrading antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and provide significant insights into AMR risks in municipal landfills.202539729867
3258110.9998Microbial hitchhikers harbouring antimicrobial-resistance genes in the riverine plastisphere. BACKGROUND: The widespread nature of plastic pollution has given rise to wide scientific and social concern regarding the capacity of these materials to serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria and reservoirs for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG). In- and ex-situ incubations were used to characterise the riverine plastisphere taxonomically and functionally in order to determine whether antibiotics within the water influenced the ARG profiles in these microbiomes and how these compared to those on natural surfaces such as wood and their planktonic counterparts. RESULTS: We show that plastics support a taxonomically distinct microbiome containing potential pathogens and ARGs. While the plastisphere was similar to those biofilms that grew on wood, they were distinct from the surrounding water microbiome. Hence, whilst potential opportunistic pathogens (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter and Aeromonas) and ARG subtypes (i.e. those that confer resistance to macrolides/lincosamides, rifamycin, sulfonamides, disinfecting agents and glycopeptides) were predominant in all surface-related microbiomes, especially on weathered plastics, a completely different set of potential pathogens (i.e. Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Streptococcus) and ARGs (i.e. aminoglycosides, tetracycline, aminocoumarin, fluoroquinolones, nitroimidazole, oxazolidinone and fosfomycin) dominated in the planktonic compartment. Our genome-centric analysis allowed the assembly of 215 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs), linking ARGs and other virulence-related genes to their host. Interestingly, a MAG belonging to Escherichia -that clearly predominated in water- harboured more ARGs and virulence factors than any other MAG, emphasising the potential virulent nature of these pathogenic-related groups. Finally, ex-situ incubations using environmentally-relevant concentrations of antibiotics increased the prevalence of their corresponding ARGs, but different riverine compartments -including plastispheres- were affected differently by each antibiotic. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide insights into the capacity of the riverine plastisphere to harbour a distinct set of potentially pathogenic bacteria and function as a reservoir of ARGs. The environmental impact that plastics pose if they act as a reservoir for either pathogenic bacteria or ARGs is aggravated by the persistence of plastics in the environment due to their recalcitrance and buoyancy. Nevertheless, the high similarities with microbiomes growing on natural co-occurring materials and even more worrisome microbiome observed in the surrounding water highlights the urgent need to integrate the analysis of all environmental compartments when assessing risks and exposure to pathogens and ARGs in anthropogenically-impacted ecosystems. Video Abstract.202337908022
7325120.9998Profiling the bacterial microbiome diversity and assessing the potential to detect antimicrobial resistance bacteria in wastewater in Kimberley, South Africa. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are hotspots for pathogens, and can facilitate horizontal gene transfer, potentially releasing harmful genetic material and antimicrobial resistance genes into the environment. Little information exists on the composition and behavior of microbes in WWTPs, especially in developing countries. This study used environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to examine the microbiome load of wastewater from WWTPs. The DNA was isolated from wastewater samples collected from the treatment trains of three WWTPs in Kimberley, South Africa, and the microbial diversity and composition was compared through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. The microbes detected were of the Kingdom Bacteria, and of these, 48.27% were successfully identified to genus level. The majority of reads from the combined bacterial data fall within the class Gammaproteobacteria, which is known to adversely impact ecological and human health. Arcobacteraceae constituted 19% of the bacterial reads, which is expected as this family is widespread in aquatic environments. Interestingly, the most abundant bacterial group was Bacteroides, which contain a variety of antibiotic-resistant members. Overall, various antibiotic-resistant taxa were detected in the wastewater, indicating a concerning level of antibiotic resistance within the bacterial community. Therefore, eDNA analysis can be a valuable tool in monitoring and assessing the bacterial microbiome in wastewater, thus providing important information for the optimization and improvement of wastewater treatment systems and mitigate public health risks.202439500921
7370130.9998Distinct Resistomes and Microbial Communities of Soils, Wastewater Treatment Plants and Households Suggest Development of Antibiotic Resistances Due to Distinct Environmental Conditions in Each Environment. The use of antibiotics in humans and animals results in a release of excess antibiotic residues into the environment through wastewaters and insufficient removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), leading to increasing numbers of bacteria enriched in antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). However, the potential transfer of ARG and their host bacteria between different environments remains largely unexplored. Since many factors need to be fulfilled for a transfer between different environments, we hypothesized that antibiotic resistance (ABR) is less frequently transferred between environments in the same geographical region but rather develops and clusters in each distinct environment, leading to characteristic metagenome patterns in samples of different environments. We sampled agricultural soils, a WWTP and private households and performed metagenomic analyses to evaluate differences and potential overlaps in bacterial communities and resistomes of different environments. Wastewater revealed significantly higher richness of ARG (n = 40) and mobile genetic elements (n = 52) than soil and household samples. Bacterial communities differed between the environments and antibiotic resistance factors clustered distinctly. Overall, only few overlaps of ARG between the environments were observed, leading to the conclusion that ABR predominantly develops in individual environments as caused by environmental filtering for ARG, while a transfer between different environments is less likely.202134062756
