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252400.9834Phenotypic and Genotype Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance in Non-Human Primates: An Overlooked "One Health" Concern. Non-human primates (NHPs) are close relatives of humans and can serve as hosts for many zoonotic pathogens. They play crucial role in spreading antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMR) to humans across various ecological niches. The spread of antimicrobial resistance in NHPs may complicate wildlife conservation efforts, as it may threaten domestic livestock, endangered species as well as human's health. This review analyses the existing literature on the prevalence of AMR in NHP species, including Rhinopithecus roxellana, Macaca fascicularis, and Sapajus nigritus, to create awareness in all stake holders involve in the fight against AMR on the serious potential threats that these primates pose. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed (National Library of Medicine-NLM), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics), Springer Link (Springer), and Science Direct (Elsevier) databases until January, 2025. The search strategy combined terms from the areas of non-human primates, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial resistance, and antibacterial resistance genes (ARGs). Studies that isolated bacteria from NHPs and assessed phenotypic resistance to specific antibiotics as well as studies that identified ARGs in bacteria isolated from NHPs were included. Data were synthesised thematically across all included studies. RESULTS: A total of 37 studies were included (explained as Cercopithecidae (n = 23), Callithrix (n = 6), Cebidae (n = 4), Hominidae (n = 3), and Atelidae (n = 1)). The results showed that the most common ARB across the various NHPs and geographical settings was Staphylococcus spp. (45.95%) and Escherichia spp. (29.73%). The tested antibiotics that showed high levels of resistance in NHPs included Tetracycline (40.54%), Ciprofloxacin (32.43%), and Erythromycin (24.34%), whereas ermC, tetA, tetM, aadA, aph (3″)-II, and qnrS1 were the most widely distributed antibiotic resistance genes in the studies. CONCLUSION: NHPs are potential natural reservoirs of AMR, therefore global policy makers should consider making NHPs an indicator species for monitoring the spread of ARB.202541148677
306610.9832Staphylococci and fecal bacteria as bioaerosol components in animal housing facilities in the Zoological Garden in Chorzów. Zoos are places open for a large number of visitors, adults and children, who can admire exotic as well as indigenous animal species. The premises for animals may contain pathogenic microbes, including those exhibiting antibiotic resistance. It poses a threat to people remaining within the zoo premises, both for animal keepers who meet animals on a daily basis and visitors who infrequently have contact with animals. There are almost no studies concerning the presence on the concentration of airborne bacteria, especially staphylococci and fecal bacteria in animal shelters in the zoo. There is no data about antibiotic resistance of staphylococci in these places. The results will enable to determine the scale of the threat that indicator bacteria from the bioaerosol pose to human health within zoo premises. This study conducted in rooms for 5 animals group (giraffes, camels, elephants, kangaroos, and Colobinae (species of monkey)) in the Silesian Zoological Garden in Chorzów (Poland). The bioaerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria. Staphylococci were isolated from bioaerosol and tested for antibiotic resistance. In our study, the highest contamination of staphylococci and fecal bacteria was recorded in rooms for camels and elephants, and the lowest in rooms for Colobinae. At least 2/3 of bacteria in bioaerosol constituted respirable fraction that migrates into the lower respiratory tract of the people. In investigated animal rooms, the greatest bacteria contribution was recorded for bioaerosol fraction sized 1.1-3.3μm. Bacterial concentrations were particularly strong in spring and autumn, what is related to shedding fur by animals. Among the isolated staphylococci which most often occurred were Staphylococcus succinus, S. sciuri, and S. vitulinus. The highest antibiotic resistance was noted in the case of Staphylococcus epidermidis, while the lowest for S. xylosus. In addition to standard cleaning of animal rooms, periodic disinfection should be considered. Cleaning should be carried out wet, which should reduce dust, and thus the concentrations of bacteria in the air of animal enclosures.202134061267
