# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 4717 | 0 | 0.9985 | Simulated Microgravity Promotes Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes between Bacterial Genera in the Absence of Antibiotic Selective Pressure. Bacteria are able to adapt and survive in harsh and changing environments through many mechanisms, with one of them being horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This process is one of the leading culprits in the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within bacterial communities and could pose a significant health threat to astronauts if they fell ill, especially on long-duration space missions. In order to better understand the degree of HGT activity that could occur in space, biosafety level-2, donor and recipient bacteria were co-cultured under simulated microgravity (SMG) on Earth with concomitant 1G controls. Two AMR genes, bla(OXA-500) and ISAba1, from the donor Acinetobacter pittii, were tracked in four recipient strains of Staphylococcus aureus (which did not harbor those genes) using polymerase chain reaction. All four S. aureus strains that were co-cultured with A. pittii under SMG had a significantly higher number of isolates that were now bla(OXA-500)- and ISAba1-positive compared to growth at 1G. The acquisition of these genes by the recipient induced a phenotypic change, as these isolates were now resistant to oxacillin, which they were previously susceptible to. This is a novel study, presenting, for the first time, increased HGT activity under SMG and the potential impact of the space environment in promoting increased gene dissemination within bacterial communities. | 2021 | 34575109 |
| 3925 | 1 | 0.9985 | Evaluating the health risk of probiotic supplements from the perspective of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance remains a public health threat. Probiotics harboring antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs) have, in recent years, been considered a potential health risk. Studies conducted on probiotics from increasingly popular health supplements have raised the possibility of transmitting ARGs to commensals in the human gut, concomitantly establishing a reservoir of ARGs and risking acquisition by opportunistic pathogens. Building on our previous study that reported multiple antibiotic resistance in probiotics of health supplements, in this research, we have attempted to detect their ARGs that may account for resistant phenotypes. ARGs responsible for tetracycline, macrolide, aminoglycoside, and glycopeptide resistance were prevalent in probiotics. Through laboratory adaptive evolution studies, we also show that streptomycin-adapted probiotics gained resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, and doxycycline more effectively than non-adapted ones. When co-incubated with Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus aureus on Caco-2 and/or HCT-116 cells, streptomycin resistance was transferred from the adapted probiotics to generate transconjugants at frequencies comparable to or higher than that of other studies conducted through filter mating. Consistently, ARGs conferring resistance to streptomycin (aadA) and erythromycin [erm(B)-1] were detected in E. coli and S. aureus transconjugants, respectively, after co-incubation with streptomycin-adapted probiotics on Caco-2 cells. aadA and erm(B)-1 were both detected in E. faecalis transconjugant after the same co-incubation on HCT-116 cells. Our data and future comparative genomics and metagenomics studies conducted on animal models and in healthy, immunocompromised, and/or antibiotic-treated human cohorts will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of probiotic consumption, application, and safety. IMPORTANCE: Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular, with promising applications in food and medicine, but the risk of transferring ARGs to disease-causing bacteria has raised concerns. Our study detected ARGs in probiotics of health supplements conferring resistance to tetracycline, macrolide, aminoglycoside, and glycopeptide drugs. Streptomycin-adapted probiotics also gained resistance to other antibiotics more effectively than non-adapted ones. Importantly, we showed that streptomycin resistance could be transferred to other bacteria after co-incubation with probiotics on human intestinal cells. ARGs responsible for erythromycin and streptomycin resistance, which were initially absent in the recipient bacteria, were also detected in the transconjugants. Our data build the foundation for future studies that will be conducted on animal models and in humans and leveraging advanced metagenomics approaches to clarify the long-term health risk of probiotic consumption. | 2025 | 39655960 |