3253140.9998Metagenome-assembled genomes indicate that antimicrobial resistance genes are highly prevalent among urban bacteria and multidrug and glycopeptide resistances are ubiquitous in most taxa. INTRODUCTION: Every year, millions of deaths are associated with the increased spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria. With the increasing urbanization of the global population, the spread of ARGs in urban bacteria has become a more severe threat to human health. METHODS: In this study, we used metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from 1,153 urban metagenomes in multiple urban locations to investigate the fate and occurrence of ARGs in urban bacteria. Additionally, we analyzed the occurrence of these ARGs on plasmids and estimated the virulence of the bacterial species. RESULTS: Our results showed that multidrug and glycopeptide ARGs are ubiquitous among urban bacteria. Additionally, we analyzed the deterministic effects of phylogeny on the spread of these ARGs and found ARG classes that have a non-random distribution within the phylogeny of our recovered MAGs. However, few ARGs were found on plasmids and most of the recovered MAGs contained few virulence factors. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that the observed non-random spreads of ARGs are not due to the transfer of plasmids and that most of the bacteria observed in the study are unlikely to be virulent. Additional research is needed to evaluate whether the ubiquitous and widespread ARG classes will become entirely prevalent among urban bacteria and how they spread among phylogenetically distinct species.202336760505
7323150.9998Identification and quantification of bacterial genomes carrying antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factor genes for aquatic microbiological risk assessment. Aquatic ecosystems have been increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, e.g., wastewater discharge and farm operation. Several methods are adopted to evaluate the effects of anthropogenic activities on biological risk in the environment, such as qPCR and amplicon next-generation sequencing. However, these methods fall short of providing genomic information of target species, which is vital for risk assessment from genomic aspect. Here, we developed a novel approach integrating metagenomic analysis and flow cytometry to identify and quantify potential pathogenic antibiotic resistant bacteria (PARB; carrying both antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs)) in the environment, which are of particular concern due to their infection ability and antibiotic resistance. Based on the abundance/density of PARB, we evaluated microbiological risk in a river impacted by both municipal drainage and agriculture runoff. We collected samples upstream (mountainous area) as the control. Results showed that 81.8% of dominant PARB (33) recovered using our approach were related to known pathogenic taxa. In addition, intragenomic ARGs-VFGs coexistence patterns in the dominant Pseudomonas genomes (20 out of 71 PARB) showed high similarity with the most closely related Pseudomonas genomes from the NCBI RefSeq database. These results reflect acceptable reliability of the approach for (potential) pathogen identification in environmental samples. According to the PARB density, microbiological risk in samples from the agricultural area was significantly higher than in samples from the urban area. We speculated that this was due to the higher antibiotic usage in agriculture as well as intragenomic ARGs-VFGs co-evolution under antibiotic selective pressure. This study provides an alternative approach for the identification and quantification of PARB in aquatic environments, which can be applied for microbiological risk assessment.202031614233
7364160.9998Anthropogenic influence shapes the distribution of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in the sediment of Sundarban estuary in India. The abundance and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes as emerging environmental contaminants have become a significant and growing threat to human and environmental health. Traditionally, investigations of antibiotic resistance have been confined to a subset of clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. During the last decade it became evident that the environmental microbiota possesses an enormous number and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes, some of which are very similar to the genes circulating in pathogenic microbiota. Recent studies demonstrate that aquatic ecosystems are potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Therefore, these aquatic ecosystems serve as potential sources for their transmission of ARGs to human pathogens. An assessment of such risks requires a better understanding of the level and variability of the natural resistance background and the extent of the anthropogenic impact. We have analyzed eight sediment samples from Sundarban mangrove ecosystem in India, collected at sampling stations with different histories of anthropogenic influences, and analyzed the relative abundance of the bla(TEM) gene using quantitative real-time PCR. The bla(TEM) gene abundance strongly correlated with the respective anthropogenic influences (polyaromatic hydrocarbon, heavy metals etc.) of the sampling stations. Besides, 18 multidrug-resistant (ampicillin, kanamycin, vancomycin, and tetracycline resistant) bacterial strains (ARBs) were isolated and characterized. Moreover, the effect of different antibiotics on the biofilm forming ability of the isolates was evaluated quantitatively under a variety of experimental regimes. This is the first report of preservation and possible dissemination of ARGs in the mangrove ecosystem.201930180366