19520.9831Comparative Genomics of Acetic Acid Bacteria within the Genus Bombella in Light of Beehive Habitat Adaptation. It is known that the bacterial microbiota in beehives is essential for keeping bees healthy. Acetic acid bacteria of the genus Bombella colonize several niches in beehives and are associated with larvae protection against microbial pathogens. We have analyzed the genomes of 22 Bombella strains of different species isolated in eight different countries for taxonomic affiliation, central metabolism, prophages, bacteriocins and tetracycline resistance to further elucidate the symbiotic lifestyle and to identify typical traits of acetic acid bacteria. The genomes can be assigned to four different species. Three genomes show ANIb values and DDH values below species demarcation values to any validly described species, which identifies them as two potentially new species. All Bombella spp. lack genes in the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, indicating a focus of intracellular carbohydrate metabolism on the pentose phosphate pathway or the Entner-Doudoroff pathway for which all genes were identified within the genomes. Five membrane-bound dehydrogenases were identified that catalyze oxidative fermentation reactions in the periplasm, yielding oxidative energy. Several complete prophages, but no bacteriocins, were identified. Resistance to tetracycline, used to prevent bacterial infections in beehives, was only found in Bombella apis MRM1(T). Bombella strains exhibit increased osmotolerance in high glucose concentrations compared to Gluconobacter oxydans, indicating adaption to high sugar environments such as beehives.202235630502
528530.9829Antibiotic Use in Beekeeping: Implications for Health and Environment from a One-Health Perspective. BACKGROUND: The use of antibiotics in beekeeping has potential implications for honeybee health and environmental contamination. Recent research indicates that extensive antibiotic use in beekeeping, especially oxytetracycline, promotes antimicrobial resistance in bee-related bacteria. Honeybees can transport oxytetracycline-resistance genes during foraging, potentially establishing reservoirs of resistance in the colony and facilitating intergeneric gene transfer among various gut bacteria as well as in the microbiome of the flowers and the wider environment, where honeybees can spread antibiotic-resistance genes over a large distance. This study investigates the effects of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) treatment on honeybees from a One Health perspective, examining antibiotic residues in honey, environmental spread, and the presence of tetracycline-resistance genes (TET-RGs). METHODS: In the spring of 2022, two groups of four honeybee hives were placed near an almond grove in Central Italy. One group was treated with 1.68 g of OTC, while the other remained untreated. Samples were collected from bees, honey, hive entrances, and flowers before treatment and at 3 as well as 9 days post-treatment. OTC residues and TET-RGs were analyzed to assess contamination and resistance gene dissemination. RESULTS: OTC residues were detected in honey from both treated (day 3: 263,250.0 ± 100,854.3 µg/kg; day 9: 132,600 ± 146,753.9 µg/kg) and untreated hives (day 3: 20.5 ± 8.2 µg/kg; day 9: 135.8 ± 198.6 µg/kg), suggesting cross-contamination. Residues were also found in almond tree flowers (0.7 ± 0.1 µg/kg), with TET-RGs (tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(B), tet(O), tet(D)) detected pre- and post-treatment. In honeybee gut bacteria, resistance genes (tet(M), tet(A), tet(D), tet(B)) appeared post-treatment in both groups. No significant correlation was observed between hive distance and resistance gene presence in flowers, although the presence of other farms located within the bees' flight range, in which OTC might have been used in the past, could have influenced the results. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the risk of OTC-induced antibiotic cross-contamination and the spread of TET-RG, raising concerns for bee health and environmental safety. Given honeybees' social nature and the negative effects of antibiotics on their health, an antibiotic-free management approach is recommended for sustainable apiculture.202540298498
559040.9827Cross-sectional study to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genes in honey bees Apis mellifera) in Umbria, Central Italy. The use antimicrobials for therapeutic and metaphylactic purpose in humans and agriculture exerts selective pressure on animal and environmental microbiota resulting in the survival and spread of antimicrobial resistance genes among bacteria and subsequent development of resistance in bacteria. Previous studies have shown that honey bees' microbiota (Apis mellifera) can accumulate antimicrobial resistance genes in their microbiome and act as collectors and disseminators of resistance genes. