# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 4011 | 0 | 1.0000 | Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Biofilms. Most bacteria attach to biotic or abiotic surfaces and are embedded in a complex matrix which is known as biofilm. Biofilm formation is especially worrisome in clinical settings as it hinders the treatment of infections with antibiotics due to the facilitated acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Environmental settings are now considered as pivotal for driving biofilm formation, biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance development and dissemination. Several studies have demonstrated that environmental biofilms can be hotspots for the dissemination of ARGs. These genes can be encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as conjugative and mobilizable plasmids or integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). ARGs can be rapidly transferred through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which has been shown to occur more frequently in biofilms than in planktonic cultures. Biofilm models are promising tools to mimic natural biofilms to study the dissemination of ARGs via HGT. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of biofilm studies and the techniques that visualize the three main HGT mechanisms in biofilms: transformation, transduction, and conjugation. | 2023 | 36830238 |
| 4012 | 1 | 0.9999 | Augmented dissemination of antibiotic resistance elicited by non-antibiotic factors. The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance seriously compromise the clinical efficacy of current antibiotic therapies, representing a serious public health threat worldwide. Generally, drug-susceptible bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation or gene transfer, among which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a dominant role. It is widely acknowledged that the sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are the key drivers in promoting the transmission of antibiotic resistance. However, accumulating evidence in recent years has shown that in addition to antibiotics, non-antibiotics can also accelerate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Nevertheless, the roles and potential mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors in the transmission of ARGs remain largely underestimated. In this review, we depict the four pathways of HGT and their differences, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. We summarize non-antibiotic factors accounting for the enhanced horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the limitations and implications of current studies. | 2023 | 37327521 |
| 4013 | 2 | 0.9999 | Correlation between Exogenous Compounds and the Horizontal Transfer of Plasmid-Borne Antibiotic Resistance Genes. The global spread of antibiotic resistance has posed a serious threat to public healthcare and undermined decades of progress made in the fight against bacterial infections. It has been demonstrated that the lack of novel effective antibiotics and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes via horizontal transfer in the ecosystem are mainly responsible for this crisis. Notably, plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is recognized as the most dominant dissemination pathway of ARGs in humans, animals and environmental settings. Antibiotic selective pressure has always been regarded as one of the crucial contributors to promoting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, the roles of exogenous compounds and particularly non-antibiotic drugs in the spread of ARGs are still underappreciated. In this review, we first summarize the major pathways of HGT in bacteria, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. Subsequently, an overview of these compounds capable of promoting the HGT is presented, which guides to the formulation of more reasonable dosing regimens and drug residue standards in clinical practice. By contrast, these compounds that display an inhibition effect on HGT are also highlighted, which provides a unique strategy to minimize the spread of ARGs. Lastly, we discuss the implementations and challenges in bringing these HGT inhibitors into clinical trials. | 2020 | 32784449 |
| 4014 | 3 | 0.9999 | Dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance in Microbial Ecosystems through Horizontal Gene Transfer. The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has been a rising problem for public health in recent decades. It is becoming increasingly recognized that not only antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) encountered in clinical pathogens are of relevance, but rather, all pathogenic, commensal as well as environmental bacteria-and also mobile genetic elements and bacteriophages-form a reservoir of ARGs (the resistome) from which pathogenic bacteria can acquire resistance via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). HGT has caused antibiotic resistance to spread from commensal and environmental species to pathogenic ones, as has been shown for some clinically important ARGs. Of the three canonical mechanisms of HGT, conjugation is thought to have the greatest influence on the dissemination of ARGs. While transformation and transduction are deemed less important, recent discoveries suggest their role may be larger than previously thought. Understanding the extent of the resistome and how its mobilization to pathogenic bacteria takes place is essential for efforts to control the dissemination of these genes. Here, we will discuss the concept of the resistome, provide examples of HGT of clinically relevant ARGs and present an overview of the current knowledge of the contributions the various HGT mechanisms make to the spread of antibiotic resistance. | 2016 | 26925045 |