| 4648 | 2 | 0.9985 | Potential of phage cocktails in the inactivation of Enterobacter cloacae--An in vitro study in a buffer solution and in urine samples. The objective of this study was to compare the dynamics of three previously isolated phages for Enterobacter cloacae in order to evaluate their ability to treat urinary tract infections (UTI). The phages genomes, survival, host range, were characterized, and the host-phage dynamics was determined in culture medium and urine samples. The presence of prophages in bacteria, host recovery and development of resistance to phage after treatment was also evaluated. The growth of the E. cloacae was inhibited by the three phages, resulting in a decrease of ≈3 log. The use of cocktails with two or three phages was significantly more effective (decrease of ≈4 log). In urine, the inactivation was still effective (≈2 log). Both phages were considered safe to inactivate the bacteria (no integrase and toxin codifying genes). Some bacteria remained viable in the presence of the phages, but their colonies were smaller than those of the non-treated control and were visible only after 5 days of incubation (visible after 24h in the control). A high bacterial inactivation efficiency with phage cocktails combined with the safety of the phages and their long periods of survival, even in urine samples, paves the way for depth studies, especially in vivo studies, to control urinary tract infection and to overcome the development of resistances by the nosocomial bacterium E. cloacae. | 2016 | 26541317 |
| 3224 | 3 | 0.9985 | Assessing phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance in bacillus-related bacteria isolated from biogas digestates. Antibiotic resistance poses a significant public health challenge, with biogas digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion (AD), presenting potential risks when applied as a biofertilizer. Understanding the actual resistance levels in digestate is crucial for its safe application. While many studies have investigated antibiotic resistance in AD processes using culture-independent molecular methods, these approaches are limited by their reliance on reference databases and inability to account for gene expression, leading to potential inaccuracies in resistance assessment. This study addresses these limitations by combining culture-independent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with culture-dependent phenotypic testing to provide a more accurate understanding of antibiotic resistance in digestate. We investigated the phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles of 18 antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) isolated from digestates produced from food waste and animal manure. Resistance was assessed using WGS and Estrip testing across 12 antibiotics from multiple classes. This is the first study to directly compare phenotypic and genotypic resistance in bacteria isolated from digestate, revealing significant discrepancies between the two methods. Approximately 30 % of resistance levels were misinterpreted when relying solely on culture-independent methods, with both over- and underestimation observed. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating both methods for reliable resistance assessments. Additionally, our WGS analysis indicated low potential for transferability of detected ARGs among the isolated ARB, suggesting a limited risk of environmental dissemination. This study provides new insights into antibiotic resistance in digestate and underscores the importance of integrating methodological approaches to achieve accurate evaluations of resistance risks. | 2025 | 39947064 |
| 4574 | 4 | 0.9984 | Antibiotic resistance and microbial composition along the manufacturing process of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock, banned in all EU member states in January 2006, has led to selection of antibiotic resistant strains within environmental bacteria, including gram-positive, non pathogenic bacteria that colonize the GI tract of humans and animals. In Italy and in other Mediterranean countries, fermented foods employing environmental bacteria pre-existing in the raw substrates, rather than industrial starters of defined genotype, represent a significant proportion of cheese and meat products carrying the official PDO designation (Protected Designation of Origin). Our study focused on the microbiological and molecular analysis of lactobacilli and of other lactic acid bacteria (LABs) isolated from the Italian PDO product water buffalo Mozzarella cheese, with the aim of identifying genes responsible for tetracycline, erythromycin and kanamycin resistance. We isolated over 500 LAB colonies from retail products, as well as from raw milk and natural whey starters employed in their production. Microbiological analysis showed that about 50% of these isolates were represented by lactobacilli, which were further characterized in terms of species and strain composition, as well as by determining phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance. To overcome the limits of culture-dependent approaches that select only cultivable species, we have also extracted total DNA from the whole microbiome present in the cheese and investigated the presence of specific antibiotic resistance genes with molecular approaches. Genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance were identified almost exclusively in bacteria isolated from the raw, unprocessed substrates, while the final, marketed products did not contain phenotypically resistant lactobacilli, i.e. displaying MIC values above the microbiological breakpoint. Overall, our results suggest that the traditional procedures necessary for manufacturing of this typical cheese, such as high temperature treatments, lead to a final product with low bacterial counts, lower biodiversity and lack of significant presence of antibiotic resistant lactobacilli. | 2008 | 18990462 |