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent honey bees act as reservoir of select antimicrobial resistance genes. This study was conducted on 35 groups of bees. Bees were collected from 35 sites in Umbria, Italy. PCR was used to screen pooled ground bees' specimens for genes that code for resistance against antimicrobials that are commonly used in humans and in veterinary medicine including aminoglycosides (aph), beta-lactams (blaZ), tetracycline (tetM) and sulphonamides (sul1 and sul2). Twenty-four samples out of 35 (68.57%) were positive for at least one antimicrobial resistance gene. Two samples were positive for the aph, 5.71%; eight for blaZ, 22.86%; three for tetM, 8.57%; ten for sul1, 28.57% and eighteen for sul2, 51.43%. Positivity to more than one antimicrobial resistance gene was observed in nine samples, 25.71%. The multivariate analysis identified "presence of farms nearby" as the factor most closely related to PCR positivity. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) from Umbria, Italy, carry antimicrobial resistance genes and can be used as indicators of the presence of resistance genes in the environment.202031925681
670850.9826The use of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) as biological monitors for pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance: A systematic review. The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasingly real and relevant health problem. It is essential to verify the spread of this phenomenon in the environment. The European honey bee, Apis mellifera L., is a globally managed pollinator continuously used for biomonitoring thanks to its morphological and behavioural characteristics. During their foraging activities, a large number of honey bees move in the area surrounding the hive within a 1.5 km of radius. Besides, their body covered with hair and bristles are able to intercept pollen and minute particles, such as atmospheric particles, contaminants and microorganisms. For these reasons, A. mellifera L. is widely used as an environmental sentinel, especially for detecting pollutants, pesticides, microorganisms, and AMR. This systematic review aimed to collect and summarize the role of honey bee colonies as a biological monitor of AMR pathogenic bacteria and the environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). From honey bees were isolated a wide range of pathogenic and environmental bacteria strains, harbouring AMR and ARGs. However, AMR and ARGs were detected not only in environmental bacteria but also in symbiotic bacteria colonizing the bee gut. This systematic review highlights the employment of potential use of honey bees as AMR sentinel helpful for ecosystem health to implement possible control measures for humans, animals and plants, in the context of the "One-Health" approach.202337385360
260360.9825Characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae carried by suburban mesocarnivores and locally owned and stray dogs. The role of wildlife in the dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment is of increasing concern. We investigated the occurrence, richness and transmissibility potential of ARGs detected in the faeces of three mesocarnivore species: the coyote (Canis latrans), raccoon (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and of stray and owned dogs in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. Rectal swabs were collected from live-captured coyotes (n = 32), raccoons (n = 31) and Virginia opossums (n = 22). Fresh faecal samples were collected from locally owned (n = 13) and stray dogs (n = 18) and from the live-captured mesocarnivores, when available. Faecal samples and rectal swabs were enriched to select for Enterobacteriaceae and pooled by mesocarnivore species and dog type (owned or stray). Pooled enriched samples were then analysed for the presence of ARGs using shotgun sequencing. The three mesocarnivore and stray dog samples had twice as many unique ARGs compared to the owned dog sample, which was partly driven by a greater richness of beta-lactamase genes (genes conferring resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins). Raccoon and stray dog samples had the most ARGs in common, suggesting possible exposure to similar environmental sources of ARGs. In addition to identifying clinically relevant ARGs (e.g. bla(CMY) and qnrB), some ARGs were linked to the class 1 integrase gene, intI1, which may indicate anthropogenic origin. Findings from this pilot investigation suggest that the microbial communities of suburban mesocarnivores and stray dogs can host ARGs that can confer resistance to several antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine.202032034890