| 4017 | 4 | 0.9999 | Non-antibiotic compounds associated with humans and the environment can promote horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes. Horizontal gene transfer plays a key role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR genes are often carried on self-transmissible plasmids, which are shared amongst bacteria primarily by conjugation. Antibiotic use has been a well-established driver of the emergence and spread of AMR. However, the impact of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants on AMR spread has been largely overlooked. Recent studies found common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and environmental pollutants, can increase the conjugative transfer of AMR plasmids. The potential mechanisms by which these compounds promote plasmid transmission include increased membrane permeability, upregulation of plasmid transfer genes, formation of reactive oxygen species, and SOS response gene induction. Many questions remain around the impact of most non-antibiotic compounds on AMR plasmid conjugation in clinical isolates and the long-term impact on AMR dissemination. By elucidating the role of routinely used pharmaceuticals, food additives, and pollutants in the dissemination of AMR, action can be taken to mitigate their impact by closely monitoring use and disposal. This review will discuss recent progress on understanding the influence of non-antibiotic compounds on plasmid transmission, the mechanisms by which they promote transfer, and the level of risk they pose. | 2024 | 37462915 |
| 4016 | 5 | 0.9999 | Antimicrobial-induced horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria: a mini-review. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pathogenic bacteria constitute an accelerating crisis for public health. The selective pressures caused by increased use and misuse of antimicrobials in medicine and livestock production have accelerated the overall selection of resistant bacteria. In addition, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays an important role in the spread of resistance genes, for example mobilizing reservoirs of AMR from commensal bacteria into pathogenic ones. Antimicrobials, besides antibacterial function, also result in undesirable effects in the microbial populations, including the stimulation of HGT. The main aim of this narrative review was to present an overview of the current knowledge of the impact of antimicrobials on HGT in bacteria, including the effects of transformation, transduction and conjugation, as well as other less well-studied mechanisms of HGT. It is widely accepted that conjugation plays a major role in the spread of AMR in bacteria, and the focus of this review is therefore mainly on the evidence provided that antimicrobial treatment affects this process. Other mechanisms of HGT have so far been deemed less important in this respect; however, recent discoveries suggest their role may be larger than previously thought, and the review provides an update on the rather limited knowledge currently available regarding the impact of antimicrobial treatment on these processes as well. A conclusion from the review is that there is an urgent need to investigate the mechanisms of antimicrobial-induced HGT, since this will be critical for developing new strategies to combat the spread of AMR. | 2022 | 34894259 |
| 4009 | 6 | 0.9999 | Unraveling the role of mobile genetic elements in antibiotic resistance transmission and defense strategies in bacteria. Irrational antibiotic use contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections globally. Molecular research has shown that multiple resistance frequently develops from the uptake of pre-existing resistance genes, which are subsequently intensified under selective pressures. Resistant genes spread and are acquired through mobile genetic elements which are essential for facilitating horizontal gene transfer. MGEs have been identified as carriers of genetic material and are a significant player in evolutionary processes. These include insertion sequences, transposons, integrative and conjugative elements, plasmids, and genomic islands, all of which can transfer between and within DNA molecules. With an emphasis on pathogenic bacteria, this review highlights the salient features of the MGEs that contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. MGEs carry non-essential genes, including AMR and virulence genes, which can enhance the adaptability and fitness of their bacterial hosts. These elements employ evolutionary strategies to facilitate their replication and dissemination, thus enabling survival without positive selection for the harboring of beneficial genes. | 2025 | 40810119 |
| 6467 | 7 | 0.9999 | The role of biofilms as environmental reservoirs of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance has become a significant and growing threat to public and environmental health. To face this problem both at local and global scales, a better understanding of the sources and mechanisms that contribute to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance is required. Recent studies demonstrate that aquatic ecosystems are reservoirs of resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes as well as potential conduits for their transmission to human pathogens. Despite the wealth of information about antibiotic pollution and its effect on the aquatic microbial resistome, the contribution of environmental biofilms to the acquisition and spread of antibiotic resistance has not been fully explored in aquatic systems. Biofilms are structured multicellular communities embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix that acts as a barrier to antibiotic diffusion. High population densities and proximity of cells in biofilms also increases the chances for genetic exchange among bacterial species converting biofilms in hot spots of antibiotic resistance. This review focuses on the potential effect of antibiotic pollution on biofilm microbial communities, with special emphasis on ecological and evolutionary processes underlying acquired resistance to these compounds. | 2015 | 26583011 |
