# | Rank | Similarity | Title + Abs. | Year | PMID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 5485 | 0 | 0.9946 | Detection and genetic characterization of multidrug-resistant staphylococci isolated from public areas in an international airport. The environmental realm has been acknowledged as a pivotal arena for the emergence and propagation of antimicrobial resistance. To further explore insight into antimicrobial resistance dynamics beyond clinical and veterinary settings, we embarked on an environmental surveillance initiative targeting the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the bustling confines of an international airport in Japan. Our findings illuminate a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (46.3%) on frequently contacted surfaces in the public domain. Notably, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and S. epidermidis emerged as the preeminent carriers of the mecA gene. Intriguingly, we encountered a virulent strain of livestock-associated MRSA harboring a PVL-positive ST1232 clone, CC398 lineage. Further scrutiny unveiled a repertoire of resistance mechanisms, the methicillin-resistant isolates exhibited two or more resistance genes conferring resistance against different types of antibiotics, including beta-lactams, macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and fosfomycin. Revealing multidrug-resistant CoNS and a LA-MRSA across various surfaces in urban public areas unearths a looming public health hazard. Thus, implementation of molecular surveillance is imperative, augmenting our capacity for early detection and mitigation of the insidious spread and potential transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors amidst urban settings, notably within pivotal nodes such as airports. | 2024 | 39532959 |
| 3030 | 1 | 0.9945 | Mobile Genomic Island GEI-FN1A in Aeromonas salmonicida FN1 Contributes to the Spread of Antibiotic-Resistance Genes. Antibiotics are used to treat severe bacterial infections. However, owing to excessive antibiotic use, bacteria under high selective pressure for antibiotics develop resistance through spontaneous mutation or by acquiring antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Horizontal transfer of ARGs among bacteria in the environment can lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria that infect animals and humans, thus causing disease outbreaks. In this study, MDR strain FN1 was isolated from a feces-contaminated soil sample from a chicken farm under pressure from the antibiotic florfenicol (16 mg/L) and identified as Aeromonas salmonicida. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis revealed the 86.8-kb antibiotic-resistant genomic island, GEI-FN1A, in the FN1 genome. Genome annotation revealed that GEI-FN1A carried several ARGs, including two tetracycline-resistance genes [tetR and tet(A)], three aminoglycoside-resistance genes [aph(6), aph(3"), and aac(3)], one trimethoprim-resistance gene (dfrB4), two chloramphenicol/florfenicol-resistance genes (catB3 and floR), three macrolide-resistance genes [mphR(A), mrx(A), and mph(A)] and two sul1 genes. GEI-FN1A also contained genes encoding integrase, transposase, and recombinase, which mediate the horizontal transfer of MDR genes. These findings suggest that GEI-FN1A in A. salmonicida FN1 can potentially spread ARGs among environmental bacteria. | 2025 | 40553200 |
| 5248 | 2 | 0.9945 | Antibiotic resistance of heterotrophic bacteria from the sediments of adjoining high Arctic fjords, Svalbard. Antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are now considered major global threats. The Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden are the interlinked fjords in the Arctic that are currently experiencing the effects of climate change and receiving input of pollutants from distant and regional sources. The present study focused on understanding the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of retrievable heterotrophic bacteria from the sediments of adjacent Arctic fjords Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. A total of 237 bacterial isolates were tested against 16 different antibiotics. The higher resistance observed towards Extended Spectrum β-lactam antibiotic (ESBL) includes ceftazidime (45.56%) followed by trimethoprim (27%) and sulphamethizole (24.05%). The extent of resistance was meagre against tetracycline (2.53%) and gentamycin (2.95%). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis identified that Proteobacteria (56%) were the dominant antibiotic resistant phyla, followed by Firmicutes (35%), Actinobacteria (8%) and Bacteroidetes. The dominant resistant bacterial isolates are Bacillus cereus (10%), followed by Alcaligenes faecalis (6.47%), Cytobacillus firmus (5.75%) Salinibacterium sp. (5%) and Marinobacter antarcticus (5%). Our study reveals the prevalence of antibiotic resistance showed significant differences in both the inner and outer fjords of Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden (p < 0.05). This may be the input of antibiotic resistance bacteria released into the fjords from the preserved permafrost due to the melting of glaciers, horizontal gene transfer, and human influence in the Arctic region act as a selection pressure for the development and dissemination of more antibiotic resistant bacteria in Arctic fjords. | 2024 | 38767750 |