299170.9824Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species and potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli in free-living seals of Canadian Atlantic and eastern Arctic waters. Seal populations in Canadian waters provide sustenance to coastal communities. There is potential for pathogenic and/or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to transfer to humans through inadvertent faecal contamination of seal products. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence and potential antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes in faecal samples collected from grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and from ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Frobisher Bay and Eclipse Sound, Nunavut, Canada. Grey seals were harvested during commercial hunts or during scientific sampling; ringed seals were collected by Inuit hunters during subsistence harvests. Virulence genes defining pathogenic E. coli were identified by PCR, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on recovered isolates. In grey seals, E. coli was detected in 34/44 (77%) samples, and pathogenic E. coli (extraintestinal E. coli [ExPEC], enteropathogenic E. coli [EPEC] or ExPEC/EPEC) was detected in 13/44 (29%) samples. Non-susceptibility to beta-lactams and quinolones was observed in isolates from 18 grey seals. In ringed seals from Frobisher Bay, E. coli was detected in 4/45 (9%) samples; neither virulence genes nor antimicrobial resistance was detected in these isolates. In ringed seals from Eclipse Sound, E. coli was detected in 8/50 (16%) samples and pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC and ExPEC/EPEC) in 5/50 (10%) samples. One seal from Eclipse Sound had an E. coli isolate resistant to beta-lactams. A monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium was recovered from 8/50 (16%) seals from Eclipse Sound. All Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole and tetracycline. L. monocytogenes was not detected in any sample. These findings suggest that seals may act as important sentinel species and as reservoirs or vectors for antimicrobial-resistant and virulent E. coli and Salmonella species. Further characterization of these isolates would provide additional insights into the source and spread of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in these populations of free-living seals.202337317052
386480.9823Honeybees and tetracycline resistance. Like animals and people, insects can serve as both collectors and disseminators of antibiotic resistance genes, as exquisitely demonstrated by a recent study (B. Tian, N. H. Fadhil, J. E. Powell, W. K. Kwong, and N. A. Moran, mBio 3[6]:e00377-12, doi:10.1128/mBio.00377-12, 2012). Notably, the relatively confined ecosystem of the honeybee gut demonstrates a large propensity for harboring a diverse set of tetracycline resistance genes that reveal the environmental burden resulting from the long-time selective pressures of tetracycline use in the honeybee industry. As in humans and animals, these genes have become established in the native, nonpathogenic flora of the insect gut, adding credence to the concept that commensal floras provide large reservoirs of resistance genes that can readily move into pathogenic species. The homology of these tetracycline resistance determinants with those found in tetracycline-resistant bacteria associated with animals and humans strongly suggests a dissemination of similar or identical genes through shared ecosystems. The emergence of linked coresistances (ampicillin and tetracycline) following single-antibiotic therapy mirrors reports from other studies, namely, that long-term, single-agent therapy will result in resistance to multiple drugs. These results contrast with the marked absence of diverse, single- and multiple-drug resistance genes in wild and domestic bees that are not subjected to such selective pressures. Prospective studies that simultaneously track both resistance genes and antibiotic residues will go far in resolving some of the nagging questions that cloud our understanding of antibiotic resistance dissemination.201323404397
258690.9823A Scoping Review Unveiling Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in the Environment of Dairy Farms Across Asia. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant "One Health" challenge in the farming industry attributed to antimicrobial misuse and overuse, affecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Recognizing the crucial role of the environment in facilitating the transmission of AMR is imperative for addressing this global health issue. Despite its urgency, there remains a notable gap in understanding resistance levels in the environment. This scoping review aims to consolidate and summarize available evidence of AMR prevalence and resistance genes in dairy farm settings. This study was conducted following the PRISMA Extension checklist to retrieve relevant studies conducted in Asian countries between 2013 and 2023. An electronic literature search involving PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Scopus resulted in a total of 1126 unique articles that were identified. After a full-text eligibility assessment, 39 studies were included in this review. The findings indicate that AMR studies in dairy farm environments have primarily focused on selective bacteria, especially Escherichia coli and other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Salmonella spp. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were reported across 24 studies involving 78 antimicrobials, which predominantly consisted of gentamicin (70.8%), ampicillin (58.3%), and tetracycline (58.3%). This review emphasizes the current state of AMR in the environmental aspects of dairy farms across Asia, highlighting significant gaps in regional coverage and bacterial species studied. It highlights the need for broader surveillance, integration with antimicrobial stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration to address AMR through a One Health approach.202540426503
