MOBILE - Word Related Documents




#
Rank
Similarity
Title + Abs.
Year
PMID
012345
682100.9961Mangrove plastisphere as a hotspot for high-risk antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens. Microplastics (MPs) are critical vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); however, the prevalence and ecological risks of high-risk ARGs in mangrove ecosystems-globally vital yet understudied coastal habitats-remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study investigated polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride incubated in mangrove sediments for one month, focusing on high-risk ARGs, virulence gene (VGs), and pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the mangrove plastisphere. High-throughput PCR and metagenomic analyses revealed that high-risk ARGs, VGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were significantly enriched on MPs compared to surrounding sediments. Pathogenic bacteria and MGEs were also more abundant in the plastisphere, highlighting its role as a hotspot for ARG dispersal. Metagenome-assembled genome analysis identified Pseudomonas and Bacillus as key hosts for ARGs, MGEs, and VGs, particularly multidrug resistance genes, integrase genes, and adherence factors. Notably, polystyrene harbored the highest abundance of pathogenic bacteria carrying ARGs, MGEs, and VGs, and mangrove root exudates were found to amplify horizontal gene transfer on MPs, uncovering a previously overlooked mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in coastal ecosystems. These findings not only elucidate how MPs accelerate the spread of ARGs, but also underscore the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address the adverse impacts microplastic pollution on human, animal, and environmental health.202540043931
700410.9961Sheep and rapeseed cake manure promote antibiotic resistome in agricultural soil. The application of manure in agriculture caused the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in soil environments. However, the co-occurrence pattern and host diversity of ARGs and MGEs in soils amended with animal and green manures remains unclear. In this study, metagenomic assembly and binning techniques were employed to comprehensively explore the effects of sheep manure and green manure on soil microbiome, antibiotic resistomes, and ARG hosts. Both rapeseed cake manure and sheep manure increased the abundance and diversity of ARGs, with sheep manure particularly enhancing the abundance of ARGs conferring resistant to multidrug, quinolone, rifampicin, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLSB). Mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as plasmids, transposases, and integrases, preferentially enhanced the potential mobility of some ARGs subtypes (i.e. sul2, aadA, qacH, and folp), facilitating the spread of ARGs. Additionally, sheep manure reshaped the bacterial community structure and composition as well as ARG hosts, some opportunistic pathogens (i.e. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pantoea) acquired antibiotic resistance and remained recalcitrant. It is concluded that rapeseed cake manure and sheep manure increased the co-occurrence of ARGs and MGEs, enriched the potential ARG hosts, and promoted the dissemination of ARGs in agricultural soils.202540633350
682320.9959Metagenomic assembly and binning analyses the prevalence and spread of antibiotic resistome in water and fish gut microbiomes along an environmental gradient. The pristine river and urban river show an environmental gradient caused by anthropogenic impacts such as wastewater treatment plants and domestic wastewater discharges. Here, metagenomic and binning analyses unveiled antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profiles, their co-occurrence with metal resistance genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and their host bacteria in water and Hemiculter leucisculus samples of the river. Results showed that the decrease of ARG abundances from pristine to anthropogenic regions was attributed to the reduction of the relative abundance of multidrug resistance genes in water microbiomes along the environmental gradient. Whereas anthropogenic impact contributed to the enrichment of ARGs in fish gut microbiomes. From pristine to anthropogenic water samples, the dominant host bacteria shifted from Pseudomonas to Actinobacteria. Potential pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Enterobacter kobei, Aeromonas veronii and Microcystis aeruginosa_C with multiple ARGs were retrieved from fish gut microbes in lower reach of Ba River. The increasing trends in the proportion of the contigs carrying ARGs (ARCs) concomitant with plasmids along environmental gradient indicated that plasmids act as efficient mobility vehicles to enhance the spread of ARGs under anthropogenic pressures. Moreover, the higher co-occurrence of ARGs and MRGs on plasmids revealed that anthropogenic impacts accelerated the co-transfer potential of ARGs and MRGs and the enrichment of ARGs. Partial least squares path modeling revealed anthropogenic contamination could shape fish gut antibiotic resistome mainly via affecting ARG host bacteria in water microbiomes, following by ARGs co-occurrence with MGEs and MRGs in gut microbiomes. This study enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of the anthropogenic activities on the transmission of antibiotic resistome in river ecosystem and emphasized the risk of ARGs and pathogens transferring from an aquatic environment to fish guts.202235716556