| 4733 | 5 | 0.9984 | Impact of repeated in-vitro bacterial culture on virulence and antibiotic resistance characteristics: a study of Gram-positive and Gram-negative fish pathogens. The ability of bacteria to respond to environmental changes is critical for survival. This enables them to withstand stress, form complex communities, and trigger virulence responses during host infections. In this study, we examined the effects of repeated in vitro subculturing on the virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Gram-negative and Gram-positive fish pathogens. The fish pathogenic bacterial isolates, namely Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus gallinarum, Proteus penneri, and Escherichia coli, underwent 56 consecutive subcultures in tryptic soy broth and were evaluated for virulence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and AMR gene expression. The results revealed a significant decrease in the virulence of Gram-positive pathogens. Both L. lactis and E. gallinarum exhibited a marked reduction in the mortality rates of Labeo rohita after repeated subculturing, ultimately achieving 0% mortality by day 56. This suggests losing key virulence factors, such as toxins and adhesins, under non-selective conditions. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria, particularly P. penneri and E. coli, exhibited higher levels of virulence throughout the study, even though mortality rates gradually declined. The antimicrobial resistance profiles of L. lactis remained steady, demonstrating consistent resistance to a wide range of antibiotics, including rifampicin and polymyxin B. Meanwhile, E. gallinarum showed slight variations in resistance, especially to colistin, while P. penneri and E. coli experienced changes in resistance to multiple antibiotics, including polymyxin B and tetracycline, after 42 days of subculturing. Importantly, no genetic alterations were detected in AMR-related genes through quantitative PCR analysis, indicating that the observed changes in resistance were likely phenotypic rather than genetic. This study underscores the critical need for ongoing surveillance in aquaculture pathogen management, emphasizing the dynamic nature of bacterial virulence and resistance profiles that can develop from prolonged subculturing. | 2025 | 40469744 |
| 5653 | 6 | 0.9984 | Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Determined as Blood Culture Contamination Have High Virulence Characteristic Including Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Determinants to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This study aimed to evaluate the virulence of 36 clinical isolates estimated as blood culture contaminants (BCCs). MALDI-TOF MS classified all isolates as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with the highest percentage of S. epidermidis (77.78%). All tested strains formed biofilms with greater ability at room temperature than 37 °C. CoNS were sensitive to vancomycin (0% resistance) and had relatively low resistance to linezolid and rifampicin (8.33 and 22.22% resistance). The highest resistance was observed for penicillin (94.44%). Moreover, we observed the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from the tested CoNS to S. aureus and even to E. coli, although with lower efficiency. CoNS in planktonic form were completely combated by antiseptics after 10 and 60 s exposition, and activity against biofilms was time-dependent. The complete elimination of biofilms was observed after a 180 s exposure to Kodan and CITROclorex, and this exposure to Rivanol and Octenidyne showed still viable cells (>0.9 log CFU/mL). Our findings showed that a careful selection of antiseptics and extending the exposure time before blood collection can reduce the occurrence of blood culture contamination. However, our most important finding is the indication that CoNS naturally occurring on human skin and mucous membranes exhibit antibiotic resistance, and what is more, determinants of antibiotic resistance are transferred to both closely related Gram-positive bacteria and phylogenetically distant Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, our findings shed new light on CoNS-they indicate the necessity of their control due to the effective transfer of mobile genetic elements harboring antibiotic resistance genes, which may contribute to the spread of resistance genes and deepening the antibiotic crisis. | 2025 | 40362661 |