2557100.9822Consumer Exposure to Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria From Food at Swiss Retail Level. Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is an increasing health concern. The spread of AMR bacteria (AMRB) between animals and humans via the food chain and the exchange of AMR genes requires holistic approaches for risk mitigation. The AMRB exposure of humans via food is currently only poorly understood leaving an important gap for intervention design. Method: This study aimed to assess AMRB prevalence in retail food and subsequent exposure of Swiss consumers in a systematic literature review of data published between 1996 and 2016 covering the Swiss agriculture sector and relevant imported food. Results: Data from 313 out of 9,473 collected studies were extracted yielding 122,438 food samples and 38,362 bacteria isolates of which 30,092 samples and 8,799 isolates were AMR positive. A median AMRB prevalence of >50% was observed for meat and seafood harboring Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Vibrio spp. and to a lesser prevalence for milk products harboring starter culture bacteria. Gram-negative AMRB featured predominantly AMR against aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, penicillins, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines observed at AMR exposures scores of levels 1 (medium) and 2 (high) for Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli in meat as well as Vibrio and E. coli in seafood. Gram-positive AMRB featured AMR against glycoproteins, lincosamides, macrolides and nitrofurans for Staphylococcus and Enterococcus in meat sources, Staphylococcus in seafood as well as Enterococcus and technologically important bacteria (incl. starters) in fermented or processed dairy products. Knowledge gaps were identified for AMR prevalence in dairy, plant, fermented meat and novel food products and for the role of specific indicator bacteria (Staphylococcus, Enterococcus), starter culture bacteria and their mobile genetic elements in AMR gene transfer. Conclusion: Raw meat, milk, seafood, and certain fermented dairy products featured a medium to high potential of AMR exposure for Gram-negative and Gram-positive foodborne pathogens and indicator bacteria. Food at retail, additional food categories including fermented and novel foods as well as technologically important bacteria and AMR genetics are recommended to be better integrated into systematic One Health AMR surveillance and mitigation strategies to close observed knowledge gaps and enable a comprehensive AMR risk assessment for consumers.201829559960
7355110.9822Influence of food sources and trace elements in the acquisition of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from white stork nestlings (Ciconia ciconia). Foraging in landfills enhances the probability of acquiring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in wildlife and increases exposure to pollutants like metal(loid)s, pharmaceuticals and caffeine. Exposure to metal(loid)s in the environment may cause selective pressure on bacteria, inducing metal resistance genes that drive antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) through co-resistance and cross-resistance mechanisms. Hence, white storks fed in landfills could increase AMR acquisition through the combined effect of urban-waste and pollutants. Using a novel approach combining stable isotopes, trace elements and microbiological analysis, our study investigates the influence of the degree of anthropization of the diet and the presence of metal(loid)s in the occurrence of AMR/ARGs in E. coli in nestlings. Cloacal swabs, blood samples, and contour feathers were collected from 86 white stork nestlings from five breeding colonies. ARGs in E. coli were previously studied in cloacal swabs. Plasma was analysed for veterinary pharmaceuticals and caffeine and feathers for carbon/nitrogen isotope ratios and concentrations of metals and arsenic. Isotopic signature classified nestlings into natural or urban-waste diet, relating Al/Ni/Co/Cr/Pb and caffeine to urban-waste diet, while As/Hg/Cu/Zn were more related to natural diet. No pharmaceuticals were detected in the plasma of nestlings. The probability of acquisition of AMR and some ARGs (those conferring resistance to phenicols, tetracyclines and ampicillin) was higher in nestlings fed with urban-waste diet, but no effect of metal(loid) pollution was observed. This shows AMR in wildlife can occur even without direct contact with antibiotics, highlighting the complexity and challenges of addressing the threat of bacterial resistance in the environment.202540712540