317930.9959Deciphering the mobility, pathogenic hosts, and co-selection of antibiotic resistance genes in untreated wastewater from three different hospitals. OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in hospital wastewater pose significant environmental and public health risks, yet the co-selection mechanisms involving metal/biocide resistance genes (MRGs/BRGs) and the role of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the abundance, mobility, pathogenic hosts, and co-selection patterns of ARGs, MRGs, and BRGs in untreated wastewater from three types of hospitals. METHODS: Untreated wastewater samples from nine sources across three hospital types (general, traditional Chinese medicine, and dental) were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing and assembly. ARGs, MRGs, and BRGs were identified via the SARG and BacMet databases. ARG hosts, mobility, and MGE co-occurrence were analyzed using PlasFlow and MOB-suite, with risk levels evaluated alongside pathogenic bacteria databases. RESULTS: A total of 1911 ARGs (222 subtypes), 1662 MRGs (167 subtypes), and 916 BRGs (139 subtypes) were detected. Tetracycline, multidrug, and β-lactam resistance genes were predominant, with 46.43 % of ARGs being plasmid-associated. Key pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus spp. harbored high-risk ARGs such as KPC-2 and NDM-1. Notably, 76.2 % of ARGs in traditional Chinese medicine hospital wastewater were classified as high-risk. Significant co-occurrence of ARGs with MGEs (e.g., DDE recombinases) and MRGs/BRGs was observed, underscoring the role of horizontal gene transfer and co-selection. CONCLUSION: Untreated hospital wastewater represents a significant reservoir of ARGs, with risks exacerbated by pathogenic hosts, MGE-mediated HGT, and metal/biocide co-selection. These findings underscore the urgent need for optimized wastewater treatment strategies to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance and inform future intervention efforts.202541067299
700740.9959Tracking resistomes, virulence genes, and bacterial pathogens in long-term manure-amended greenhouse soils. Organic manure has been implicated as an important source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soils. However, the profiles of biocide resistance genes (BRGs), metal resistance genes (MRGs) and virulence genes (VGs) and their bacterial hosts in manure-amended soils remain largely unknown. Herein, a systematic metagenome-based survey was conducted to comprehensively explore the changes in resistomes, VGs and their bacterial hosts, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and pathogenic bacteria in manure-amended greenhouse soils. Many manure-borne ARGs, BRGs, MRGs, VGs, and bacterial pathogens could be transferred into soils by applying manures, and their abundance and diversity were markedly positively correlated with greenhouse planting years (manure amendment years). The main ARGs transferred from manures to soils conferred resistance to tetracycline, aminoglycoside, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin. Both statistical analysis and gene arrangements showed a good positive co-occurrence pattern of ARGs/BRGs/MRGs/VGs and MGEs. Furthermore, bacterial hosts of resistomes and VGs were significantly changed in the greenhouse soils in comparison with the field soils. Our findings confirmed the migration and dissemination of resistomes, VGs, and bacterial pathogens, and their accumulation and persistence were correlated with the continuous application of manures.202032298867
686550.9959A metagenomic analysis framework for characterization of antibiotic resistomes in river environment: Application to an urban river in Beijing. River is considered generally as a natural reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environments. For the prevention and control of ARG risks, it is critical to comprehensively characterize the antibiotic resistomes and their associations in riverine systems. In this study, we proposed a metagenomic framework for identifying antibiotic resistomes in river sediments from multiple categories, including ARG potential, ARG hosts, pathogenicity potential, co-selection potential and gene transfer potential, and applied it to understand the presence, hosts, and co-occurrence of ARGs in the sediments of an urban river in Beijing. Results showed that a total of 203 ARG subtypes belonging to 21 ARG types were detected in the river sediments with an abundance range of 107.7-1004.1×/Gb, dominated by multidrug, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin, bacitracin, quinolone and sulfonamide resistance genes. Host-tracking analysis identified Dechloromonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Arenimonas, Lysobacter and Pseudomonas as the major hosts of ARGs. A number of ARG-carrying contigs (ACCs) were annotated as fragments of pathogenic bacteria and carried multiple multidrug-ARGs. In addition, various biocide/metal resistance genes (B/MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including prophages, plasmids, integrons and transposons, were detected in the river sediments. More importantly, the co-occurrence analysis via ACCs showed a strong association of ARGs with B/MRGs and MGEs, indicating high potential of co-selection and active horizontal transmission for ARGs in the river environment, likely driven by the frequent impact of anthropogenic activities in that area.201930453138
