Differences in Gut Microbiome Composition and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Distribution between Chinese and Pakistani University Students from a Common Peer Group. - Related Documents




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322801.0000Differences in Gut Microbiome Composition and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Distribution between Chinese and Pakistani University Students from a Common Peer Group. Gut microbiomes play important functional roles in human health and are also affected by many factors. However, few studies concentrate on gut microbiomes under exercise intervention. Additionally, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) carried by gut microbiomes may constantly pose a threat to human health. Here, ARGs and microbiomes of Chinese and Pakistanis participants were investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR techniques. The exercise had no impact on gut microbiomes in the 12 individuals investigated during the observation period, while the different distribution of gut microbiomes was found in distinct nationalities. Overall, the dominant microbial phyla in the participants' gut were Bacteroidota, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Some genera such as Prevotella and Dialister were more abundant in Pakistani participants and some other genera such as Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium were more abundant in Chinese participants. The microbial diversity in Chinese was higher than that in Pakistanis. Furthermore, microbial community structures were also different between Chinese and Pakistanis. For ARGs, the distribution of all detected ARGs is not distinct at each time point. Among these ARGs, floR was distributed differently in Chinese and Pakistani participants, and some ARGs such as tetQ and sul2 are positively correlated with several dominant microbiomes, particularly Bacteroidota and Firmicutes bacteria that did not fluctuate over time.202134072124
683610.9997Microbiome and antibiotic resistome in household dust from Beijing, China. We spend ever-increasing time indoors along with urbanization; however, the geographical distribution patterns of microbiome and antibiotic resistome, and their driving forces in household environment remains poorly characterized. Here, we surveyed the bacterial and fungal communities, and the resistome in settled dust gathered from 82 homes located across Beijing, China, employing Illumina sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR techniques. There was no clear geographical distribution pattern in dust-related bacterial communities although a slight but significant (P < 0.05) distance-decay relationship occurred in its community similarity; by contrast, a relatively distinct geographical clustering and a stronger distance-decay relationship were observed in fungal communities at the local scale. The cross-domain (bacteria versus fungi) relationships in the microbiome of the dust samples were mostly observed as robust co-occurrence correlations. The bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla, with human skin, soil and plants being potential major sources. The fungal communities largely comprised potential allergens (a median 61% of the fungal sequences), with Alternaria genus within Ascomycota phylum being the most predominant taxa. The profile of dust-related bacterial communities was mainly affected by housing factors related to occupants and houseplants, while that of fungal communities was determined by georeferenced environmental factors, particularly vascular plant diversity. Additionally, a great diversity (1.96 on average for Shannon index) and normalized abundance (2.22 copies per bacterial cell on average) of antibiotic resistance genes were detected across the dust samples, with the dominance of genes resistant to vancomycin and Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B. The resistome profile exhibited no distinct geographical pattern, and was primarily driven by certain bacterial phyla and occupancy-related factors. Overall, we underline the significance of anthropogenic impacts and house location in structuring bacterial and fungal communities inside homes, respectively, and suggest that household dust is an overlooked reservoir for antibiotic resistance.202032248025
321720.9997Distribution and environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in poultry farms and surrounding ecosystems. Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide, with farms serving as crucial reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, the distribution of ARGs in poultry farms and their transmission patterns in the environment remain poorly understood. This study collected samples of aerosol microorganisms, cloacal matter, soil, and vegetables from poultry farms and surrounding environments at three different distances. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and HT-qPCR to analyze the characteristics of aerosol microbial communities and the abundance of ARGs. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were dominant in cloacal samples, aerosol samples, and vegetable samples, while Proteobacteria Actinobacteriota and Acidobacteria dominated soil. Pseudomonas was dominant in cloacal samples at the genus level, whereas Fusobacterium was prevalent in soil. The diversity and richness of bacterial communities were more similar between cloacal samples than those observed between either sample type compared with soil. Our results showed that tetracycline and aminoglycoside ARG relative abundance was high across all sample types but significantly increased within feces/air compared to soils/vegetables. Association analysis revealed five potential host genera for ARG/MGE presence among various microbiota populations studied here. Our findings confirm that farms are important sources for the environmental dissemination of pathogens and ARGs.202539689477