| 4015 | 8 | 0.9999 | Bacteriophages as Environmental Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance. Although antibiotic resistance represents a significant and growing public health concern, the contribution of bacteriophages (phages) to the mobilization of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment has not been extensively studied. Recent studies, however, suggest that phages play an important role in the acquisition, maintenance, and spread of ARGs than previously expected. This Opinion article offers an update on the contribution of phages to environmental antibiotic resistance. A better understanding of the mechanisms and factors that promote antibiotic resistance may significantly contribute to the implementation of control strategies. | 2019 | 30905524 |
| 4006 | 9 | 0.9999 | Targeting Plasmids to Limit Acquisition and Transmission of Antimicrobial Resistance. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global threat to both public health and the environment. The emergence and expansion of AMR is sustained by the enormous diversity and mobility of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Different mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), including conjugation, transduction, and transformation, have facilitated the accumulation and dissemination of ARGs in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This has resulted in the development of multidrug resistance in some bacteria. The most clinically significant ARGs are usually located on different mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that can move intracellularly (between the bacterial chromosome and plasmids) or intercellularly (within the same species or between different species or genera). Resistance plasmids play a central role both in HGT and as support elements for other MGEs, in which ARGs are assembled by transposition and recombination mechanisms. Considering the crucial role of MGEs in the acquisition and transmission of ARGs, a potential strategy to control AMR is to eliminate MGEs. This review discusses current progress on the development of chemical and biological approaches for the elimination of ARG carriers. | 2020 | 32435238 |
| 4102 | 10 | 0.9999 | Forces shaping the antibiotic resistome. Antibiotic resistance has become a problem of global scale. Resistance arises through mutation or through the acquisition of resistance gene(s) from other bacteria in a process called horizontal gene transfer (HGT). While HGT is recognized as an important factor in the dissemination of resistance genes in clinical pathogens, its role in the environment has been called into question by a recent study published in Nature. The authors found little evidence of HGT in soil using a culture-independent functional metagenomics approach, which is in contrast to previous work from the same lab showing HGT between the environment and human microbiome. While surprising at face value, these results may be explained by the lack of selective pressure in the environment studied. Importantly, this work suggests the need for careful monitoring of environmental antibiotic pollution and stringent antibiotic stewardship in the fight against resistance. | 2014 | 25213620 |
| 4283 | 11 | 0.9999 | Development, spread and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil microbiomes through co-selection. Bacterial pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics are emergent threat to the public health which may evolve in the environment due to the co-selection of antibiotic resistance, driven by poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and/or heavy metal contaminations. The co-selection of antibiotic resistance (AMR) evolves through the co-resistance or cross-resistance, or co-regulatory mechanisms, present in bacteria. The persistent toxic contaminants impose widespread pressure in both clinical and environmental setting, and may potentially cause the maintenance and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In the past few years, due to exponential increase of AMR, numerous drugs are now no longer effective to treat infectious diseases, especially in cases of bacterial infections. In this mini-review, we have described the role of co-resistance and cross-resistance as main sources for co-selection of ARGs; while other co-regulatory mechanisms are also involved with cross-resistance that regulates multiple ARGs. However, co-factors also support selections, which results in development and evolution of ARGs in absence of antibiotic pressure. Efflux pumps present on the same mobile genetic elements, possibly due to the function of Class 1 integrons (Int1), may increase the presence of ARGs into the environment, which further is promptly changed as per environmental conditions. This review also signifies that mutation plays important role in the expansion of ARGs due to presence of diverse types of anthropogenic pollutants, which results in overexpression of efflux pump with higher bacterial fitness cost; and these situations result in acquisition of resistant genes. The future aspects of co-selection with involvement of systems biology, synthetic biology and gene network approaches have also been discussed. | 2020 | 32681784 |
| 9494 | 12 | 0.9999 | Within-Host Mathematical Models of Antibiotic Resistance. Mathematical models have been used to study the spread of infectious diseases from person to person. More recently studies are developing within-host modeling which provides an understanding of how pathogens-bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses-develop, spread, and evolve inside a single individual and their interaction with the host's immune system.Such models have the potential to provide a more detailed and complete description of the pathogenesis of diseases within-host and identify other influencing factors that may not be detected otherwise. Mathematical models can be used to aid understanding of the global antibiotic resistance (ABR) crisis and identify new ways of combating this threat.ABR occurs when bacteria respond to random or selective pressures and adapt to new environments through the acquisition of new genetic traits. This is usually through the acquisition of a piece of DNA from other bacteria, a process called horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the modification of a piece of DNA within a bacterium, or through. Bacteria have evolved mechanisms that enable them to respond to environmental threats by mutation, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT): conjugation; transduction; and transformation. A frequent mechanism of HGT responsible for spreading antibiotic resistance on the global scale is conjugation, as it allows the direct transfer of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Although there are several MGEs, the most important MGEs which promote the development and rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in bacterial populations are plasmids and transposons. Each of the resistance-spread-mechanisms mentioned above can be modeled allowing us to understand the process better and to define strategies to reduce resistance. | 2024 | 38949703 |