| 2605 | 3 | 0.9945 | Satellite tracking of gulls and genomic characterization of faecal bacteria reveals environmentally mediated acquisition and dispersal of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Gulls (Larus spp.) have frequently been reported to carry Escherichia coli exhibiting antimicrobial resistance (AMR E. coli); however, the pathways governing the acquisition and dispersal of such bacteria are not well described. We equipped 17 landfill-foraging gulls with satellite transmitters and collected gull faecal samples longitudinally from four locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska to assess: (a) gull attendance and transitions between sites, (b) spatiotemporal prevalence of faecally shed AMR E. coli, and (c) genomic relatedness of AMR E. coli isolates among sites. We also sampled Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) harvested as part of personal-use dipnet fisheries at two sites to assess potential contamination with AMR E. coli. Among our study sites, marked gulls most commonly occupied the lower Kenai River (61% of site locations) followed by the Soldotna landfill (11%), lower Kasilof River (5%) and upper Kenai River (<1%). Gulls primarily moved between the Soldotna landfill and the lower Kenai River (94% of transitions among sites), which were also the two locations with the highest prevalence of AMR E. coli. There was relatively high spatial and temporal variability in AMR E. coli prevalence in gull faeces and there was no evidence of contamination on salmon harvested in personal-use fisheries. We identified E. coli sequence types and AMR genes of clinical importance, with some isolates possessing genes associated with resistance to as many as eight antibiotic classes. Our findings suggest that gulls acquire AMR E. coli at habitats with anthropogenic inputs and subsequent movements may represent pathways through which AMR is dispersed. | 2019 | 30980689 |
| 5318 | 4 | 0.9943 | Further Evidence of Anthropogenic Impact: High Levels of Multiple-Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Found in Neritic-Stage Sea Turtles. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Marine turtles are globally threatened and face daily anthropogenic threats, including pollution. Water pollution from emerging contaminants such as antimicrobials is a major and current environmental concern. METHODS: This study investigated the phenotypic antimicrobial resistance and heavy metal resistance genes of 47 Vibrio isolates from different stages of sea turtles (oceanic stage vs neritic stage) from the Taiwanese coast. RESULTS: The results show that a high proportion (48.9%; 23/47) of the Vibrio species isolated from sea turtles in our study had a multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) pattern. It was found that Vibrio spp. isolates with a MAR pattern and those with a MAR index value greater than 0.2 were both more likely to be observed in neritic-stage sea turtles. Furthermore, isolates from neritic-stage sea turtles exhibited greater resistance to the majority of antimicrobials tested (with the exception of beta-lactams and macrolides) than isolates from the oceanic-stage groups. Isolates from neritic sea turtles were found to be more resistant to nitrofurans and aminoglycosides than isolates from oceanic sea turtles. Furthermore, isolates with a MAR pattern (p = 0.010) and those with a MAR index value greater than 0.2 (p = 0.027) were both found to be significantly positively associated with the mercury reductase (merA) gene. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study indicate that co-selection of heavy metals and antimicrobial resistance may occur in aquatic bacteria in the coastal foraging habitats of sea turtles in Taiwan. | 2024 | 39596693 |
| 3080 | 5 | 0.9943 | Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Bang Yai Canal and Phuket Bay in Phuket Province, Thailand. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical public health challenge, with surface waters serving as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Among these, gram-negative enteric bacteria (GNEB) are recognized as major carriers of resistance genes and frequent causes of human infections. As a major tourism destination in Thailand, Phuket Province is likely to face increasing AMR-related issues. This study investigates water quality and the prevalence of ARB in the Bang Yai Canal, a key urban waterway in Phuket, and its transition into Phuket Bay. Water samples were collected from nine stations during the dry and rainy seasons of 2024. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and GNEB resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, norfloxacin, and meropenem were examined in relation to water quality parameters. Results revealed significant spatial variation, with urban areas contributing substantially to ARB prevalence. Amoxicillin-resistant bacteria were the most prevalent, particularly among GNEB, while meropenem-resistant bacteria were consistently detected at most stations despite their low abundance. Seasonal variations indicated higher bacterial abundance upstream during the dry season and downstream during the rainy season, potentially driven by tourism and runoff dynamics. The coastal station exhibited a notably high proportion of antibiotic-resistant marine heterotrophic bacteria. Redundancy analysis identified turbidity and dissolved oxygen as significant factors influencing bacterial counts. Cluster analysis grouped stations based on water quality, with upstream and coastal sites exhibiting distinct profiles. This study underscores the critical role of urban activities in ARB dissemination and highlights the environmental and public health implications of ARB in coastal ecosystems, necessitating targeted mitigation and monitoring strategies. | 2025 | 40976823 |