684530.9997A Comparative Analysis of Aquatic and Polyethylene-Associated Antibiotic-Resistant Microbiota in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we evaluated the microbiome and the resistome profile of water and fragments of polyethylene (PE) waste collected at the same time from a stream and the seawater in a coastal area of Northwestern Sicily. Although a core microbiome was determined by sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rDNA gene, quantitative differences were found among the microbial communities on PE waste and the corresponding water samples. Our findings indicated that PE waste contains a more abundant and increased core microbiome diversity than the corresponding water samples. Moreover, PCR analysis of specific antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) showed that PE waste harbors more ARGs than the water samples. Thus, PE waste could act as a carrier of antibiotic-resistant microbiota, representing an increased danger for the marine environment and living organisms, as well.202133800749
772440.9997Taxonomic and functional analyses reveal existence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in beach sand bacterial populations. Coastal sands are important natural recreational facilities that have become hotspots for tourism and economic development. However, these sands harbour diverse microbial assemblages that play a critical role in the balance between public health and ecology. In this study, targeted high-throughput sequencing analysis was used to identify sand-borne bacterial populations at four public beaches in Durban. The effect of heavy metal in shaping the distribution of bacterial metacommunities was determined using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), while the functional gene profiles were predicted using PICRUSt2 analysis. Sequences matching those of the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria were the most abundant in all samples, followed by those of the phyla Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes. Genus-level taxonomic analysis showed the presence of 1163 bacterial genera in all samples combined. The distribution of bacterial communities was shaped by heavy metal concentrations, with the distribution of Flavobacteria, Bacteroidia, and Deltaproteobacteria influenced by Pb and Zn, while B and Cr influenced the distribution of Clostridia and Gammaproteobacteria, respectively. Identified antibiotic resistance genes included the peptidoglycan biosynthesis gene II, III, IV, and V, as well as the polymyxin resistance gene, while the virulence genes included the sitA, fimB, aerobactin synthase, and pilL gene. Our findings demonstrate that beach sand-borne bacteria are reservoirs of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Contamination of beach sands with heavy metals selects for both heavy metal resistance and antibiotic resistance in beach sand bacterial communities. Children and immunocompromised people engaging in recreational activities on beaches may be exposed to higher risk of infection.202133474608
321650.9997Effects of different laying periods on airborne bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance genes in layer hen houses. Poultry farms are a complex environment for close contact between humans and animals. Accumulating evidence has indicated that pathogens and drug resistance genes in chicken houses may pose a serious threat to public health and economic concerns. However, insufficient knowledge of the indoor aerosol microbiome and resistome profiles of layer hen houses hampers the understanding of their health effects. Environmental surveillance of antibiotic resistance may contribute to a better understanding and management of the human exposure risk of bioaerosols under the environmental conditions of chicken houses. In addition, the chicken house has a long operation cycle, and the bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance genes of aerosols in different periods may be different. In this study, air samples were collected from 18 chicken houses on three farms, including the early laying period (EL), peak laying period (PL), and late laying period (LL). 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics were used to study the composition of the bacteria and resistome in aerosols of layer hen houses and the results showed that they varied with laying period. The highest alpha diversity of bacteria was observed in PL bioaerosols. The dominant bacterial phyla included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Three potential pathogenic bacterial genera (Bacteroides, Corynebacterium and Fusobacterium) were found. The most abundant ARG type was aminoglycosides in all laying periods. In total, 22 possible ARG host genera were detected. ARG subtypes and abundance were both higher in LL. Network analysis also showed higher co-occurrence patterns between the bacteria and resistome in bioaerosols. The laying period plays an important role in the bacterial community and resistome in layer house aerosols.202337119673