679360.9959Interplays between cyanobacterial blooms and antibiotic resistance genes. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), which are a form of microbial dysbiosis in freshwater environments, are an emerging environmental and public health concern. Additionally, the freshwater environment serves as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which pose a risk of transmission during microbial dysbiosis, such as cyanoHABs. However, the interactions between potential synergistic pollutants, cyanoHABs, and ARGs remain poorly understood. During cyanoHABs, Microcystis and high microcystin levels were dominant in all the nine regions of the river sampled. The resistome, mobilome, and microbiome were interrelated and linked to the physicochemical properties of freshwater. Planktothrix and Pseudanabaena competed with Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria during cyanoHABs. Forty two ARG carriers were identified, most of which belonged to Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria. ARG carriers showed a strong correlation with ARGs density, which decreased with the severity of cyanoHAB. Although ARGs decreased due to a reduction of ARG carriers during cyanoHABs, mobile gene elements (MGEs) and virulence factors (VFs) genes increased. We explored the relationship between cyanoHABs and ARGs for potential synergistic interaction. Our findings demonstrated that cyanobacteria compete with freshwater commensal bacteria such as Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria, which carry ARGs in freshwater, resulting in a reduction of ARGs levels. Moreover, cyanoHABs generate biotic and abiotic stress in the freshwater microbiome, which may lead to an increase in MGEs and VFs. Exploration of the intricate interplays between microbiome, resistome, mobilome, and pathobiome during cyanoHABs not only revealed that the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of microbial dysbiosis but also emphasizes the need to prioritize the prevention of microbial dysbiosis in the risk management of ARGs.202337897871
638370.9958Metagenomic analysis of microbiological risk in bioaerosols during biowaste valorization using Musca domestica. Bioconversion using insects has gradually become a promising technology for biowaste management and protein production. However, knowledge about microbiological risk of insect related bioaerosols is sparse and conventional methods failed to provide higher resolved information of environmental microbe. In this study, a metagenomic analysis including microorganisms, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), mobile gene elements (MGEs), and endotoxin distribution in bioaerosols during biowaste conversion via Musca domestica revealed that bioaerosols in Fly rearing room possess the highest ARGs abundances and MGEs diversity. Through a metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs)-based pipeline, compelling evidence of ARGs/VFGs host assignment and ARG-VFG co-occurrence pattern were provided from metagenomic perspective. Bioaerosols in Bioconversion and Maggot separation zone were identified to own high density of MAGs carrying both ARGs and VFGs. Bacteria in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes phyla were predominate hosts of ARGs and VFGs. Multidrug-Motility, Multidrug-Adherence, and Beta lactam-Motility pairs were the most common ARG-VFG co-occurrence pattern in this study. Results obtained are of great significance for microbiological risk assessment during housefly biowaste conversion process.202336681377
317380.9957Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in marine productive zones of the eastern Arabian Sea: Implications for human and environmental health. The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance is a major global concern affecting human and environmental health. Marine environments, though underexplored, are emerging as significant reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study provides genome-resolved shotgun metagenomic insights into the seasonal and spatial dynamics of ARGs in the chlorophyll maximum zones of the eastern Arabian Sea, focusing on bacterial communities from coastal (30 m) and offshore (600 m) depths. Using a shotgun metagenomic approach, 31 potential ARGs were identified across both non-monsoon and monsoon seasons, with higher abundance observed in offshore stations during the non-monsoon season. Multidrug resistance genes such as blaEFM-1, catB2 and mexK, conferring resistance to carbapenems, chloramphenicol and multiple antibiotics, were prevalent in taxa like Staphylococcus sp., Qipengyuania sp. and Alcanivorax sp. Clinically relevant taxa, including Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp., harbored ARGs, which may raise concerns regarding potential seafood-mediated ARG transmission. The significant enrichment and co-localization