| 3625 | 6 | 0.9943 | Antibiotic resistant bacteria/genes dissemination in lacustrine sediments highly increased following cultural eutrophication of Lake Geneva (Switzerland). This study investigates faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), of sediment profiles from different parts of Lake Geneva (Switzerland) over the last decades. MARs consist to expose culturable Escherichia coli (EC) and Enterococcus (ENT) to mixed five antibiotics including Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Chloramphenicol and Erythromycin. Culture-independent is performed to assess the distribution of ARGs responsible for, β-lactams (blaTEM; Amoxicillin/Ampicillin), Streptomycin/Spectinomycin (aadA), Tetracycline (tet) Chloramphenicol (cmlA) and Vancomycin (van). Bacterial cultures reveal that in the sediments deposited following eutrophication of Lake Geneva in the 1970s, the percentage of MARs to five antibiotics varied from 0.12% to 4.6% and 0.016% to 11.6% of total culturable EC and ENT, respectively. In these organic-rich bacteria-contaminated sediments, the blaTEM resistant of FIB varied from 22% to 48% and 16% to 37% for EC and ENT respectively, whereas the positive PCR assays responsible for tested ARGs were observed for EC, ENT, and total DNA from all samples. The aadA resistance gene was amplified for all the sediment samples, including those not influenced by WWTP effluent water. Our results demonstrate that bacteria MARs and ARGs highly increased in the sediments contaminated with WWTP effluent following the cultural eutrophication of Lake Geneva. Hence, the human-induced changing limnological conditions highly enhanced the sediment microbial activity, and therein the spreading of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes in this aquatic environment used to supply drinking water in a highly populated area. Furthermore, the presence of the antibiotic resistance gene aadA in all the studied samples points out a regional dissemination of this emerging contaminant in freshwater sediments since at least the late nineteenth century. | 2012 | 22051343 |
| 7077 | 7 | 0.9943 | Surfaces of gymnastic equipment as reservoirs of microbial pathogens with potential for transmission of bacterial infection and antimicrobial resistance. Gymnastic equipment surfaces are shared by many people, and could mediate the transfer of bacterial pathogens. To better understand this detrimental potential, investigations on the reservoirs of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance on the surfaces of gymnastic equipment were performed by analyzing the bacterial community structures, prevalence of viable bacteria, and presence of antimicrobial resistance on both indoor and outdoor gymnastic facilities. The results of high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing showed that Gram-positive bacteria on the surfaces of indoor gymnastic equipment significantly enriched, including the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus strains, while Enterobacteriaceae significantly enriched on surfaces of outdoor gymnastic equipment. The analysis of α-diversities showed a higher richness and diversity for bacterial communities on the surfaces of gymnastic equipment than the environment. Analysis of β-diversities showed that the bacterial communities on the surfaces of gymnastic equipment differ significantly from environmental bacterial communities, while the bacterial communities on indoor and outdoor equipment are also significantly different. Thirty-four bacterial isolates were obtained from the surfaces of gymnastic equipment, including three multidrug Staphylococcus and one multidrug resistant Pantoea. In particular, Staphylococcus hemolyticus 5-6, isolated from the dumbbell surface, is a multidrug resistant, hemolytic, high- risk pathogen. The results of quantitative PCR targeting antibiotic resistance related genes (intI1, sul1 and bla (TEM)) showed that the abundances of sul1 and bla (TEM) genes on the surfaces of gymnastic equipment are higher than the environment, while the abundances of sul1 gene on indoor equipment are higher than outdoor equipment. These results lead to the conclusion that the surfaces of gymnastic equipment are potential dissemination pathways for highly dangerous pathogens as well as antimicrobial resistance, and the risks of indoor equipment are higher than outdoor equipment. | 2023 | 37152727 |
| 3624 | 8 | 0.9942 | Occurrence of multi-antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas spp. in drinking water produced from karstic hydrosystems. Aquatic environments could play a role in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes by enabling antibiotic-resistant bacteria transferred through wastewater inputs to connect with autochthonous bacteria. Consequently, drinking water could be a potential pathway to humans and animals for antibiotic resistance genes. The aim of this study was to investigate occurrences of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. in drinking water produced from a karst, a vulnerable aquifer with frequent increases in water turbidity after rainfall events and run-offs. Water samples were collected throughout the system from the karstic springs to the drinking water tap during three non-turbid periods and two turbid events. E. coli densities in the springs were 10- to 1000-fold higher during