7317170.9998Metagenomic surveillance of microbial community and antibiotic resistant genes associated with Malaysian wastewater during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wastewater is a reservoir of pathogens and hotspots for disseminating antibiotic resistance genes across species. The metagenomic surveillance of wastewater provides insight into the native microbial community, antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements. t. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused wider dissemination of ARGs and resistant bacteria in wastewater. Although immensely significant, no research has been performed on the Malaysian wastewater microbial community and ARGs or their correlation with COVID-19 infections. This study utilised a 16S metagenomics approach to characterise the microbial community in Malaysian wastewater during high and low-case phases of the pandemic. Bacteria belonging to Bacteriodales, Bacillales, Actinomycetales and opportunistic pathogens-Arcobacters, Flavobacteria, and Campylobacterales, Neisseriales, were enriched during higher COVID-19 pandemic (active cases). Additionally, copy number profiling of ARGs in water samples showed the prevalence of elements conferring resistance to antibiotics like sulphonamides, cephalosporins, and colistin. The high prevalence of intI1 and other ion-based transporters in samples highlights an extensive risk of horizontal gene transfer to previously susceptible species. Our study emphasises the importance of wastewater surveillance in understanding microbial community dynamics and ARG dissemination, particularly during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.202439724227
3168180.9998Mangrove Ecosystems as Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Narrative Review. Background: Mangrove ecosystems are critical coastal environments providing ecological services and acting as buffers between terrestrial and marine systems. Rising antibiotic use in aquaculture and coastal agriculture has led to the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in these habitats. Aim: This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence, diversity, and environmental drivers of ARGs in mangrove ecosystems, highlighting their role as reservoirs and the potential for horizontal gene transfer. Methods: Studies published up to September 2024 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on ARGs and ARB in mangrove sediments, water, and associated biota. Data on ARG prevalence, microbial community composition, detection methods, and environmental factors were extracted and narratively synthesized. Results: Seventeen studies from Asia, South America, and Africa were included. ARGs conferring resistance to tetracyclines, sulfonamides, β-lactams, and multidrug resistance were found to be widespread, particularly near aquaculture and urban-influenced areas. Metagenomic analyses revealed diverse resistomes with frequent mobile genetic elements, indicating high potential for horizontal gene transfer. Environmental factors, including sediment type, organic matter, and salinity, influenced ARG abundance and distribution. Conclusions: Mangrove ecosystems act as both reservoirs and natural buffers for ARGs. Sustainable aquaculture practices, continuous environmental monitoring, and integrated One Health approaches are essential to mitigate ARG dissemination in these sensitive coastal habitats.202541148714
3177190.9998Metagenomic investigation of antibiotic resistance genes and resistant bacteria contamination in pharmaceutical plant sites in China. Pharmaceutical plant sites play a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into the environment. It is imperative to comprehensively monitor of ARGs across various environmental media at these sites. This study focused on three pharmaceutical plants, two located in North China and one in South China. Through metagenomic approaches, we examined the composition, mobility potential, and bacterial hosts of ARGs in diverse media such as process water, groundwater, topsoil, soil cores, and pharmaceutical fermentation residues across diverse environmental matrices, including topsoil, soil cores, process water, groundwater, and pharmaceutical fermentation residues. We identified a wide array of ARGs, comprising 21 types and 740 subtypes, with process water exhibiting the highest abundance and diversity. Treatment processes varied in their efficacy in eliminating ARGs, and the clinically relevant ARGs should also be considered when evaluating wastewater treatment plant efficiency. Geographical distinctions in groundwater ARG distribution between northern and southern regions were observed. Soil samples from the three sites showed minimal impact from pharmaceutical activity, with vancomycin-resistance genes being the most prevalent. High levels of ARGs in pharmaceutical fermentation residues underscore the necessity for improved waste management practices. Metagenomic assembly revealed that plasmid-mediated ARGs were more abundant than chromosome-mediated ARGs. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) analysis identified 166 MAGs, with 62 harboring multiple ARGs. Certain bacteria tended to carry specific types of ARGs, revealing distinct host-resistance associations. This study enhances our understanding of ARG dissemination across different environmental media within pharmaceutical plants and underscores the importance of implementing strict regulations for effluent and residue discharge to control ARG spread.202438960118