of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) with ARGs suggest enhanced horizontal gene transfer among native marine bacteria in the offshore environments. However, the limited distribution of ARGs and the absence of associated MGEs during the monsoon season may result from dilution caused by freshwater influx. Comparative functional analysis revealed stress-related functional enrichment in ARG-carrying metagenomic assembled genomes, suggesting environmental stress may enhance the spread of ARGs within offshore microbial communities. These findings challenge the coastal-centric view of marine antibiotic resistance by identifying offshore waters as underrecognized ARG reservoirs. Establishing a genomic baseline for One Health ARG surveillance, this study underscores the urgent need to integrate offshore regions into global monitoring frameworks to protect marine ecosystems and safeguard public health.202540633655
700590.9957The mobility, host, and co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance genes in multi-type pig manure-soil systems: Metagenome assembly analysis. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose significant threats to public health and environmental safety, yet the mobility and hosts of ARGs in animal manure-soil systems remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the environmental risks of tilmicosin (TIL) and investigated ARG profiles, mobility, and drivers in pig manure-soil systems using metagenomic assembly. TIL was effectively degraded during aerobic composting and fertilization via hydroxylation, demethylation, and deglycosylation. Notably, the total abundance of ARGs significantly decreased during aerobic composting and fertilization, and manure types affected the distribution and composition of ARGs in fertilized soils. There was a special correlation between the genetic location and type of ARGs. In addition, the results showed co-localization of some specific ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (tetA-tetR- transposase; tetR-floR- Tn3 family). A significant correlation was found between Escherichia coli and multiple ARG types, especially multidrug ARGs. Microbial community was the dominant factor driving the variations of ARGs in pig manure-soil systems, followed by MGEs, environmental factors, and antibiotic concentration. This study advances the understanding on the environmental risk assessment of TIL and elucidates the key drivers of ARG dissemination in pig manure-soil systems, providing critical insights and actionable strategies for sustainable livestock management and environmental risk control.202540865323
6801100.9957Persistent Risks in the Effluents of Wastewater Treatment Plants: Mobile Genetic Elements and Viral-Mediated Dissemination of Pathogenic Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized as reservoirs of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PARB), yet their genomic risk dynamics remain unclear. This study recovered PARB genomes from 102 influent and effluent metagenomes from six countries; their activity and risk potential were then experimentally validated with metatranscriptomics on samples from a Shanghai WWTP. A total of 44 PARB genomes were reconstructed, which carried both antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs), and they persisted in the effluent. Mobile genetic elements might mediate ARG transfer in 13 PARB genomes. Moreover, bacteriophages infecting PARB harbored and were transcribing ARGs/VFGs, and antiviral defense systems of PARB correlated with horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Evolutionary analyses indicated that influent PARB maintained high microdiversity via homologous recombination, while effluent populations underwent purifying selection, suggesting that wastewater treatment reduced the genetic diversity of PARB through purifying selection. However, the persistent accumulation of PARB as well as HGT might maintain the dissemination of ARGs. This study emphasized the necessity of selecting the PARB genomes for wastewater monitoring, thereby optimizing treatment strategies and mitigating the potential health risks posed by pathogenic bacteria.202541143557
6829110.9957Metagenomic insights into the characteristics and co-migration of antibiotic resistome and metal(loid) resistance genes in urban landfill soil and groundwater. The heavy metals and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfills showed a significant correlation; however, the relationship between metal(loid) resistance genes (MRGs) and ARGs in contaminated environments, as well as whether they co-migrate with human pathogenic bacteria (HPB), remains unclear. This study is the first to report the characteristics and co-migration of ARGs and MRGs in the soil and groundwater of aged urban landfill sites. Our findings indicated that quinolone, efflux, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin represented the most abundant ARGs identified. Notably, ARG abundance was higher in groundwater compared to soil, with subtype diversity reflecting a similar trend; however, microbial diversity in soil was greater. Metagenome-assembled genomes data indicated a higher risk of antibiotic-resistant HPB in groundwater. It is imperative to focus on HPB that co-carry ARGs and MRGs alongside mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as Ralstonia pickettii and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Genes conferring resistance to copper and mercury, as well as MGEs such as qacEdelta and intI1, played a critical role in promoting horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance. MRG may promote ARG migration by affecting the permeability of the cell membrane. Procrustes analysis revealed a strong similarity (87 %) between heavy metals and MRG structures. Variance partitioning analyses demonstrated that both heavy metals and biological factors jointly governed landfill ARGs (96.2 %), exerting a more substantial influence in groundwater than in soil. This study serves as a reference for managing landfill, while emphasizing the importance of addressing the co-migration of MRGs and ARGs in pathogens when controlling the spread of risks.202540614847
3266120.9957Abundance and transmission of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes through mobile genetic elements in integrated chicken and fish farming system. Integrated chicken and fish farming systems, common in Bangladesh, present significant public health risks due to the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFGs) through mobile genetic elements (MGEs). This study employs metagenomic sequencing to explore the diversity and abundance of ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs in various environmental samples from these farming systems. A total of 384 ARGs were detected, with tetracycline resistance genes such as tetM and tetX being the most abundant, alongside macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin and aminoglycoside resistance genes. Droppings harbored the highest proportion of ARGs (62.2%), whereas sediment served as a reservoir for multi-metal resistance genes. Virulence factors associated with immune modulation, such as pvdL and tssH, and biofilm formation genes like algC were particularly prevalent in sediment and droppings. Among MGEs, plasmids and transposons like Tn6072 and Tn4001 were the most abundant, playing a critical role in horizontal gene transfer. Bacterial genera including Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Escherichia were strongly associated with MGEs, indicating their role in the dissemination of resistance and virulence traits. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the abundance of ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs across sample types, with sediment and droppings identified as hotspots for gene exchange. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved antibiotic stewardship and waste management practices to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic bacteria within integrated farming environments.202540595289
6798130.9956Diet-driven diversity of antibiotic resistance genes in wild bats: implications for public health. Wild bats may serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance and pathogen transmission. However, current assessments of bats' antibiotic resistance potential are limited to culture-dependent bacterial snapshots. In this study, we present metagenomic evidence supporting a strong association between diet, gut microbiota, and the resistome, highlighting bats as significant vectors for ARG propagation. We characterized gut microbiota, ARGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bats with five distinct diets: frugivory, insectivory, piscivory, carnivory, and sanguivory. Our analysis revealed high levels of ARGs in bat guts, with limited potential for horizontal transfer, encompassing 1106 ARGs conferring resistance to 26 antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant and polymyxin-resistant genes were particularly prevalent among identified ARG types. The abundance and diversity of ARGs/MGEs varied significantly among bats with different dietary habits, possibly due to diet-related differences in microbial composition. Additionally, genetic linkage between high-risk ARGs and multiple MGEs was observed on the genomes of various zoonotic pathogens, indicating a potential threat to human health from wild bats. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the resistome in wild bats and underscores the role of dietary habits in wildlife-associated public health risks.202539892320
7477140.9956Importance of mobile genetic elements for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in metagenomic sewage samples across the world. We are facing an ever-growing threat from increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. To mitigate this, we need a better understanding of the global spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). ARGs are often spread among bacteria by horizontal gene transfer facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGE). Here we use a dataset consisting of 677 metagenomic sequenced sewage samples from 97 countries or regions to study how MGEs are geographically distributed and how they disseminate ARGs worldwide. The ARGs, MGEs, and bacterial abundance were calculated by reference-based read mapping. We found systematic differences in the abundance of MGEs and ARGs, where some elements were prevalent on all continents while others had higher abundance in separate geographic areas. Different MGEs tended to be localized to temperate or tropical climate zones, while different ARGs tended to separate according to continents. This suggests that the climate is an important factor influencing the local flora of MGEs. MGEs were also found to be more geographically confined than ARGs. We identified several integrated MGEs whose abundance correlated with the abundance of ARGs and bacterial genera, indicating the ability to mobilize and disseminate these genes. Some MGEs seemed to be more able to mobilize ARGs and spread to more bacterial species. The host ranges of MGEs seemed to differ between elements, where most were associated with bacteria of the same family. We believe that our method could be used to investigate the population dynamics of MGEs in complex bacterial populations.202337856515