the turbid events than during the non-turbid periods, indicating that, with increased turbidity, surface water had entered the karstic system and contaminated the spring water. However, no E. coli were isolated in the drinking water. In contrast, Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from the drinking water only during turbid events, while the densities in the springs were from 10- to 100-fold higher than in the non-turbid periods. All the 580 Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained from the sampling periods were resistant (to between 1 and 10 antibiotics), with similar resistance patterns. Among all the Pseudomonas isolated throughout the drinking water production system, between 32% and 86% carried the major resistance pattern: ticarcillin, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, cefsulodin, and/or aztreonam, and/or sulfamethoxazol-trimethoprim, and/or fosfomycin. Finally, 8 Pseudomonas spp. isolates, related to the Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens species, were isolated from the drinking water. Thus, Pseudomonas could be involved in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance via drinking water during critical periods. | 2014 | 24875257 |
| 5279 | 9 | 0.9942 | Occurrence of integrons and antibiotic resistance genes in cryoconite and ice of Svalbard, Greenland, and the Caucasus glaciers. The prevalence of integrons and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a serious threat for public health in the new millennium. Although commonly detected in sites affected by strong anthropogenic pressure, in remote areas their occurrence, dissemination, and transfer to other ecosystems is poorly recognized. Remote sites are considered as a benchmark for human-induced contamination on Earth. For years glaciers were considered pristine, now they are regarded as reservoirs of contaminants, thus studies on contamination of glaciers, which may be released to other ecosystems, are highly needed. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the occurrence and frequency of clinically relevant ARGs and resistance integrons in the genomes of culturable bacteria and class 1 integron-integrase gene copy number in the metagenome of cryoconite, ice and supraglacial gravel collected on two Arctic (South-West Greenland and Svalbard) and two High Mountain (the Caucasus) glaciers. Altogether, 36 strains with intI1 integron-integrase gene were isolated. Presence of class 1 integron-integrase gene was also recorded in metagenomic DNA from all sampling localities. The mean values of relative abundance of intI1 gene varied among samples and ranged from 0.7% in cryoconite from Adishi Glacier (the Caucasus) to 16.3% in cryoconite from Greenland. Moreover, antibiotic-resistant strains were isolated from all regions. Genes conferring resistance to β-lactams (bla(SHV), bla(TEM), bla(OXA), bla(CMY)), fluoroquinolones (qepA, qnrC), and chloramphenicol (cat, cmr) were detected in the genomes of bacterial isolates. | 2020 | 32059297 |
| 3291 | 10 | 0.9942 | From wastewater to resistance: characterization of multidrug-resistant bacteria and assessment of natural antimicrobial compounds. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance in wastewater pose significant threats to both the environment and public health. Bacteria harboring multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), including those associated with horizontal gene transfer (HGT), can serve as persistent reservoirs and vectors for antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems. In this study, nine antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains (U1-U9) were isolated from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. The isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were evaluated. All isolates exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, and WGS revealed that U1, U2, U4, and U7 harbored diverse ARGs, including β-lactamase genes, efflux pumps, and resistance determinants for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and, quinolones, confirming the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in WWTP effluent. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into Microbacterium spp. (Actinobacteria), Chryseobacterium spp. (Bacteroidetes), Lactococcus lactis spp. (Firmicutes), and Psychrobacter spp. (Proteobacteria). To explore mitigation strategies, eleven natural compounds were screened for their effects on cell growth, biofilm formation, and motility in selected multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Among the tested compounds, curcumin and emodin showed the most consistent inhibitory activity, particularly against Microbacterium spp. strains U1 and U2, and Lactococcus lactis sp. U4. In contrast, Chryseobacterium sp. U7, a Gram-negative strain, exhibited strong resistance to all tested natural compounds, highlighting the challenge of controlling Gram-negative ARBs in wastewater settings. These findings underscore the environmental risks posed by multidrug-resistant and HGT-associated ARG-harboring bacteria in WWTP effluent. They also demonstrate the potential of natural products, such as curcumin and emodin, as alternative or complementary agents for mitigating antibiotic resistance in water systems. | 2025 | 40708915 |
