Who possesses drug resistance genes in the aquatic environment?: sulfamethoxazole (SMX) resistance genes among the bacterial community in water environment of Metro-Manila, Philippines. - Related Documents




#
Rank
Similarity
Title + Abs.
Year
PMID
012345
709501.0000Who possesses drug resistance genes in the aquatic environment?: sulfamethoxazole (SMX) resistance genes among the bacterial community in water environment of Metro-Manila, Philippines. Recent evidence has shown that antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are ubiquitous in natural environments, including sites considered pristine. To understand the origin of ARGs and their dynamics, we must first define their actual presence in the natural bacterial assemblage. Here we found varying distribution profiles of sul genes in "colony forming bacterial assemblages" and "natural bacterial assemblages." Our monitoring for antibiotic contamination revealed that sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a major contaminant in aquatic environments of Metro-Manila, which would have been derived from human and animal use, and subsequently decreased through the process of outflow from source to the sea. The SMX-resistant bacterial rate evaluated by the colony forming unit showed 10 to 86% of the total colony numbers showed higher rates from freshwater sites compared to marine sites. When sul genes were quantified by qPCR, colony-forming bacteria conveyed sul1 and sul2 genes in freshwater and seawater (10(-5)-10(-2) copy/16S) but not sul3. Among the natural bacterial assemblage, all sul1, sul2, and sul3 were detected (10(-5)-10(-3) copy/16S), whereas all sul genes were at an almost non-detectable level in the freshwater assemblage. This study suggests that sul1 and sul2 are main sul genes in culturable bacteria, whereas sul3 is conveyed by non-culturable bacteria in the sea. As a result marine bacteria possess sul1, sul2 and sul3 genes in the marine environment.201323641240
709610.9999Sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes in total- and culturable-bacterial assemblages in South African aquatic environments. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are ubiquitous in the natural environment. The introduction of effluent derived antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into aquatic environments is of concern in the spreading of genetic risk. This study showed the prevalence of sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes, sul1, sul2, sul3, and tet(M), in the total bacterial assemblage and colony forming bacterial assemblage in river and estuarine water and sewage treatment plants (STP) in South Africa. There was no correlation between antibiotic concentrations and ARGs, suggesting the targeted ARGs are spread in a wide area without connection to selection pressure. Among sul genes, sul1 and sul2 were major genes in the total (over 10(-2) copies/16S) and colony forming bacteria assemblages (∼10(-1) copies/16S). In urban waters, the sul3 gene was mostly not detectable in total and culturable assemblages, suggesting sul3 is not abundant. tet(M) was found in natural assemblages with 10(-3) copies/16S level in STP, but was not detected in colony forming bacteria, suggesting the non-culturable (yet-to-be cultured) bacterial community in urban surface waters and STP effluent possess the tet(M) gene. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) resistant (SMX(r)) and oxytetracycline (OTC) resistant (OTC(r)) bacterial communities in urban waters possessed not only sul1 and sul2 but also sul3 and tet(M) genes. These genes are widely distributed in SMX(r) and OTC(r) bacteria. In conclusion, urban river and estuarine water and STP effluent in the Durban area were highly contaminated with ARGs, and the yet-to-be cultured bacterial community may act as a non-visible ARG reservoir in certain situations.201526300864
367820.9999Abundance and dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and integrons in lake sediment microcosms. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria causing disease is an ever growing threat to the world. Recently, environmental bacteria have become established as important both as sources of antibiotic resistance genes and in disseminating resistance genes. Low levels of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals are regularly released into water environments via wastewater, and the concern is that such environmental contamination may serve to create hotspots for antibiotic resistance gene selection and dissemination. In this study, microcosms were created from water and sediments gathered from a lake in Sweden only lightly affected by human activities. The microcosms were exposed to a mixture of antibiotics of varying environmentally relevant concentrations (i.e., concentrations commonly encountered in wastewaters) in order to investigate the effect of low levels of antibiotics on antibiotic resistance gene abundances and dynamics in a previously uncontaminated environment. Antibiotic concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Abundances of seven antibiotic resistance genes and the class 1 integron integrase gene, intI1, were quantified using real-time PCR. Resistance genes sulI and ermB were quantified in the microcosm sediments with mean abundances 5 and 15 gene copies/10(6) 16S rRNA gene copies, respectively. Class 1 integrons were determined in the sediments with a mean concentration of 3.8 × 10(4) copies/106 16S rRNA gene copies. The antibiotic treatment had no observable effect on antibiotic resistance gene or integron abundances.201425247418