3329150.9956The transferable resistome of biosolids-plasmid sequencing reveals carriage of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes. Biosolids, widely used as organic fertilizers due to their high nutrient content, are significant reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) carrying transferable antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the transferability of ARG-containing plasmids of bacteria from biosolids originating from 12 German wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of varying sizes. Using exogenous plasmid captures with the recipient strain Escherichia coli CV601 gfp+, we collected 103 plasmids from 11 WWTPs. Characterization through DNA-based methods, including real-time PCR and Southern blot hybridization, revealed that the highest proportion of transconjugants harbored IncP (57%) and IncN (20%) plasmids. Complete sequencing of representative plasmids identified IncPβ, IncPε, IncQ2, IncN, and IncU plasmids carrying ARGs linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including class 1 integrons, transposons, and IS elements (e.g., Tn402, IS26, and IS6100). These ARG-MGE complexes were integrated into specific plasmid regions, and similar plasmids were found across WWTPs and diverse geographic locations. The results underscore the role of WWTPs as hotspots for horizontal gene transfer, with biosolids serving as reservoirs for multi-resistant bacteria and resistance plasmids. This highlights the urgent need for improved biosolid management strategies to mitigate the release of ARGs and ARB into agricultural environments. IMPORTANCE: This study emphasizes the critical role of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in facilitating the horizontal transfer of ARGs through biosolids. As biosolids are routinely applied to agricultural soils, their load of clinically relevant ARG content and transferability pose risks to animal and human health through plant-associated bacteria or surface water. By identifying conserved ARG-MGE associations across diverse plasmid types and WWTPs, this work highlights the global and persistent nature of resistance dissemination. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable management practices to limit the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and associated ARGs in agricultural ecosystems. Ensuring safe biosolid use will contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance gene connectivity from environmental to human- or animal-associated bacteria globally.202541104936
3780160.9956Is ICE hot? A genomic comparative study reveals integrative and conjugative elements as "hot" vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes. Different from other extensively studied mobile genetic elements (MGEs) whose discoveries were initiated decades ago (1950s-1980s), integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), a diverse array of more recently identified elements that were formally termed in 2002, have aroused increasing concern for their crucial contribution to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the comprehensive understanding on ICEs' ARG profile across the bacterial tree of life is still blurred. Through a genomic study by comparison with two key MGEs, we, for the first time, systematically investigated the ARG profile as well as the host range of ICEs and also explored the MGE-specific potential to facilitate ARG propagation across phylogenetic barriers. These findings could serve as a theoretical foundation for risk assessment of ARGs mediated by distinct MGEs and further to optimize therapeutic strategies aimed at restraining antibiotic resistance crises.202338032189
7478170.9956Global analysis of the metaplasmidome: ecological drivers and spread of antibiotic resistance genes across ecosystems. BACKGROUND: Plasmids act as vehicles for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, few studies of the resistome at the community level distinguish between ARGs carried by mobile genetic elements and those carried by chromosomes, and these studies have been limited to a few ecosystems. This is the first study to focus on ARGs carried by the metaplasmidome on a global scale. RESULTS: This study shows that only a small fraction of the plasmids reconstructed from 27 ecosystems representing 9 biomes are catalogued in public databases. The abundance of ARGs harboured by the metaplasmidome was significantly explained by bacterial richness. Few plasmids with or without ARGs were shared between ecosystems