| 4579 | 7 | 0.9984 | Selection for amoxicillin-, doxycycline-, and enrofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli at concentrations lower than the ECOFF in broiler-derived cecal fermentations. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging worldwide problem and a health threat for humans and animals. Antimicrobial usage in human and animal medicine or in agriculture results in selection for AMR. The selective concentration of antimicrobial compounds can be lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration and differs between environments, which can be a reason for bacterial resistance. Therefore, knowledge of the minimal selective concentration (MSC), under natural conditions, is essential to understand the selective window of bacteria when exposed to residual antimicrobials. In this study, we estimated the MSCs of three antimicrobials, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin in a complex microbial community by conducting fermentation assays with cecal material derived from broilers. We examined the phenotypic resistance of Escherichia coli, resistome, and microbiome after 6 and 30 hours of fermenting in the presence of the antimicrobials of interest. The concentrations were estimated to be 10-100 times lower than the epidemiological cut-off values in E. coli for the respective antimicrobials as determined by EUCAST, resulting in an MSC between 0.08 and 0.8 mg/L for amoxicillin, 0.4 and 4 mg/L for doxycycline, and 0.0125 and 0.125 mg/L for enrofloxacin. Additionally, resistome analysis provided an MSC for doxycycline between 0.4 and 4 mg/L, but amoxicillin and enrofloxacin exposure did not induce a significant difference. Our findings indicate at which concentrations there is still selection for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This knowledge can be used to manage the risk of the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial resistance possibly affects human and animal health, as well as economic prosperity in the future. The rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria is a consequence of using antimicrobial compounds in humans and animals selecting for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Concentrations reached during treatment are known to be selective for resistant bacteria. However, at which concentrations residues are still selective is important, especially for antimicrobial compounds that remain in the environment at low concentrations. The data in this paper might inform decisions regarding guidelines and regulations for the use of specific antimicrobials. In this study, we are providing these minimal selective concentrations for amoxicillin, doxycycline, and enrofloxacin in complex environments. | 2024 | 39269186 |
| 3650 | 8 | 0.9984 | Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes on farms and in commercial milk with emphasis on the effect of currently practiced heat treatments on viable but nonculturable formation. Despite the considerable advances that have been made to improve dairy food safety, there is rising concern that pasteurization is not sufficient for the destruction of plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of resistant bacteria and could stimulate bacteria to enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state. In the current study, we surveyed the prevalence of 1 genomic and 9 plasmid-mediated AMR genes in 100 samples (bulk tank milk and milk filter socks) at the farm level and 152 commercial milk samples (pasteurized and UHT milks) and assessed the VBNC state in dairy bacteria. Results revealed that sul2 was the most prevalent plasmid-mediated gene in milk filter socks (96%), bulk tank milk (48%), pasteurized milk (68%), and UHT (43%) milk; in contrast, mecA was not detected in any sample. Additionally, commercial pasteurization (as currently practiced) failed to decrease the prevalence of the bla(TEM-B1) (43%), tetK (30%), and tetA (55%) plasmid-mediated AMR genes; thus, commercial pasteurization may be one of the factors creating the VBNC state in some dairy bacteria. Continued research is necessary to identify bacterial species entering the VBNC state after pasteurization, to assess their potential hazard level and shed more light on the expression and possibility of horizontal gene transfer of those plasmid-mediated AMR genes. | 2020 | 32861499 |
| 3583 | 9 | 0.9984 | Transfer of a lincomycin-resistant plasmid between coagulase-negative staphylococci during soybean fermentation and mouse intestine passage. Staphylococcus equorum is a benign bacterium and the predominant species in high-salt fermented food. Some strains of S. equorum contain antibiotic-resistance plasmids, such as pSELNU1 that contains a lincosamide nucleotidyltransferase (lnuA) gene and confers resistance to lincomycin. Previously, we showed that pSELNU1 is transferred to other bacteria under laboratory growth conditions. However, it is not known if the plasmid can be transferred to other bacteria during food fermentation (in situ) or during passage through animal intestines (in vivo). In this study, we examined the in situ and in vivo transfer of pSELNU1 using Staphylococcus saprophyticus as a recipient. During soybean fermentation, pSELNU1 was transferred to S. saprophyticus at a rate of 1.9 × 10-5-5.6 × 10-6 per recipient in the presence of lincomycin. However, during passage through murine intestines, the plasmid was transferred at similar rates (1.3 × 10-5 per recipient) in the absence of lincomycin, indicating that the plasmid transfer is much more efficient under in vivo conditions. Based on these results, we conclude that it is prudent to examine food fermentation starter candidates for the presence of mobile genetic elements containing antibiotic resistance genes and to select candidates lacking these genes. | 2019 | 31132119 |