709930.9998The impact of a freshwater fish farm on the community of tetracycline-resistant bacteria and the structure of tetracycline resistance genes in river water. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a fish farm on the structure of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in water of Drwęca River. Samples of upstream river waters; post-production waters and treated post-production waters from fish farm; as well as downstream river waters were monitored for tetracycline resistant bacteria, tetracycline resistant genes, basic physico-chemical parameters and tetracyclines concentration. The river waters was characterized by low levels of pollution, which was determined based on water temperature, pH and concentrations of dissolved oxygen and tetracycline antibiotics. Culture-dependent (heterotrophic plate counts, counts of bacteria resistant to oxytetracycline (OTC(R)) and doxycycline (DOX(R)), minimum inhibitory concentrations for oxytetracycline and doxycycline, multidrug resistance of OTC(R) and DOX(R), qualitative composition of OTC(R) and DOX(R), prevalence of tet genes in resistant isolates) and culture-independent surveys (quantity of tet gene copies) revealed no significant differences in the abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes between the studied samples. The only way in which the fish farm influenced water quality in the Drwęca River was by increasing the diversity of tetracycline-resistance genes. However, it should also be noted that the bacteria of the genera Aeromonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were able to transfer 6 out of 13 tested tet genes into Escherichiacoli, which can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment.201525698291
367740.9998Prevalence of sulfonamide-resistant bacteria, resistance genes and integron-associated horizontal gene transfer in natural water bodies and soils adjacent to a swine feedlot in northern Taiwan. Antibiotics are commonly used in swine feed to treat and prevent disease, as well as to promote growth. Antibiotics released into the environment via wastewater could accelerate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in the surrounding environment. In this study, we quantified the occurrence of sulfonamides, sulfonamide-resistant microorganisms and resistance genes in the wastewater from a swine farm in northern Taiwan and its surrounding natural water bodies and soils. Sulfonamide levels were similar in the receiving downstream and upstream river water. However, the prevalence of sulfonamide-resistant bacteria and resistance genes, as analyzed by cultivation-dependent and -independent molecular approaches, was significantly greater in the downstream compared to the upstream river water samples. Barcoded-pyrosequencing revealed a highly diverse bacterial community structure in each sample. However, the sequence identity of the sulfonamide resistance gene sul1 in the wastewater and downstream environment samples was nearly identical (99-100%). The sul1 gene, which is genetically linked to class 1 integrons, was dominant in the downstream water bodies and soils. In conclusion, the increased prevalence of sulfonamide resistance genes in the wastewater from a swine farm, independent of the persistent presence of sulfonamides, could be a potential source of resistant gene pools in the surrounding environment.201424637153
711550.9998Antibiotics, antibiotic resistance and associated risk in natural springs from an agroecosystem environment. This study investigates the occurrence, transport, and risks associated to antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli (AR-E. coli) in eleven natural springs in an agroecosystem environment with intense livestock production, where groundwater nitrate concentration usually sets above 50 mg L(-1). Out of 23 multiple-class antibiotics monitored, tetracycline and sulfonamide residues were the most ubiquitous, and they were detected at concentrations ranging from ng L(-1) to μg L(-1). Five ARGs were monitored, conferring resistance to the antibiotic classes of major use in livestock production. Thus, genes conferring resistance to sulfonamides (sul1 and sul2) and tetracyclines (tetW) as well as a gene proxy for anthropogenic pollution (intI1) were present in most springs. sul1 was the most abundant, with absolute concentrations ranging from 4 × 10(2) to 5.6 × 10(6) gene copies L(-1) water. AR-E. coli showing resistance to sulfonamides and tetracyclines was also detected, with a prevalence up to approximately 40 % in some sites but with poor correlations with the concentration of antibiotic residues and ARGs. The occurrence of antibiotics, ARGs and AR-E. coli was characterized by large seasonal variations which were mostly associated to both hydrological factors and reactive transport processes. Finally, a risk assessment approach pointed out towards low risk for both the groundwater environment and human health, when spring water is used for direct human consumption, associated with the occurrence of antibiotics, ARGs and AR-E. coli. However, long-term effects cannot be neglected, and proper actions must be taken to preserve groundwater quality.202336208750
709260.9998Sulfonamide antibiotics in the Northern Yellow Sea are related to resistant bacteria: implications for antibiotic resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) residues and the mode of transmission in marine environments remain unclear. The sulfonamide (SAs) concentrations, different genes and total bacterial abundance in seawater and sediment of the Northern Yellow Sea were analyzed. Results showed the genes sul I and sul II were present at relatively high concentrations in all samples, whereas the gene sul III was detected fewer. The ARGs concentrations in the sediment were 10(3) times higher than those in water, which indicated sediment was essential ARG reservoir. Statistical analysis revealed the total antibiotic concentration was positively correlated with the relative abundance of the gene sul I and sul II. The relative abundances of the gene sul I and the gene sul II were also correlated positively with those of the gene int1. This correlation demonstrated that SAs exerted selective pressure on these ARGs, whereas the gene int1 could be implicated in the propagation of the genes sul I and sul II in marine environments.201424928456