or biomes, suggesting that plasmid distribution on a global scale is mainly driven by ecology rather than geography. The network linking plasmids to their hosts shows that these mobile elements have thus been shared between bacteria across geographically distant environmental niches. However, certain plasmids carrying ARGs involved in human health were identified as being shared between multiple ecosystems and hosted by a wide variety of hosts. Some of these mobile elements, identified as keystone plasmids, were characterised by an enrichment in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and CAS-CRISPR components which may explain their ecological success. The ARGs accounted for 9.2% of the recent horizontal transfers between bacteria and plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: By comprehensively analysing the plasmidome content of ecosystems, some key habitats have emerged as particularly important for monitoring the spread of ARGs in relation to human health. Of particular note is the potential for air to act as a vector for long-distance transport of ARGs and accessory genes across ecosystems and continents. Video Abstract.202540108678
3178180.9956Metagenomic analysis reveals the diversity, transmission and potential ecological risks of yak nasal bacteria-carried antibiotic resistance genes in the Sichuan region of Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and yaks play respectively vital roles in global and plateau ecosystems. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to public health, with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) being one of the emerging contaminants. However, few studies have investigated the abundance and diversity of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the yak upper respiratory tract and their surrounding pastures. Moreover, the possible pathways for ARG transmission within these ecosystems have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the ARG profiles, MGE profiles, and ARG-carrying host bacteria in yaks and their pasture collected from Ganzi and Aba region in Sichuan Province. Metagenomic analyses showed that 22 ARG types and 5 MGEs types were identified in 18 samples. Multidrug resistance gene (mexT) and bacitracin resistance gene (bacA) was identiffed as hotspots, which may compromise medical treatment options. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that 12 bacterial genera may be potential hosts at the genus level. The enrich of ARGs and MGEs diversity were observed in QTP (Sichuan province) pasture ecosystems which demands evidence-based interventions to mitigate ARGs transmission risks.202540373403
7006190.9956Metagenomic Profiles of Yak and Cattle Manure Resistomes in Different Feeding Patterns before and after Composting. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to public health, with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) being one of the emerging contaminants; furthermore, animal manure is an important reservoir of biocide resistance genes (BRGs) and metal resistance genes (MRGs). However, few studies have reported differences in the abundance and diversity of BRGs and MRGs between different types of animal manure and the changes in BRGs and MRGs before and after composting. This study employed a metagenomics-based approach to investigate ARGs, BRGs, MRGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of yak and cattle manure before and after composting under grazing and intensive feeding patterns. The total abundances of ARGs, clinical ARGs, BRGs, MRGs, and MGEs were lower in the manure of grazing livestock than in the manure of the intensively fed group. After composting, the total abundances of ARGs, clinical ARGs, and MGEs in intensively fed livestock manure decreased, whereas those of ARGs, clinical ARGs, MRGs, and MGEs increased in grazing livestock manure. The synergy between MGEs mediated horizontal gene transfer and vertical gene transmission via host bacteria proliferation, which was the main driver that altered the abundance and diversity of ARGs, BRGs, and MRGs in livestock manure and compost. Additionally, tetQ, IS91, mdtF, and fabK were potential indicators for estimating the total abundance of clinical ARGs, BRGs, MRGs, and MGEs in livestock manure and compost. These findings suggest that grazing livestock manure can be directly discharged into the fields, whereas intensively fed livestock manure should be composted before returning to the field. IMPORTANCE The recent increase in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), biocide resistance genes (BRGs), and metal resistance genes (MRGs) in livestock manure poses risks to human health. Composting is known to be a promising technology for reducing the abundance of resistance genes. This study investigated the differences and changes in the abundances of ARGs, BRGs, and MRGs between yak and cattle manure under grazing and intensive feeding patterns before and after composting. The results indicate that the feeding pattern significantly affected the abundances of resistance genes in livestock manure. Manure in intensive farming should be composted before being discharged into the field, while grazing livestock manure is not suitable for composting due to an increased number of resistance genes.202337409977