737260.9997Variability of faecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in flocks of migratory gulls and comparison with the surrounding environment. Gulls commonly rely on human-generated waste as their primary food source, contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes, both locally and globally. Our understanding of this process remains incomplete, particularly in relation to its potential interaction with surrounding soil and water. We studied the lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus, as a model to examine the spatial variation of faecal bacterial communities, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and its relationship with the surrounding water and soil. We conducted sampling campaigns within a connectivity network of different flocks of gulls moving across functional units (FUs), each of which represents a module of highly interconnected patches of habitats used for roosting and feeding. The FUs vary in habitat use, with some gulls using more polluted sites (notably landfills), while others prefer more natural environments (e.g., wetlands or beaches). Faecal bacterial communities in gulls from flocks that visit and spend more time in landfills exhibited higher richness and diversity. The faecal microbiota showed a high compositional overlap with bacterial communities in soil. The overlap was greater when compared to landfill (11%) than to wetland soils (6%), and much lower when compared to bacterial communities in surrounding water (2% and 1% for landfill and wetland water, respectively). The relative abundance of ARGs and MGEs were similar between FUs, with variations observed only for specific families of ARGs and MGEs. When exploring the faecal carriage of ARGs and MGEs in bird faeces relative to soil and water compartments, gull faeces were enriched in ARGs classified as High-Risk. Our results shed light on the complex dynamics of antibiotic resistance spread in wild bird populations, providing insights into the interactions among gull movement and feeding behavior, habitat characteristics, and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants across environmental reservoirs.202439019307
741570.9997Transfer and accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial pathogens in the mice gut due to consumption of organic foods. Over the last few decades, organic food demand has grown largely because of increasing personal health concerns. Organic farming introduces antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) into foods. However, potential effects of organic foods on the gut microbiome and ARGs have been overlooked. Using high-throughput quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, we examined 132 ARGs from major classes, eight transposase genes, universal class I integron-integrase gene (intI), clinical class I integron-integrase gene (cintI), and the bacterial community in mouse gut after 8 weeks with an either organic or inorganic lettuce and wheat diet. A total of 8 types of major ARGs and 10 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were detected in mice gut, including tetracycline, multidrug, sulfonamide, aminoglycoside, beta-lactamase, chloramphenicol, MLSB and vancomycin resistance genes. We found that abundance and diversity of ARGs, mobile gene elements, and potential ARB in the gut increased with time after consumption of organic foods, whereas no significant changes were observed in inorganic treated groups. Moreover, MGEs, including IS613, Tp614 and tnpA_03 were found to play an important role in regulating ARG profiles in the gut microbiome following consumption of organic foods. Importantly, feeding organic food increased the relative abundance of the potentially antibiotic-resistant pathogens, Bacteroides and Streptococcus. Our results confirm that there is an increasing risk of ARGs and ARB in the gut microbiome, which highlights the importance of organic food industries taking into account the potential accumulation and transmission of ARGs as a risk factor.202438215844
321880.9997Airborne bacterial communities in the poultry farm and their relevance with environmental factors and antibiotic resistance genes. The accelerating occurrence and environmental dissemination of bacteria, gas pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aerosols of poultry farms have become emerging environmental issues due to their potential threat to animals, workers, and the communities located near such farms. Here, aerosol samples were gathered from inside and outside of the chicken house in winter with a transportable high-flow bioaerosol sampler. Then, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to categorize the bacteria in air samples, and the abundance of 12 ARG subtypes was researched via the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results indicated that the bacterial richness and diversity and total absolute abundance of ARGs were similar in the bioaerosols from indoor and downwind site of the poultry farm. The zoonotic pathogens, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, were detected both inside and outside of the chicken house, and the four most abundant target genes were bla(TEM), tetQ, ermB and sul1 in aerosols. Moreover, the correlation between the bacterial communities and environmental factors, such as NH(3) and H(2)S concentrations, wind speed, temperature and relative humidity, was analyzed. The result revealed that the indoor bacteria community was positively associated with temperature and concentrations of air pollutants (NH(3) and H(2)S), and could spread from confinement buildings to the ambient atmosphere through wind. In addition, the network analysis result showed that the airborne bacteria might significantly contribute in shaping the ARGs' profiles in bioaerosol from inside and outside of the poultry house. Overall, our results revealed the airborne bacterial communities and their associated influencing factors in the micro-environment (inside of the chicken house and nearby the boundary of the farm), and brought a new perspective for studying the gas pollutants and bioaerosol from poultry farms in winter.202235850323