| 3531 | 10 | 0.9984 | Commensal E. coli rapidly transfer antibiotic resistance genes to human intestinal microbiota in the Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME). Food-producing animals are indicated as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and a potential vector for transmission of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance genes by conjugation to the human intestinal microbiota. In this study, transfer of an antibiotic resistance plasmid from a commensal E. coli originating from a broiler chicken towards the human intestinal microbiota was assessed by using a Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (M-SHIME). This in vitro model mimics the human intestinal ecosystem and received a single dose of 10(9)E. coli MB6212, which harbors a plasmid known to confer resistance towards several antibiotics including tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole and cefotaxime. Since the degree of stress imposed by stomach pH and bile acids vary with the consumed meal size, the effect of meal size on E. coli donor survival and on plasmid transfer towards lumen and mucosal coliforms and anaerobes was determined. The administered commensal E. coli strain survived stomach acid and bile salt stress and was able to grow in the colon environment during the timeframe of the experiment (72 h). Transfer of antibiotic resistance was observed rapidly since cultivable transconjugant coliforms and anaerobes were already detected in the lumen and mucosa after 2 h in the simulated proximal colon. The presence of the resistance plasmid in the transconjugants was confirmed by PCR. Differences in meal size and adapted digestion had neither a detectable impact on antibiotic resistance transfer, nor on the survival of the E. coli donor strain, nor on short chain fatty acid profiles. The median number of resistant indigenous coliforms in the lumen of the inoculated colon vessels was 5.00 × 10(5) cfu/ml [min - max: 3.47 × 10(4)-3.70 × 10(8) cfu/ml], and on the mucosa 1.44 × 10(7) cfu/g [min-max: 4.00 × 10(3)-4.00 × 10(8) cfu/g]. Exact quantification of the anaerobic transconjugants was difficult, as (intrinsic) resistant anaerobic background microbiota were present. QPCR data supported the observation of plasmid transfer in the simulated colon. Moreover, inoculation of E. coli MB6212 had no significant impact on the microbial diversity in the lumen as determined by 16 S ribosomal gene based next generation sequencing on lumen samples. This study demonstrates that a commensal, antibiotic resistant E. coli strain present in food can transfer its antibiotic resistance plasmid relatively quickly to intestinal microbiota in the M-SHIME. The spread and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes and resistant bacteria in our intestinal system is an alarming scenario which might present clinical challenges, since it implies a potential reservoir for dissemination to pathogenic bacteria. | 2019 | 31536878 |
| 2813 | 11 | 0.9984 | Quantity of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) differs substantially between meat at slaughterhouses and at retail. Concentrations of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) per square centimeter were assessed in meat from the slaughterhouse (n = 100) and from retail (n = 100) by real-time quantitative PCR. The study revealed a substantial contamination of retail meat with the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M), with a mean of 4.34 log copies per cm² fasces in chicken and 5.58 log copies per cm² fasces in pork. Quantitative resistance gene analysis provides an interesting tool for risk assessment and is becoming increasingly important. For both chicken and pork, tet(M) concentrations were significantly higher in meat at retail, compared to meat at slaughter. Cultural investigations revealed substantial differences in the prevalence of listeria and enterococci, and of E. coli and coliforms, between meat at slaughter (n = 500) and at retail (n = 500). However, the differences in the prevalence of 2 investigated groups of potential tet(M)-carriers (enterococci, listeria) could not sufficiently explain the differences in tet(M) concentrations, since increasing concentrations of tet(M) were accompanied by decreasing prevalences of these potential tet(M)-carriers. The percentage of tetracycline susceptible indicator bacteria (E. faecalis, E. coli) did not differ between meat at slaughter and meat at retail. Higher concentrations of tet(M) at retail might correlate with the proliferation of other genera than enterococci and listeria, but there is also a reason to discuss whether secondary contaminants might carry tet(M) more often than the primary flora of meat. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We successfully applied the direct quantitative monitoring of resistance genes in meat, which generally might aid as a useful and rapid additional tool for risk assessment. We know that bacteria provide a large pool of resistance genes, which are widely shared between each other-the larger the pool is, the more genes might be exchanged. Thus, in terms of resistance gene monitoring, we should sometimes overcome the restricted view on single bacteria and look at the gene pool, instead. | 2011 | 21729069 |