2523120.9821Antibiotic resistance and virulence of bacteria in spices: a systematic review. BACKGROUND: Spices, widely valued for their flavor, color, and antioxidant properties, are increasingly used in culinary and food industries. Despite their benefits, spices may act as carriers for antibiotic-resistant and potentially pathogenic bacteria, posing a threat to food safety and public health. METHODS: This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase) was conducted for English-language articles from inception to 2023, focusing on bacterial contamination, antibiotic resistance, and virulence in spices. Inclusion was limited to peer-reviewed articles, and methodological quality was assessed using the JBI checklist. RESULTS: Of the 3,458 initially identified articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies originated from Asia (n = 5) and the Americas (n = 4). Bacteria commonly isolated from spices included Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. High resistance levels were observed against ampicillin (83.3%) and penicillin (82.1%), while most isolates were susceptible to polymyxin B and cephalothin. Resistance genes such as bla, tetK, and ermB were frequently detected, along with virulence genes like nheA, hblC, cytK, and tpeL. CONCLUSION: Spices may serve as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant and virulent bacteria. Improved handling, processing, and decontamination practices are essential to mitigate foodborne risks and curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42522-025-00172-6.202541088443
6725130.9821Honeybee (Apis mellifera) resistance to deltamethrin exposure by Modulating the gut microbiota and improving immunity. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are important economic insects and play important roles in pollination and maintenance of ecological balance. However, the use of pesticides has posed a substantial threat to bees in recent years, with the more widely used deltamethrin being the most harmful. In this study, we found that deltamethrin exposure significantly reduced bee survival in a dose-dependent manner (p = 0.025). In addition, metagenomic sequencing further revealed that DM exposure significantly reduced the diversity of the bee gut microbiota (Chao1, p < 0.0001; Shannon, p < 0.0001; Simpson, p < 0.0001) and decreased the relative abundance of core species of the gut microbiota. Importantly, in studies of GF-bees, we found that the colonization of important gut bacteria such as Gilliamella apicola and Lactobacillus kunkeei significantly increased bee resistance to DM (survival rate increased from 16.7 to 66.7%). Interestingly, we found that the immunity-genes Defensin-2 and Toll were significantly upregulated in bees after the colonization of gut bacteria. These results suggest that gut bacteria may protect against DM stress by improving host immunity. Our findings provide an important rationale for protecting honeybees from pollutants from the perspective of gut microbes.202236208825
2602140.9821Human-wildlife ecological interactions shape Escherichia coli population and resistome in two sloth species from Costa Rica. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern, with natural ecosystems acting as reservoirs for resistant bacteria. We assessed AMR in Escherichia coli isolated from two wild sloth species in Costa Rica. E. coli from two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni), a species with greater mobility and a broader diet, showed resistance to sulfamethoxazole (25%), tetracycline (9.4%), chloramphenicol (6.3%), ampicillin (6.3%), trimethoprim (3.1%), and ciprofloxacin (3.1%), which correlated with the presence of resistance genes (tet(A), tet(B), bla(TEM-1B), aph(3")-Id, aph(6)-Id, sul2, qnrS1, floR and dfrA8). E. coli from three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) showed 40% resistance to sulfamethoxazole despite no detected resistance genes, suggesting a regional effect. A significant negative correlation was found between AMR and distance to human-populated areas, highlighting anthropogenic impact on AMR spread. Notably, E. coli isolates from remote areas with no human impact indicate that some ecosystems remain unaffected. Preserving these areas is essential to protect environmental and public health.202540610649