| 3292 | 11 | 0.9942 | Heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water: evaluating antibiotic resistance and the presence of virulence genes. Heterotrophic bacteria, impacting those with infections or compromised immunity, pose heightened health risks when resistant to antibiotics. This study investigates heterotrophic plate count bacteria in water from North West-C (NWC) and North West-G (NWG) facilities, revealing prevalent β-hemolysis (NWC 82.5%, NWG 86.7%), enzyme production (98%), and antibiotic resistance, especially in NWC. NWG exhibits variations in hemolysin (P = 0.013), lipase (P = 0.009), and DNase activity (P = 0.006). Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, persist throughout treatment, with high resistance to β-lactams and trimethoprim (47%-100%), predominantly in NWC. Multiple antibiotic resistance index indicates that 90% of values exceed 0.20, signifying isolates from high antibiotic usage sources. Whole genome sequencing reveals diverse antibiotic resistance genes in heterotrophic strains, emphasizing their prevalence and health risks in water.IMPORTANCEThis study's findings are a stark reminder of a significant health concern: our water sources harbor antibiotic-resistant heterotrophic bacteria, which can potentially cause illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying infections. Antibiotic resistance among these bacteria is deeply concerning, as it threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics, critical for treating various infections. Moreover, detecting virulence factors in a notable proportion of these bacteria highlights their elevated risk to public health. This research underscores the immediate need for enhanced water treatment processes, rigorous water quality monitoring, and the development of strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in the environment. Safeguarding the safety of our drinking water is imperative to protect public health and mitigate the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, making these findings a compelling call to action for policymakers and public health authorities alike. | 2024 | 38205959 |
| 1924 | 12 | 0.9941 | Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes. The development and spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) through microbiota associated with freshwater bodies is a major global health concern. In the present study, freshwater samples were collected and analyzed with respect to the total bacterial diversity and AR genes (ARGs) using both conventional culture-based techniques and a high-throughput culture-independent metagenomic approach. This paper presents a systematic protocol for the enumeration of the total and antibiotic-resistant culturable bacteria from freshwater samples and the determination of phenotypic and genotypic resistance in the culturable isolates. Further, we report the use of whole metagenomic analysis of the total metagenomic DNA extracted from the freshwater sample for the identification of the overall bacterial diversity, including non-culturable bacteria, and the identification of the total pool of different ARGs (resistome) in the water body. Following these detailed protocols, we observed a high antibiotic-resistant bacteria load in the range of 9.6 × 10(5)-1.2 × 10(9) CFU/mL. Most isolates were resistant to the multiple tested antibiotics, including cefotaxime, ampicillin, levofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, neomycin, trimethoprim, and ciprofloxacin, with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes of ≥0.2, indicating high levels of resistance in the isolates. The 16S rRNA sequencing identified potential human pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, and opportunistic bacteria, such as Comamonas spp., Micrococcus spp., Arthrobacter spp., and Aeromonas spp. The molecular characterization of the isolates showed the presence of various ARGs, such as blaTEM, blaCTX-M (β-lactams), aadA, aac (6')-Ib (aminoglycosides), and dfr1 (trimethoprims), which was also confirmed by the whole metagenomic DNA analysis. A high prevalence of other ARGs encoding for antibiotic efflux pumps-mtrA, macB, mdtA, acrD, β-lactamases-SMB-1, VIM-20, ccrA, ampC, blaZ, the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene catB10, and the rifampicin resistance gene rphB-was also detected in the metagenomic DNA. With the help of the protocols discussed in this study, we confirmed the presence of waterborne MAR bacteria with diverse AR phenotypic and genotypic traits. Thus, whole metagenomic DNA analysis can be used as a complementary technique to conventional culture-based techniques to determine the overall AR status of a water body. | 2023 | 36939224 |
| 5704 | 13 | 0.9941 | Bats as Hosts of Antimicrobial-Resistant Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis with Zoonotic Relevance. Bats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, playing a potential role in the dissemination of resistance genes across species and regions. In this study, 105 bats from 19 species in Portugal were sampled to investigate the presence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of Mammaliicoccus and Staphylococcus isolates. Thirteen Mammaliicoccus lentus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were recovered. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed multidrug resistance in three isolates, with S. epidermidis carrying mph(C), msr(A), and dfrC genes, and M. lentus harboring salB, tet(K), and str. Notably, qacA was detected in S. epidermidis, highlighting its plasmid-associated potential for horizontal gene transfer to more pathogenic bacteria. Heavy metal resistance genes (arsB and cadD) were also identified, suggesting the role of environmental factors in co-selecting antimicrobial resistance. Molecular typing revealed the S. epidermidis strain as ST297, a clone associated with both healthy humans and invasive infections. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring bats as reservoirs of resistance determinants, particularly in the context of zoonotic and environmental health. The presence of mobile genetic elements and plasmids further underscores the potential for the dissemination of resistance. This study reinforces the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance. | 2025 | 40284824 |