321590.9997Prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes its association with microbiota in raw milk of northwest Xinjiang. The issue of antibiotic resistance caused by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has become a significant concern in environmental research in recent years, while raw milk is an important link in the food chain and has become one of the carriers and reservoirs of ARGs, which has not been taken seriously. This research employed high-throughput quantitative PCR and Illumina sequencing techniques targeting the 16S rRNA gene. These methods were used to examine the bacterial community composition and genes associated with antibiotic resistance in raw milk samples collected from the northwestern area of Xinjiang. An aggregate of 31 distinct resistance alleles were identified, with their abundance reaching as high as 3.70 × 10(5) copies per gram in the analyzed raw milk samples. Microorganisms harboring ARGs that confer resistance to beta-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol derivatives were prevalent in raw milk. Procrustes analysis revealed a certain degree of correlation between the microbial community and the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles. Furthermore, network analysis demonstrated that Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla exhibiting co-occurrence relationships with specific ARGs. Combining the findings from Variance Partitioning Analysis (VPA), the distribution of ARGs was mainly driven by three factors: the combined effect of physicochemical properties and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (33.5%), the interplay between physicochemical parameters and microbial communities (31.8%), and the independent contribution of physicochemical factors (20.7%). The study demonstrates that the overall abundance of ARGs correlates with physicochemical parameters, bacterial community composition, and the presence of MGEs. Furthermore, understanding these associations facilitates the evaluation of antibiotic resistance risks, thereby contributing to enhanced farm management practices and the assurance of food safety.202540718809
6850100.9997Fate of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in large-scale aquaculture sediments: Geographical differentiation and corresponding drivers. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), emerging environmental contaminants, have become challenges of public health security. However, the distribution and drivers of ARGs, especially high-risk ARGs, in large-scale aquaculture sediments remain unknown. Here, we collected sediment samples from 40 crayfish ponds in seven main crayfish culture provinces in China and then investigated the distribution and risk of ARGs based on high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR techniques. Our results suggested that aquaculture sediment was potential reservoir of ARGs and the abundance of aadA-02 was the highest. High-risk ARG (floR) was also prevalent in the sediment and was the most abundant in Jiangsu Province, where opportunistic pathogens were also enriched. The abundance of floR was positively correlated with different environmental factors, such as total phosphorus in water and total carbon in sediment. In addition, Mycobacterium sp., opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, might be potential host for floR. Furthermore, the potential propagation pathway of ARGs was from sediment to crayfish gut, and Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria might be the main bacterial groups responsible for the proliferation of ARGs. Generally, our results illustrate that pond sediment may be an ARG reservoir of aquatic animals. Meanwhile, our study helps develop valuable strategies for accessing risks and managing ARGs.202337714353
3241110.9997Environmental remodeling of human gut microbiota and antibiotic resistome in livestock farms. Anthropogenic environments have been implicated in enrichment and exchange of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria. Here we study the impact of confined and controlled swine farm environments on temporal changes in the gut microbiome and resistome of veterinary students with occupational exposure for 3 months. By analyzing 16S rRNA and whole metagenome shotgun sequencing data in tandem with culture-based methods, we show that farm exposure shapes the gut microbiome of students, resulting in enrichment of potentially pathogenic taxa and antimicrobial resistance genes. Comparison of students' gut microbiomes and resistomes to farm workers' and environmental samples revealed extensive sharing of resistance genes and bacteria following exposure and after three months of their visit. Notably, antibiotic resistance genes were found in similar genetic contexts in student samples and farm environmental samples. Dynamic Bayesian network modeling predicted that the observed changes partially reverse over a 4-6 month period. Our results indicate that acute changes in a human's living environment can persistently shape their gut microbiota and antibiotic resistome.202032188862