| 3327 | 12 | 0.9984 | Ribaxamase, an Orally Administered β-Lactamase, Diminishes Changes to Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance of the Gut Resistome in Patients Treated with Ceftriaxone. INTRODUCTION: Intravenous (IV) β-lactam antibiotics, excreted through bile into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, may disrupt the gut microbiome by eliminating the colonization resistance from beneficial bacteria. This increases the risk for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and can promote antimicrobial resistance by selecting resistant organisms and eliminating competition by non-resistant organisms. Ribaxamase is an orally administered β-lactamase for use with IV β-lactam antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins) and is intended to degrade excess antibiotics in the upper GI before they can disrupt the gut microbiome and alter the resistome. METHODS: Longitudinal fecal samples (349) were collected from patients who participated in a previous Phase 2b clinical study with ribaxamase for prevention of CDI. In that previous study, patients were treated with ceftriaxone for a lower respiratory tract infection and received concurrent ribaxamase or placebo. Extracted fecal DNA from the samples was subjected to whole-genome shotgun sequencing and analyzed for the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes by alignment of sequences against the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database. A qPCR assay was also used to confirm some of the results. RESULTS: Database alignment identified ~1300 acquired AMR genes and gene variants, including those encoding β-lactamases and vancomycin resistance which were significantly increased in placebo vs ribaxamase-treated patients following antibiotic exposure. qPCR corroborated the presence of these genes and supported both new acquisition and expansion of existing gene pools based on no detectable copy number or a low copy number in pre-antibiotic samples which increased post-antibiotics. Additional statistical analyses demonstrated significant correlations between changes in the gut resistome and clinical study parameters including study drug assignment and β-lactamase and vancomycin resistance gene frequency. DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrated that ribaxamase reduced changes to the gut resistome subsequent to ceftriaxone administration and may help limit the emergence of AMR. | 2020 | 32801790 |
| 4714 | 13 | 0.9984 | Screening and genome analysis of heat-resistant and antioxidant lactic acid bacteria from Holstein cow milk. BACKGROUND: Heat stress significantly impacts dairy cows, primarily through oxidative stress, which undermines their health. The problem is exacerbated by the ongoing global warming trend. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are safe, economical, and readily accessible options for enhancing the host's antioxidant defenses and preventing oxidative damage. They have been proven effective in alleviating heat stress-related damage, making them an excellent choice for protecting dairy cows from the adverse effects of heat stress. METHOD: In this study, five strains of LAB from Holstein cow milk (Lactobacillus plantarum L5, L14, L17, L19, L20) were evaluated for their heat resistance and antioxidant capacity by evaluating the growth characteristics and tolerance of the strains under high-temperature conditions, as well as their H(2)O(2) tolerance, free radical scavenging ability (DPPH, OH(-), ABTS), reducing ability, and EPS production ability. Furthermore, we employed Caco-2 cells to assess the adhesion rate of the strain, thereby confirming its ability to successfully colonize the host's intestinal tract and ensuring the effective execution of its probiotic functions. The strain with excellent heat resistance and antioxidant capacity was then subjected to genomic analysis to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms behind their heat resistance, antioxidant capacity, and safety. RESULTS: Among the two strains, Lactobacillus plantarum L19 emerges as a highly promising candidate. The strain exhibits robust growth even at high temperatures at 40°C and maintains a survival rate of 16.42% at the extreme temperature of 65°C. Furthermore, it demonstrates superior tolerance to hydrogen peroxide (27.3%), and possesses a notably higher free radical scavenging capacity with a high adhesion rate to Caco-2 cell (22.19%) compared to the other four strains tested. Genomic analysis revealed its' genome has 17 genes related to antioxidants and three genes related to heat resistance. Importantly, L19 lacks any resistance genes, ensuring its safety as a probiotic. CONCLUSION: The results imply that Lactobacillus plantarum L19 has the potential to serve as an effective food additive in mitigating damages associated with heat stress. This research offers a valuable reference for the prevention and management of heat stress in dairy cows, while also expanding the scope of applications for LAB derived from cow milk. | 2024 | 39611093 |