711470.9998Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Freshwater Trout Farms in a Watershed in Chile. Point sources such as wastewater treatment plants, terrestrial agriculture, and aquaculture may release antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) into aquatic ecosystems. However, there is a lack of quantitative studies attributing environmental ARG abundance to specific sources. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of freshwater trout farms in the release and dissemination of ARGs into the environment. Sediment samples upstream and downstream from five rainbow trout farms were collected over time in southern Chile. A microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction approach was used to quantify an ARG array covering different mechanisms of resistance, and data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear mixed regression models. Surveys were also conducted to obtain information about management practices, including antibiotic use, at the farms. Florfenicol and oxytetracycline were used at these farms, although at different rates. A total of 93 samples were analyzed. In the PCA, , , , , (A), (B), (C), (W), and grouped together. A statistically significant increase in abundance of , , , and several genes was found downstream from the farms compared with upstream sites, and retention ponds had the highest ARG abundance at each site. Antibiotic resistance gene levels returned to baseline at an average distance of 132.7 m downstream from the farms. Although results from this study indicate an influence of trout farms on the presence of ARGs in the immediate environment, the extent of their contribution to ARG dissemination is unknown and deserves further investigation.201931589726
350880.9998Prevalence and distribution of antibiotic resistance in marine fish farming areas in Hainan, China. Antibiotic resistance represents a global health crisis for humans, animals, and for the environment. Transmission of antibiotic resistance through environmental pathways is a cause of concern. In this study, quantitative PCR and culture-dependent bacteriological methods were used to detect the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the quantity of culturable heterotrophic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in marine fish farming areas. The results indicated that sul and tet family genes were widely distributed in marine fish farming areas of Hainan during both rearing and harvesting periods. Specifically, sul1 and tetB were the most dominant ARGs. The total abundance of ARGs increased significantly from the rearing to the harvesting period. A total of 715 ARB strains were classified into 24 genera, within these genera Vibrio, Acinetobacter, Pseudoalteromonas, and Alteromonas are opportunistic pathogens. High bacterial resistance rate to oxytetracycline (OT) was observed. The numbers of OT- and enrofloxacin-resistant bacteria dropped significantly from rearing the period to the harvesting. The co-occurrence pattern showed that Ruegeria and tetB could be indicators of ARB and ARGs, respectively, which were found in the same module. Redundancy analysis indicated that salinity was positively correlated with the most dominant ARB, and was negatively correlated with the most dominant ARGs. These findings demonstrated the prevalence and persistence of ARGs and ARB in marine fish farming areas in China.201930414589
313990.9998Sulfonamide-resistant bacteria and their resistance genes in soils fertilized with manures from Jiangsu Province, Southeastern China. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes are recognized as new environmental pollutants that warrant special concern. There were few reports on veterinary antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in China. This work systematically analyzed the prevalence and distribution of sulfonamide resistance genes in soils from the environments around poultry and livestock farms in Jiangsu Province, Southeastern China. The results showed that the animal manure application made the spread and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) increasingly in the soil. The frequency of sulfonamide resistance genes was sul1 > sul2 > sul3 in pig-manured soil DNA and sul2 > sul1 > sul3 in chicken-manured soil DNA. Further analysis suggested that the frequency distribution of the sul genes in the genomic DNA and plasmids of the SR isolates from manured soil was sul2 > sul1 > sul3 overall (p<0.05). The combination of sul1 and sul2 was the most frequent, and the co-existence of sul1 and sul3 was not found either in the genomic DNA or plasmids. The sample type, animal type and sampling time can influence the prevalence and distribution pattern of sulfonamide resistance genes. The present study also indicated that Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Shigella were the most prevalent sul-positive genera in the soil, suggesting a potential human health risk. The above results could be important in the evaluation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes from manure as sources of agricultural soil pollution; the results also demonstrate the necessity and urgency of the regulation and supervision of veterinary antibiotics in China.201425405870