6852120.9997Distribution and co-occurrence patterns of antibiotic resistance genes in black soils in Northeast China. Black soils (Mollisols) are among the most important soil resources for crop production and food security. In China, they are mainly distributed in the northeastern region. To investigate soil antibiotic resistance distribution patterns and monitor soil quality, we randomly chose nine corn fields in Northeast China and analyzed the antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) distribution and co-occurrence patterns on the basis of high-throughput approaches and network analyses. High genetic diversity (136 unique genes) and low ARG abundances (10(-5)-10(-2) copies/16S rRNA gene copy) were detected, with relatively few interactions among ARGs. Type I integron genes were prevalent in the soil and were positively correlated with ARGs, which may increase the risk of ARG transmission. Most ARGs were strongly associated with microorganisms. Moreover, several ARGs were significantly correlated with antibiotics, nutrients, and metal elements. The generation and dissemination of ARGs, which were most likely mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and bacteria, were affected by environmental conditions. These results provide insights into the widespread co-occurrence patterns in soil resistomes.202235809539
3222130.9996Differences in gut metagenomes between dairy workers and community controls: a cross-sectional study. BACKGROUND: As a nexus of routine antibiotic use and zoonotic pathogen presence, the livestock farming environment is a potential hotspot for the emergence of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Livestock can further facilitate disease transmission by serving as intermediary hosts for pathogens as they undergo evolution prior to a spillover event. In light of this, we are interested in characterizing the microbiome and resistome of dairy workers, whose exposure to the livestock farming environment places them at risk for facilitating community transmission of antibiotic resistant genes and emerging zoonotic diseases. RESULTS: Using shotgun sequencing, we investigated differences in the taxonomy, diversity and gene presence of the human gut microbiome of 10 dairy farm workers and 6 community controls, supplementing these samples with additional publicly available gut metagenomes. We observed greater abundance of tetracycline resistance genes and prevalence of cephamycin resistance genes in dairy workers' metagenomes, and lower average gene diversity. We also found evidence of commensal organism association with plasmid-mediated tetracycline resistance genes in both dairy workers and community controls (including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ligilactobacillus animalis, and Simiaoa sunii). However, we did not find significant differences in the prevalence of resistance genes or virulence factors overall, nor differences in the taxonomic composition of dairy worker and community control metagenomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the first metagenomics analysis of United States dairy workers, providing insights into potential risks of exposure to antibiotics and pathogens in animal farming environments. Previous metagenomic studies of livestock workers in China and Europe have reported increased abundance and carriage of antibiotic resistance genes in livestock workers. While our investigation found no strong evidence for differences in the abundance or carriage of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors between dairy worker and community control gut metagenomes, we did observe patterns in the abundance of tetracycline resistance genes and the prevalence of cephamycin resistance genes that is consistent with previous work.202337215025
7322140.9996Beach 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
7371150.9996Plastisphere 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
3219160.9996Airborne bacterial contaminations in typical Chinese wet market with live poultry trade. Chinese wet markets with live poultry trade have been considered as major sources of pathogen dissemination, and sites for horizontal transfer of bacterial and viral pathogens. In this study, the pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in air samples collected at a typical Chinese wet market had been analysis and quantified. Corynebacterium minutissimum and other pathogenic bacteria accounted for 0.81-8.02% of the whole microbial community in different air samples. The four ARGs quantified in this study showed a comparable relative concentration (copies/ng_DNA) with municipal wastewater. Poultry manures were demonstrated to be important microbial contamination source in wet market, which was supported by both microbial composition based source tracking and the quantification of airborne microbial density. A series of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes indicators of poultry area contamination were successfully screened, which will be useful for the more convenient monitoring of airborne poultry area contamination. Our results indicate bioaerosols acted as important route for the transmissions of pathogens and ARGs. Continued surveillance of airborne microbial contamination is required in poultry trade wet market. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Urban live poultry markets are important sources of pathogen dissemination, and sites for horizontal transfer of viral and bacterial pathogens. In the present field-study, pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes were focused to provide quantitative information on the levels of microbial contaminations at the indoor air of wet markets. Results demonstrated that poultry manures were important microbial contamination source in wet market, and in the meanwhile bioaerosols were identified as important route for the transmissions of microbial contaminants. A series of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes indicators of poultry area contamination were successfully screened, which will be useful for the more convenient monitoring of airborne poultry area contamination.201627503629