1812150.9820Pathogen Detection and Resistome Analysis in Healthy Shelter Dogs Using Whole Metagenome Sequencing. According to the Humane Society, 25 to 40 percent of pet dogs in the United States are adopted from animal shelters. Shelter dogs can harbor bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal pathogens, posing risks to canine and human health. These bacterial pathogens may also carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), serving as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission. This study aimed to utilize whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) to screen for microbial pathogens and assess the resistome in healthy shelter dogs. Fecal samples from 58 healthy shelter dogs across 10 shelters in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia were analyzed using WMS. Genomic DNA was extracted, and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify pathogens and ARGs. The WMS detected 53 potentially zoonotic or known pathogens including thirty-eight bacterial species, two protozoa, five yeast species, one nematode, four molds, and three viruses. A total of 4560 ARGs signatures representing 182 unique genes across 14 antibiotic classes were detected. Tetracycline resistance genes were most abundant (49%), while β-lactam resistance genes showed the highest diversity with 75 unique ARGs. ARGs were predominantly detected in commensal bacteria; however, nearly half (18/38, 47.4%) of known bacterial pathogens detected in this study carried ARGs for resistance to one or more antibiotic classes. This study provides evidence that healthy shelter dogs carry a diverse range of zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant pathogens, posing a transmission risk through fecal shedding. These findings highlight the value of WMS for pathogen detection and AMR surveillance, informing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to mitigate the transmission of pathogens among shelter dog populations and the risk associated with zoonoses.202539860994
3873160.9820Long-term exposure to antibiotics has caused accumulation of resistance determinants in the gut microbiota of honeybees. Antibiotic treatment can impact nontarget microbes, enriching the pool of resistance genes available to pathogens and altering community profiles of microbes beneficial to hosts. The gut microbiota of adult honeybees, a distinctive community dominated by eight bacterial species, provides an opportunity to examine evolutionary responses to long-term treatment with a single antibiotic. For decades, American beekeepers have routinely treated colonies with oxytetracycline for control of larval pathogens. Using a functional metagenomic screen of bacteria from Maryland bees, we detected a high incidence of tetracycline/oxytetracycline resistance. This resistance is attributable to known resistance loci for which nucleotide sequences and flanking mobility genes were nearly identical to those from human pathogens and from bacteria associated with farm animals. Surveys using diagnostic PCR and sequencing revealed that gut bacteria of honeybees from diverse localities in the United States harbor eight tetracycline resistance loci, including efflux pump genes (tetB, tetC, tetD, tetH, tetL, and tetY) and ribosome protection genes (tetM and tetW), often at high frequencies. Isolates of gut bacteria from Connecticut bees display high levels of tetracycline resistance. Resistance genes were ubiquitous in American samples, though rare in colonies unexposed for 25 years. In contrast, only three resistance loci, at low frequencies, occurred in samples from countries not using antibiotics in beekeeping and samples from wild bumblebees. Thus, long-term antibiotic treatment has caused the bee gut microbiota to accumulate resistance genes, drawn from a widespread pool of highly mobile loci characterized from pathogens and agricultural sites. We found that 50 years of using antibiotics in beekeeping in the United States has resulted in extensive tetracycline resistance in the gut microbiota. These bacteria, which form a distinctive community present in healthy honeybees worldwide, may function in protecting bees from disease and in providing nutrition. In countries that do not use antibiotics in beekeeping, bee gut bacteria contained far fewer resistance genes. The tetracycline resistance that we observed in American samples reflects the capture of mobile resistance genes closely related to those known from human pathogens and agricultural sites. Thus, long-term treatment to control a specific pathogen resulted in the accumulation of a stockpile of resistance capabilities in the microbiota of a healthy gut. This stockpile can, in turn, provide a source of resistance genes for pathogens themselves. The use of novel antibiotics in beekeeping may disrupt bee health, adding to the threats faced by these pollinators.201223111871