5325100.9998Genes encoding tetracycline resistance in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant investigated during one year. Tetracycline-resistant bacteria and genes encoding tetracycline resistance are common in anthropogenic environments. We studied how wastewater treatment affects the prevalence and concentration of two genes, tetA and tetB, that encode resistance to tetracycline. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) we analysed wastewater samples collected monthly for one year at eight key-sites in a full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). We detected tetA and tetB at each sampling site and the concentration of both genes, expressed per wastewater volume or per total-DNA, decreased over the treatment process. The reduction of tetA and tetB was partly the result of the sedimentation process. The ratio of tetA and tetB, respectively, to total DNA was lower in or after the biological processes. Taken together our data show that tetracycline resistance genes occur throughout the WWTP, and that the concentrations are reduced under conventional operational strategies.201020154388
7186110.9998Removal of selected sulfonamides and sulfonamide resistance genes from wastewater in full-scale constructed wetlands. Sulfonamides are high-consumption antibiotics that reach the aquatic environment. The threat related to their presence in wastewater and the environment is not only associated with their antibacterial properties, but also with risk of the spread of drug resistance in bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the occurrence of eight commonly used sulfonamides, sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1-3) and integrase genes intI1-3 in five full-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) differing in design (including hybrid systems) and in the source of wastewater (agricultural drainage, domestic sewage/surface runoff, and animal runs runoff in a zoo). The CWs were located in low-urbanized areas in Poland and in Czechia. No sulfonamides were detected in the CW treating agricultural tile drainage water. In the other four systems, four sulfonamide compounds were detected. Sulfamethoxazole exhibited the highest concentration in those four CWs and its highest was 12,603.23 ± 1000.66 ng/L in a CW treating a mixture of domestic sewage and surface runoff. Despite the high removal efficiencies of sulfamethoxazole in the tested CWs (86 %-99 %), it was still detected in the treated wastewater. The sul1 genes occurred in all samples of raw and treated wastewater and their abundance did not change significantly after the treatment process and it was, predominantly, at the level 10(5) gene copies numbers/mL. Noteworthy, sul2 genes were only found in the influents, and sul3 were not detected. The sulfonamides can be removed in CWs, but their elimination is not complete. However, hybrid CWs treating sewage were superior in decreasing the relative abundance of genes and the concentration of SMX. CWs may play a role in the dissemination of sulfonamide resistance genes of the sul1 type and other determinants of drug resistance, such as the intI1 gene, in the environment, however, the magnitude of this phenomenon is a matter of further research.202438081427
5296120.9998Occurrence of sul and tet(M) genes in bacterial community in Japanese marine aquaculture environment throughout the year: Profile comparison with Taiwanese and Finnish aquaculture waters. The use of antibiotics in aquaculture causes selection pressure for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) may persist in ARB and the environment for long time even after stopping drug administration. Here we show monthly differences in the occurrences of genes conferring resistance to sulfonamides (i.e. sul1, sul2, sul3), and tetracyclines (tet(M)) in Japanese aquaculture seawater accompanied by records of drug administration. sul2 was found to persist throughout the year, whereas the occurrences of sul1, sul3, and tet(M) changed month-to-month. sul3 and tet(M) were detected in natural bacterial assemblages in May and July, but not in colony-forming bacteria, thus suggesting that the sul3 was harbored by the non-culturable fraction of the bacterial community. Comparison of results from Taiwanese, Japanese, and Finnish aquaculture waters reveals that the profile of sul genes and tet(M) in Taiwan resembles that in Japan, but is distinct from that in Finland. To our knowledge, this work represents the first report to use the same method to compare the dynamics of sul genes and tet(M) in aquaculture seawater in different countries.201930889452
7091130.9998Abundance of Class 1 Integron-Integrase and Sulfonamide Resistance Genes in River Water and Sediment Is Affected by Anthropogenic Pressure and Environmental Factors. In this study, we determined the presence of class 1 integron-integrase gene in culturable heterotrophic bacteria isolated from river water and sediment sampled upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge. Moreover, we quantified intI1 and sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1 and sul2) in the water and sediment using qPCR. There was no correlation between the results from water and sediment samples, which suggests integron-containing bacteria are differentially retained in these two environmental compartments. The discharge of treated wastewater significantly increased the frequency of intI1 among culturable bacteria and the gene copy number in river water, and increased the number of sul1 genes in the sediment. We also observed seasonal differences in the frequency of the class 1 integron-integrase gene among culturable heterotrophs as well as intI1 copy number in water, but not in sediment. The results suggest that the abundance of class 1 integrons in aquatic habitat depends on anthropogenic pressure and environmental factors.201627599709