| 7785 | 14 | 0.9984 | Fate of Extracellular DNA in the Production of Fertilizers from Source-Separated Urine. The practice of urine source-separation for fertilizer production necessitates an understanding of the presence and impact of extracellular DNA in the urine. This study examines the fate of plasmid DNA carrying ampicillin and tetracycline resistance genes in aged urine, including its ability to be taken up and expressed by competent bacteria. Plasmid DNA incubated in aged urine resulted in a >2 log loss of bacterial transformation efficiency in Acinetobacter baylyi within 24 h. The concentration of ampicillin and tetracycline resistance genes, as measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, did not correspond with the observed transformation loss. When the plasmid DNA was incubated in aged urine that had been filtered (0.22 μm) or heated (75 °C), the transformation efficiencies were more stable than when the plasmids were incubated in unfiltered and unheated aged urine. Gel electrophoresis results indicated that plasmid linearization by materials larger than 100 kDa in the aged urine caused the observed transformation efficiency decreases. The results of this study suggest that extracellular DNA released into aged urine poses a low potential for the spread of antibiotic resistance genes to bacteria once it is released to the environment. | 2020 | 31965791 |
| 6074 | 15 | 0.9984 | Beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria naturally present in dairy production. BACKGROUND: Consumers are increasingly demanding for natural and beneficial foods, in order to improve their health and well-being. Probiotics play an important role in such demand, and dairy foods are commonly used as vehicles for such bacteria, represented predominantly by lactic acid bacteria. Due to consumers demand, food industry is constantly looking for novel bacterial strains, leading to studies that aims the isolation and characterization of their beneficial features. This study aimed to characterize the naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria obtained from a dairy environment, in order to assess their potential use as probiotics. RESULTS: Preliminary screening and PCR analysis, based on 16S rRNA sequencing, were applied to select and identify 15 LAB strains from the genera Lactobacillus (n = 11), Pediococcus (n = 2) and Weissella (n = 2). All strains showed resistance to low pH and the evaluated bile salt concentrations in vitro. The API ZYM test characterized the enzymatic activity of the strains, and a high β-galactosidase activity was observed in 13 strains. All strains presented resistance to simulated gastric (3 h) and intestinal (4 h) conditions in vitro, the ability to auto- and co-aggregate with indicator microorganisms and a high cell surface hydrophobicity. Most of the strains were positive for map and EFTu beneficial genes. All strains exhibited strong deconjugation of bile salts in vitro and all assimilated lactose. CONCLUSIONS: The phenotypes exhibited in vitro and the presence of beneficial genes revealed the beneficial potential of the studied strains, demanding further analyses in a food matrix and in vivo to allow the development of a functional product, with health-related properties. | 2018 | 30567551 |
| 4581 | 16 | 0.9984 | Development of aminoglycoside and β-lactamase resistance among intestinal microbiota of swine treated with lincomycin, chlortetracycline, and amoxicillin. Lincomycin, chlortetracycline, and amoxicillin are commonly used antimicrobials for growth promotion and infectious disease prophylaxis in swine production. In this study, we investigated the shifts and resistance development among intestinal microbiota in pregnant sows before and after lincomycin, chlortetracycline, and amoxicillin treatment by using phylogenetic analysis, bacterial enumeration, and PCR. After the antimicrobial treatment, shifts in microbial community, an increased proportion of resistant bacteria, and genes related to antimicrobial resistance as compared to the day before antimicrobial administration (day 0) were observed. Importantly, a positive correlation between antimicrobial resistance gene expression in different categories, especially those encoding aminoglycoside and β-lactamase and antimicrobial resistance, was observed. These findings demonstrate an important role of antimicrobial usage in animals in the development of antimicrobial resistance, and support the notion that prudent use of antimicrobials in swine is needed to reduce the risk of the emergence of multi-drug resistant zoonotic pathogens. | 2014 | 25408688 |