| 4026 | 13 | 0.9998 | Gut microbiome in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. The human gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms known as gut microbiota, which provide the host with important metabolic, signaling, and immunomodulatory functions. Both the commensal and pathogenic members of the gut microbiome serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARG), which can cause potential health threats to the host and can transfer the ARGs to the susceptible microbes and into the environment. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming a major burden on human health and is widely recognized as a global challenge. The diversity and abundance of ARGs in the gut microbiome are variable and depend on the exposure to healthcare-associated antibiotics, usage of antibiotics in veterinary and agriculture, and the migration of the population. The transfer frequency of the ARGs through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) with the help of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) like plasmids, transposons, or phages is much higher among bacteria living in the GI tract compared to other microbial ecosystems. HGT in gut bacteria is facilitated through multiple gene transfer mechanisms, including transformation, conjugation, transduction, and vesicle fusion. It is the need of the hour to implement strict policies to limit indiscriminate antibiotic usage when needed. Developing rapid diagnostic tests for resistance determination and alternatives to antibiotics like vaccination, probiotics, and bacteriophage therapy should have the highest priority in the research and development sectors. Collective actions for sustainable development against resistant pathogens by promoting endogenous gut microbial growth and diversity through interdisciplinary research and findings are key to overcoming the current antimicrobial resistance crisis. | 2022 | 36280316 |
| 4073 | 14 | 0.9998 | The Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes In Vivo Model. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major public health threat. The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment or clinical setting pose a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs is one of the main reasons for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in vitro and in vivo environments. There is a consensus on the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the spread of bacterial resistance. Most drug resistance genes are located on plasmids, and the spread of drug resistance genes among microorganisms through plasmid-mediated conjugation transfer is the most common and effective way for the spread of multidrug resistance. Experimental studies of the processes driving the spread of antibiotic resistance have focused on simple in vitro model systems, but the current in vitro protocols might not correctly reflect the HGT of antibiotic resistance genes in realistic conditions. This calls for better models of how resistance genes transfer and disseminate in vivo. The in vivo model can better mimic the situation that occurs in patients, helping study the situation in more detail. This is crucial to develop innovative strategies to curtail the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the future. This review aims to give an overview of the mechanisms of the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and then demonstrate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the in vivo model. Finally, we discuss the challenges in controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and their potential solutions. | 2022 | 35898691 |
| 9246 | 15 | 0.9998 | Horizontal Gene Transfer Systems for Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a significant global threat to public health due to the increasing difficulty in treatment. These bacteria acquire resistance by incorporating various antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through specialized gene transfer mechanisms, allowing them to evade antibiotic attacks. Conjugation, transformation, and transduction are well-established mechanisms that drive the acquisition and dissemination of ARGs in Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, the horizontal transfer of plasmids carrying multiple ARGs is highly problematic, as it can instantly convert susceptible bacteria into multidrug-resistant ones. Transduction, mediated by bacteriophages that package ARG-containing chromosomal DNA from host cells, also plays a crucial role in ARG spread without requiring direct cell-to-cell contact. Recently, a novel horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanism involving outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) has been identified as a key player in ARG dissemination. OMVs-nanoscale, spherical structures produced by bacteria during growth-have been found to carry small plasmids and chromosomal DNA fragments containing ARGs from their host bacteria. This newly discovered transfer process, termed "vesiduction," enables intercellular DNA exchange and further contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, mobile genetic elements such as transposons, insertion sequences, and site-specific recombination systems like integrons facilitate rearrangement of ARGs, including their translocation between chromosomes and plasmids. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying the HGT of ARGs, with a particular focus on clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. | 2025 | 40370256 |