7093140.9998Class 1 integrase, sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes in wastewater treatment plant and surface water. Wastewater treatment plants are considered hot spots for multiplication and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. In this study, we determined the presence of class 1 integron integrase and genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines and sulfonamides in the genomes of culturable bacteria isolated from a wastewater treatment plant and the river that receives the treated wastewater. Moreover, using PCR-based metagenomic approach, we quantified intI1, tet and sul genes. Wastewater treatment caused the decrease in the total number of culturable heterotrophs and bacteria resistant to tetracycline and sulfonamides, along with the decrease in the number of intI1, sul and tet gene copies per ml, with significant reduction of tet(B). On the other hand, the treatment process increased both the frequency of tetracycline- and sulfonamide-resistant bacteria and intI1-positive strains, and the relative abundance of all quantified antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and intI1 gene; in the case of tet(A) and sul2 significantly. The discharge of treated wastewater increased the number of intI1, tet and sul genes in the receiving river water both in terms of copy number per ml and relative abundance. Hence, despite the reduction of the number of ARGs and ARBs, wastewater treatment selects for bacteria with ARGs in effluent.201626519797
7094150.9998Prevalence of sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes in drinking water treatment plants in the Yangtze River Delta, China. The occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and finished water are not well understood, and even less is known about the contribution of each treatment process to resistance gene reduction. The prevalence of ten commonly detected sulfonamide and tetracycline resistance genes, namely, sul I, sul II, tet(C), tet(G), tet(X), tet(A), tet(B), tet(O), tet(M) and tet(W) as well as 16S-rRNA genes, were surveyed in seven DWTPs in the Yangtze River Delta, China, with SYBR Green I-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All of the investigated ARGs were detected in the source waters of the seven DWTPs, and sul I, sul II, tet(C) and tet(G) were the four most abundant ARGs. Total concentrations of ARGs belonging to either the sulfonamide or tetracycline resistance gene class were above 10(5) copies/mL. The effects of a treatment process on ARG removal varied depending on the overall treatment scheme of the DWTP. With combinations of the treatment procedures, however, the copy numbers of resistance genes were reduced effectively, but the proportions of ARGs to bacteria numbers increased in several cases. Among the treatment processes, the biological treatment tanks might serve as reservoirs of ARGs. ARGs were found in finished water of two plants, imposing a potential risk to human health. The results presented in this study not only provide information for the management of antibiotics and ARGs but also facilitate improvement of drinking water quality.201424984233
7098160.9998Antibiotic resistance along an urban river impacted by treated wastewaters. Urban rivers are impacted ecosystems which may play an important role as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of antibiotic resistance along a sewage-polluted urban river. Seven sites along the Zenne River (Belgium) were selected to study the prevalence of AR Escherichia coli and freshwater bacteria over a 1-year period. Culture-dependent methods were used to estimate E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria resistant to amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid and tetracycline. The concentrations of these four antibiotics have been quantified in the studied river. The antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), sul1, sul2, tetW, tetO, blaTEM and qnrS were also quantified in both particle-attached (PAB) and free-living (FLB) bacteria. Our results showed an effect of treated wastewaters release on the spread of antibiotic resistance along the river. Although an increase in the abundance of both AR E. coli and resistant heterotrophic bacteria was observed from upstream to downstream sites, the differences were only significant for AR E. coli. A significant positive regression was also found between AR E. coli and resistant heterotrophic bacteria. The concentration of ARGs increased from upstream to downstream sites for both particle-attached (PAB) and free-living bacteria (FLB). Particularly, a significant increase in the abundance of four among six ARGs analyzed was observed after crossing urban area. Although concentrations of tetracycline significantly correlated with tetracycline resistance genes, the antibiotic levels were likely too low to explain this correlation. The analysis of ARGs in different fractions revealed a significantly higher abundance in PAB compared to FLB for tetO and sul2 genes. This study demonstrated that urban activities may increase the spread of antibiotic resistance even in an already impacted river.201829453174