| 2807 | 14 | 0.9941 | Occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the sea surface microlayer of coastal waters in the southern North Sea. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in coastal waters is a global health problem posing potential risks to the health of humans who depend on coastal resources. Monitoring and increased efforts are needed to maintain the health of marine ecosystems. The sea surface microlayer (SML) is poorly studied for antibiotic resistance of the inhabiting bacteria. Therefore, we examined the antibiotic resistance patterns of 41 bacterial strains isolated from the SML in a harbor in the southern North Sea. The strains are affiliated with 17 genera typically found in the marine environment. Using the disc diffusion assay, we found extensive resistance, particularly to gentamycin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, penicillin, sulfadimidine, and streptomycin. A broth microdilution assay showed high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for most isolates for amikacin, aztreonam, ceftazidime, cefepime, minocycline, and tobramycin. Genome analysis of three strains affiliated with the genera Pseudoseohaeicola, Nereida, and Vibrio, all showing a highly resistant phenotype, revealed the presence of 57, 42, and 90 genes, respectively, associated with antibiotic resistance. Over 50 % of these genes are multidrug efflux pumps. Our study shows that the SML in anthropogenic-influenced coastal regions harbors a wide diversity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria equipped with a broad range of multidrug efflux pumps. | 2024 | 39471667 |
| 2576 | 15 | 0.9941 | Freshwater and Marine Environments in California Are a Reservoir of Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria. Carbapenems are last-resort antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Resistance to carbapenems has been designated as an urgent threat and is increasing in healthcare settings. However, little is still known about the distribution and characteristics of carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) outside of healthcare settings. Here, we surveyed the distribution of CRB in ten diverse freshwater and seawater environments in California, U.S., ranging from San Luis Obispo County to San Bernardino County, combining both direct isolation and enrichment approaches to increase the diversity of isolated CRB. From the locations surveyed, we selected 30 CRB for further characterization. These isolates were identified as members of the genera Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Stenotrophomonas. These isolates were resistant to carbapenems, other β-lactams, and often to other antibiotics (tetracycline, gentamicin, or ciprofloxacin). We also found that nine isolates belonging to the genera Aeromonas, Enterobacter (bla(IMI-2)), and Stenotrophomonas (bla(L1)) produced carbapenemases. Overall, our findings indicate that sampling different types of aquatic environments and combining different isolation approaches increase the diversity of the environmental CRB obtained. Moreover, our study supports the increasingly recognized role of natural water systems as an underappreciated reservoir of bacteria resistant to carbapenems and other antibiotics, including bacteria carrying carbapenemase genes. | 2024 | 38674746 |
| 2580 | 16 | 0.9941 | Insights into the Microbiome and Antibiotic Resistance Genes from Hospital Environmental Surfaces: A Prime Source of Antimicrobial Resistance. Hospital environmental surfaces are potential reservoirs for transmitting hospital-associated pathogens. This study aimed to profile microbiomes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from hospital environmental surfaces using 16S rRNA amplicon and metagenomic sequencing at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. Samples were collected from patient sinks and healthcare staff counters at surgery and orthopaedic wards. The samples' DNA were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon and shotgun sequencing to identify bacterial taxonomic profiles, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factor pathways. The bacterial richness was more diverse in the samples collected from patient sinks than those collected from staff counters. Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia dominated at the phylum level, while Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter dominated at the genus level. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were prevalent on sinks while Bacillus cereus dominated the counter samples. The highest counts of ARGs to beta-lactam were detected, followed by ARGs against fosfomycin and cephalosporin. We report the detection of mcr-10.1 that confers resistance to colistin at a hospital setting in Malaysia. The virulence gene pathways that aid in antibiotic resistance gene transfer between bacteria were identified. Environmental surfaces serve as potential reservoirs for nosocomial infections and require mitigation strategies to control the spread of antibiotic resistance bacteria. | 2024 | 38391513 |