| 9685 | 16 | 0.9998 | Biofilm: A Hotspot for Emerging Bacterial Genotypes. Bacteria have the ability to adapt to changing environments through rapid evolution mediated by modification of existing genetic information, as well as by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This makes bacteria a highly successful life form when it comes to survival. Unfortunately, this genetic plasticity may result in emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and even the creation of multiresistant "superbugs" which may pose serious threats to public health. As bacteria commonly reside in biofilms, there has been an increased interest in studying these phenomena within biofilms in recent years. This review summarizes the present knowledge within this important area of research. Studies on bacterial evolution in biofilms have shown that mature biofilms develop into diverse communities over time. There is growing evidence that the biofilm lifestyle may be more mutagenic than planktonic growth. Furthermore, all three main mechanisms for HGT have been observed in biofilms. This has been shown to occur both within and between bacterial species, and higher transfer rates in biofilms than in planktonic cultures were detected. Of special concern are the observations that mutants with increased antibiotic resistance occur at higher frequency in biofilms than in planktonic cultures even in the absence of antibiotic exposure. Likewise, efficient dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes, as well as virulence genes, has been observed within the biofilm environment. This new knowledge emphasizes the importance of biofilm awareness and control. | 2018 | 29914658 |
| 6454 | 17 | 0.9998 | Detection and various environmental factors of antibiotic resistance gene horizontal transfer. Bacterial antibiotic resistance in water environments is becoming increasingly severe, and new antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have also attracted the attention of researchers. The horizontal transfer of ARGs in water environments is considered one of the main sources of bacterial resistance in the natural environment. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mainly includes conjugation, natural transformation, and transduction, and conjugation has been investigated most. Several studies have shown that there are a large number of environmental factors that might affect the horizontal transfer of ARGs in water environments, such as nanomaterials, various oxidants, and light; however, there is still a lack of systematic and comprehensive reviews on the detection and the effects of the influence factors of on ARG horizontal transfer. Therefore, this study introduced three HGT modes, analysed the advantages and disadvantages of current methods for monitoring HGT, and then summarized the influence and mechanism of various factors on ARG horizontal transfer, and the possible reasons for the different effects caused by similar factors were mainly critically discussed. Finally, existing research deficiencies and future research directions of ARG horizontal transfer in water environments were discussed. | 2022 | 35413299 |
| 4010 | 18 | 0.9998 | Integrons in the Age of Antibiotic Resistance: Evolution, Mechanisms, and Environmental Implications: A Review. Integrons, which are genetic components commonly found in bacteria, possess the remarkable capacity to capture gene cassettes, incorporate them into their structure, and thereby contribute to an increase in genomic complexity and phenotypic diversity. This adaptive mechanism allows integrons to play a significant role in acquiring, expressing, and spreading antibiotic resistance genes in the modern age. To assess the current challenges posed by integrons, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of their characteristics. This review aims to elucidate the structure and evolutionary history of integrons, highlighting how the use of antibiotics has led to the preferential selection of integrons in various environments. Additionally, it explores their current involvement in antibiotic resistance and their dissemination across diverse settings, while considering potential transmission factors and routes. This review delves into the arrangement of gene cassettes within integrons, their ability to rearrange, the mechanisms governing their expression, and the process of excision. Furthermore, this study examines the presence of clinically relevant integrons in a wide range of environmental sources, shedding light on how anthropogenic influences contribute to their propagation into the environment. | 2024 | 39770781 |
| 3999 | 19 | 0.9998 | Plasmid-Mediated Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Soil. Due to selective pressure from the widespread use of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are found in human hosts, plants, and animals and virtually all natural environments. Their migration and transmission in different environmental media are often more harmful than antibiotics themselves. ARGs mainly move between different microorganisms through a variety of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as plasmids and phages. The soil environment is regarded as the most microbially active biosphere on the Earth's surface and is closely related to human activities. With the increase in human activity, soils are becoming increasingly contaminated with antibiotics and ARGs. Soil plasmids play an important role in this process. This paper reviews the current scenario of plasmid-mediated migration and transmission of ARGs in natural environments and under different antibiotic selection pressures, summarizes the current methods of plasmid extraction and analysis, and briefly introduces the mechanism of plasmid splice transfer using the F factor as an example. However, as the global spread of drug-resistant bacteria has increased and the knowledge of MGEs improves, the contribution of soil plasmids to resistance gene transmission needs to be further investigated. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has also made the effective prevention of the transmission of resistance genes through the plasmid-bacteria pathway a major research priority. | 2022 | 35453275 |