3213170.9998Investigating antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes, and microbial contaminants in groundwater in relation to the proximity of urban areas. Groundwater is an essential public and drinking water supply and its protection is a goal for global policies. Here, we investigated the presence and prevalence of antibiotic residues, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbial contamination in groundwater environments at various distances from urban areas. Antibiotic concentrations ranged from below detection limit to 917 ng/L, being trimethoprim, macrolide, and sulfonamide the most abundant antibiotic classes. A total of eleven ARGs (aminoglycoside, β-lactam, chloramphenicol, Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B - MLSB, sulfonamide, and tetracycline), one antiseptic resistance gene, and two MGEs were detected by qPCR with relative abundances ranging from 6.61 × 10(-7) to 2.30 × 10(-1) copies/16S rRNA gene copies. ARGs and MGEs were widespread in the investigated groundwater environments, with increased abundances not only in urban, but also in remote areas. Distinct bacterial community profiles were observed, with a higher prevalence of Betaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in the less-impacted areas, and that of Firmicutes in the contaminated groundwater. The combined characteristics of increased species diversity, distinct phylogenetic composition, and the possible presence of fecal and/or pathogenic bacteria could indicate different types of contamination. Significant correlations between ARGs, MGEs and specific taxa within the groundwater bacterial community were identified, revealing the potential hosts of resistance types. Although no universal marker gene could be determined, a co-selection of int1, qacEΔ1 and sulI genes, a proxy group for anthropogenic pollution, with the tetC, tetO, tetW resistance genes was identified. As the tet group was observed to follow the pattern of environmental contamination for the groundwater samples investigated in this study, our results strongly support the proposal of this group of genes as an environmental tracer of human impact. Overall, the present study investigated several emerging contaminants in groundwater habitats that may be included in monitoring programs to enable further regulatory and protection measures.201829454283
5344180.9998Seasonal dynamics of tetracycline resistance gene transport in the Sumas River agricultural watershed of British Columbia, Canada. Environmental transport of contaminants that can influence the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an important concern in the management of ecological and human health risks. Agricultural regions are locales where practices linked to food crop and livestock production can introduce contaminants that could alter the selective pressures for the development of antibiotic resistance in microbiota. This is important in regions where the use of animal manure or municipal biosolids as waste and/or fertilizer could influence selection for antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacterial species. To investigate the environmental transport of contaminants that could lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, a watershed with one of the highest levels of intensity of agricultural activity in Canada was studied; the Sumas River located 60 km east of Vancouver, British Columbia. This two-year assessment monitored four selected tetracycline resistance genes (tet(O), tet(M), tet(Q), tet(W)) and water quality parameters (temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, suspended solids, nitrate, phosphate and chloride) at eight locations across the watershed. The tetracycline resistance genes (Tc(r)) abundances in the Sumas River network ranged between 1.47 × 10(2) and 3.49 × 10(4) copies/mL and ranged between 2.3 and 6.9 copies/mL in a control stream (located far from agricultural activities) for the duration of the study. Further, Tc(r) abundances that were detected in the wet season months ranged between 1.3 × 10(3) and 2.29 × 10(4) copies/mL compared with dry season months (ranging between 0.6 and 31.2 copies/mL). Highest transport rates between 1.67 × 10(11) and 1.16 × 10(12) copies/s were observed in November 2005 during periods of high rainfall. The study showed that elevated concentrations of antibiotic resistance genes in the order of 10(2)-10(4) copies/mL can move through stream networks in an agricultural watershed but seasonal variations strongly influenced specific transport patterns of these genes.201829453178
7293190.9998Prevalence and transmission of antibiotic resistance and microbiota between humans and water environments. The transmission routes for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microbiota between humans and water environments is poorly characterized. Here, we used high-throughput qPCR analyses and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine the occurrence and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and microbiota in both healthy humans and associated water environments from a Chinese village. Humans carried the most diverse assemblage of ARGs, with 234 different ARGs being detected. The total abundance of ARGs in feces, on skin, and in the effluent from domestic sewage treatment systems were approximately 23, 2, and 7 times higher than their abundance in river samples. In total, 53 ARGs and 28 bacteria genera that were present in human feces could also be found in the influent and effluent of rural sewage treatment systems, and also downstream of the effluent release point. We identified the bacterial taxa that showed a significant association with ARGs (P < 0.01, r > 0.8) by network analysis, supporting the idea that these bacteria could carry some ARGs and transfer between humans and the environment. Analysis of ARGs and microbiota in humans and in water environments helps to define the transmission routes and dynamics of antibiotic resistance within these environments. This study highlights human contribution to the load of ARGs into the environment and suggests means to prevent such dissemination.201830420129