| 3374 | 17 | 0.9941 | Characterization of Enterococcus species in surface drinking water from Akoko Edo Nigeria reveals contamination levels and risks to public health. This study focused on the assessment of drinking surface water for the presence and characteristics of Enterococcus species, which are indicative of water contamination and pose potential health risks to consumers. Our year-long investigation into several water bodies included using chromogenic medium and membrane filtering to isolate Enterococcus. The antimicrobial susceptibility of these bacteria was assessed through micro broth dilution, while virulence factors and biofilm formation were determined phenotypically. Resistance and virulence traits were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The study revealed varying bacterial densities measured in log10 CFU/100mL, with fecal coliforms, total coliforms, and Enterococcus species all present in the water, highlighting potential contamination issues. Enterococcus distribution showed a variety of species, with E. faecium being the most prevalent. Alarmingly, 63.9% of the isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR), and efflux pump genes associated with antimicrobial resistance were detected. The presence of virulence genes and genes associated with biofilm formation indicates the potential of these Enterococcus species to cause diseases and contribute to water quality problems. Given that this surface water serves as a drinking water source for local communities, the findings indicate a potential public health threat. The study provides crucial data for health professionals to conduct risk assessments, reducing the risk of health issues and enhancing consumer safety in relation to drinking water. | 2025 | 41173967 |
| 5708 | 18 | 0.9941 | Successful expansion of hospital-associated clone of vanA-positive vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST9 to an anthropogenically polluted mangrove in Brazil. Mangrove ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity, but have been threatened by anthropogenic activities. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial bacteria classified as high priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Herein, we describe the identification and genomic characteristics of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain isolated from a highly impacted mangrove ecosystem of the northeastern Brazilian, in 2021. Genomic analysis confirmed the existence of the transposon Tn1546-vanA and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes, such as streptogramins, tetracycline, phenicols, and fluoroquinolones. Virulome analysis identified several genes associated to adherence, immune modulation, biofilm, and exoenzymes production. The UFSEfl strain was assigned to sequence type (ST9), whereas phylogenomic analysis with publicly available genomes from a worldwide confirmed clonal relatedness with a hospital-associated Brazilian clone. Our findings highlight the successful expansion of hospital-associated VRE in a mangrove area and shed light on the need for strengthening genomic surveillance of WHO priority pathogens in these vital ecosystems. | 2024 | 38056291 |
| 3492 | 19 | 0.9941 | A metagenomic study of antibiotic resistance genes in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake contaminated by anthropogenic sources. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a major threat to human and environmental health. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán, a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in Mexico contaminated by anthropogenic sources (urban wastewater and runoff from crop and livestock production). ARGs (a total of 475 genes) were detected in 22 bacterial genera, with Pseudomonas (144 genes), Stenotrophomonas (88 genes), Mycobacterium (54 genes), and Rhodococcus (27 genes) displaying the highest frequencies of ARGs. Among these, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed the highest number of ARGs. The results revealed a diverse array of ARGs, including resistance to macrolides (11.55 %), aminoglycosides (8.22 %), glycopeptides (6.22 %), tetracyclines (4 %), sulfonamides (4 %), carbapenems (1.11 %), phenicols (0.88 %), fluoroquinolones (0.44 %), and lincosamides (0.22 %). The most frequently observed ARGs were associated with multidrug resistance (63.33 %), with MexF (42 genes), MexW (36 genes), smeD (31 genes), mtrA (25 genes), and KHM-1 (22 genes) being the most common. Lake Cajititlán is a recreational area for swimming, fishing, and boating, while also supporting irrigation for agriculture and potentially acting as a drinking water source for some communities. This raises concerns about the potential for exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria through these activities. The presence of ARGs in Lake Cajititlán poses a significant threat to both human and environmental health. Developing strategies to mitigate the risks of antibiotic resistance, including improving wastewater treatment, and promoting strategic antibiotic use and disposal, is crucial. This study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of antibiotic resistance dynamics in a hypereutrophic subtropical lake in a developing country, providing valuable insights for the scientific community and policymakers. | 2024 | 38583614 |