| 3723 | 17 | 0.9983 | Hospital Antibiotics Usage: Environmental Hazard and Promotion of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria. INTRODUCTION: Hospitals constitute a particular source of drug residues emission, especially antibiotics considered as the most critical therapeutic classes used in hospitals. Thus, the hospital wastewater can widely spread both types of emerging pollutants, antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance bacteria. For this reason, antibiotics usage must be monitored. This study was conducted to investigate potential antibiotic compounds which can present potential environmental hazard and promote antibiotic resistance. METHODS: The consumption-based approach was adopted to calculate predicted antibiotic concentrations in hospital wastewaters. In the process, we assessed the antibiotics potential environmental hazard, with the hazard quotient between predicted concentrations and predicted no effect concentrations intended to be protective of ecological species. In order to evaluate the hospital contribution to antibiotic resistance bacteria promotion, we also compared predicted concentrations with predicted no effect concentrations as theoretical selective resistance bacteria. RESULTS: The highest expected concentrations in hospital wastewater were found for Penicillins and Cephalosporins being the most prescribed antibiotics in our context. We noted that among this class, Ampicillin is the most hazardous compound followed by Imipenem and Gentamicin as exclusive hospital use antibiotics, in spite of their low consumption. The results showed also that Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, and Ceftriaxone had a high ratio of potential antibiotic resistance bacteria promotion, confirming the correlation found previously between abundance of resistant bacteria and the corresponding effluent antibiotic concentrations. Nevertheless, the promotion of resistance selection can also be attributed to Imipenem and Ciprofloxacin as little-used antibiotics and occur at low to moderate levels in hospital wastewater. CONCLUSION: This study identified the profile antibiotics consumption and their potential environmental hazard contribution and antibiotic resistant bacteria promotion. It can help decision-makers make appropriate management decisions, especially preventive measures related to antibiotic use pattern, as neither dilution nor treatment can eliminate antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes. | 2022 | 34113952 |
| 5293 | 18 | 0.9983 | Tetracycline-Resistant Bacteria Selected from Water and Zebrafish after Antibiotic Exposure. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens due to worldwide antibiotic use is raising concern in several settings, including aquaculture. In this work, the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was evaluated after exposure of zebrafish to oxytetracycline (OTC) for two months, followed by a recovery period. The selection of ARB in water and fish was determined using selective media. The abundance of tetA genes was estimated through qPCR. Higher prevalence of ARB was measured in all samples exposed to the antibiotic when compared to control samples, although statistical significance was only achieved five days after exposure. Isolates recovered from samples exposed to the antibiotic were affiliated with Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas. Various antibiotic susceptibility profiles were detected and 37% of the isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). The selection of the tetA gene was confirmed by qPCR at the highest OTC concentration tested. Two MDR isolates, tested using zebrafish embryos, caused significant mortality, indicating a potential impact on fish health and survival. Overall, our work highlights the potential impact of antibiotic contamination in the selection of potential pathogenic ARB and ARGS. | 2021 | 33804606 |
| 4908 | 19 | 0.9983 | Low temperatures do not impair the bacterial plasmid conjugation on poultry meat. Conjugation plays an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. Besides, this process is influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors, especially temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different conditions of temperature and storage (time and recipient) of poultry meat, intended for the final consumer, affect the plasmid transfer between pathogenic (harboring the IncB/O-plasmid) and non-pathogenic Escherichia coli organisms. The determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of ampicillin, cephalexin, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime was performed before and after the conjugation assay. It was possible to recover transconjugants in the poultry meat at all the treatments, also these bacteria showed a significant increase of the MIC for all antimicrobials tested. Our results show that a non-pathogenic E. coli can acquire an IncB/O-plasmid through a conjugation process in poultry meat, even stored at low temperatures. Once acquired, the resistance genes endanger public health especially when it is about critically and highly important antimicrobials to human medicine. | 2024 | 38191970 |