4536170.9820Resistome Analysis of Global Livestock and Soil Microbiomes. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to public health globally; it is estimated that AMR bacteria caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and this is set to rise to 10 million deaths annually. Agricultural and soil environments act as antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) reservoirs, operating as a link between different ecosystems and enabling the mixing and dissemination of resistance genes. Due to the close interactions between humans and agricultural environments, these AMR gene reservoirs are a major risk to both human and animal health. In this study, we aimed to identify the resistance gene reservoirs present in four microbiomes: poultry, ruminant, swine gastrointestinal (GI) tracts coupled with those from soil. This large study brings together every poultry, swine, ruminant, and soil shotgun metagenomic sequence available on the NCBI sequence read archive for the first time. We use the ResFinder database to identify acquired antimicrobial resistance genes in over 5,800 metagenomes. ARGs were diverse and widespread within the metagenomes, with 235, 101, 167, and 182 different resistance genes identified in the poultry, ruminant, swine, and soil microbiomes, respectively. The tetracycline resistance genes were the most widespread in the livestock GI microbiomes, including tet(W)_1, tet(Q)_1, tet(O)_1, and tet(44)_1. The tet(W)_1 resistance gene was found in 99% of livestock GI tract microbiomes, while tet(Q)_1 was identified in 93%, tet(O)_1 in 82%, and finally tet(44)_1 in 69%. Metatranscriptomic analysis confirmed these genes were "real" and expressed in one or more of the livestock GI tract microbiomes, with tet(40)_1 and tet(O)_1 expressed in all three livestock microbiomes. In soil, the most abundant ARG was the oleandomycin resistance gene, ole(B)_1. A total of 55 resistance genes were shared by the four microbiomes, with 11 ARGs actively expressed in two or more microbiomes. By using all available metagenomes we were able to mine a large number of samples and describe resistomes in 37 countries. This study provides a global insight into the diverse and abundant antimicrobial resistance gene reservoirs present in both livestock and soil microbiomes.202235875563
2559180.9819Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) bacterial symbionts. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health problem. Nevertheless, the knowledge of the factors driving the spread of resistance among environmental microorganisms is limited, and few studies have been performed worldwide. Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) have long been considered bioindicators of environmental pollution and more recently also of AMR. In this study, 53 bacterial strains isolated from the body surface of honey bees at three ontogenetic stages, collected from ten different geographic locations, were tested for their phenotypic and genotypic resistance to eight classes of the most widely used antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. Results showed that 83% of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial and 62% were multidrug-resistant bacteria, with a prevalence of resistance to nalidixic acid, cefotaxime, and aztreonam. A high percentage of isolates harbouring at least one antimicrobial gene was also observed (85%). The gene encoding resistance to colistin mcr-1 was the most abundant, followed by those for tetracycline tetM and tetC. Geographical features influenced the distribution of these traits more than bacterial species or bee stage, supporting the use of honey bee colonies and their associated bacteria as indicators to monitor environmental resistance. This approach can improve the scientific understanding of this global threat by increasing data collection capacity.202439098972
2556190.9819Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Across Salmonella enterica Isolates from Animal and Nonanimal Foods. ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a major public health problem. Of particular importance in the context of food safety is the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes within nontyphoidal Salmonella, which is a leading bacterial cause of foodborne disease. We determined the prevalence of AMR genes across a very large number of Salmonella genomes (n = 25,647) collected from isolates from 16 common food sources. The average percentage of isolates from nonanimal foods, such as fruit, nuts and seeds, and vegetables, harboring at least one AMR gene was only marginally lower (72%) than that observed in isolates from animal foods such as beef, chicken, turkey, and pork (74%). This high prevalence of AMR genes was primarily driven by the high prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes in nearly all food isolates; genes for resistance to tetracycline and sulfonamide also were highly prevalent. However, evaluation of the number of genes per isolate revealed that the prevalence of AMR genes was higher in animal food isolates than in nonanimal food isolates (P = 0.018). A random forest analysis provided evidence that within a given serovar, resistance gene profiles differed according to isolate food source. AMR gene profiles could be used to correctly predict the food of origin for 71% of the isolates, but success differed according to serovar. This information can help inform AMR risk assessments of food commodities and refine processes for targeting interventions to limit the spread of AMR through the food supply.202031961231