6826170.9996Impact of land use on antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial communities in rivers. River ecosystems support essential ecosystem functions and services, including supplying water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities, provisioning of hydropower and fisheries, supporting navigation and recreational activities, and regulating water quality. In recent decades, the presence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have emerged as a key threat to ecosystem health and human well-being. Rivers that are surrounded by human-modified landscapes serve as primary repositories and sources of ARGs. However, our understanding of the relationship between the diversity of ARGs and land use remain limited. We collected 30 sediment samples from five rivers in Ningbo, China, and then classified the sampling sites into two groups (i.e., group A with low levels of human impacts and group B with intense human impact) based on land use in their upstream areas. In total, we found 31 types of ARGs and 148 phyla of bacteria in the samples. ARGs abundance had a positive relationship with the levels of anthropogenic activities, and exhibited significant difference between the two groups. Co-occurrence networks showed that the interrelationship between bacteria and ARGs was more complex in group B than in group A. Moreover, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) revealed that anthropogenic activity not only posed direct effect on ARGs but also indirectly affected ARGs through bacteria. Our results underscore the profound impacts of land-use changes on the diversity of ARGs, bacteria communities, and their relationships, which highlight the need for integrating ARGs in river assessments in regions with human-dominated land use.202540154785
6835180.9996Metagenomic profiling of antibiotic resistance genes and their associations with the bacterial community along the Kanda River, an urban river in Japan. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) present in urban rivers have the potential to disseminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria into other environments, posing significant threats to both ecological and public health. Although metagenomic analyses have been widely employed to detect ARGs in rivers, our understanding of their dynamics across different seasons in diverse watersheds remains limited. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of the Kanda River in Japan at 11 sites from upstream to estuary throughout the year to assess the spread of ARGs and their associations with bacterial communities. Analysis of 110 water samples using the 16S rRNA gene revealed variations in bacterial composition corresponding to seasonal changes in environmental parameters along the river. Shotgun metagenomics-based profiling of ARGs in 44 water samples indicated higher ARG abundance downstream, particularly during the summer. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) linking bacterial lineages and ARGs revealed that 12 ARG subtypes co-occurred with 128 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). WGCNA suggested potential hosts for ErmB, ErmF, ErmG, tetQ, tet (W/N/W), aadA2, and adeF, including gut-associated bacteria (e.g., Prevotella, Bacteroides, Arcobacter) and indigenous aquatic microbes (e.g., Limnohabitans and C39). In addition, Pseudarcobacter (a later synonym of Arcobater) was identified as a host for adeF, which was also confirmed by single cell genomics. This study shows that ARG distribution in urban rivers is affected by seasonal and geographical factors and demonstrates the importance of monitoring rivers using multiple types of genome sequencing, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and single cell genomics.202539488451
7412190.9996Effect of composting and storage on the microbiome and resistome of cattle manure from a commercial dairy farm in Poland. Manure from food-producing animals, rich in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses significant environmental and healthcare risks. Despite global efforts, most manure is not adequately processed before use on fields, escalating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study examined how different cattle manure treatments, including composting and storage, affect its microbiome and resistome. The changes occurring in the microbiome and resistome of the treated manure samples were compared with those of raw samples by high-throughput qPCR for ARGs tracking and sequencing of the V3-V4 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene to indicate bacterial community composition. We identified 203 ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in raw manure. Post-treatment reduced these to 76 in composted and 51 in stored samples. Notably, beta-lactam, cross-resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLSB), and vancomycin resistance genes decreased, while genes linked to MGEs, integrons, and sulfonamide resistance increased after composting. Overall, total resistance gene abundance significantly dropped with both treatments. During composting, the relative abundance of genes was lower midway than at the end. Moreover, higher biodiversity was observed in samples after composting than storage. Our current research shows that both composting and storage effectively reduce ARGs in cattle manure. However, it is challenging to determine which method is superior, as different groups of resistance genes react differently to each treatment, even though a notable overall reduction in ARGs is observed.202438616224