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Yu K, Li P, Qiang Z, Chen P, He Y. Particulate matter continuum as distinct colonization niches for antibiotic resistome, mobilome and virulence factor genes in wastewater: Insights from full size-fractionated partitioning. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 494:138503. [PMID: 40378735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2025] [Revised: 04/23/2025] [Accepted: 05/04/2025] [Indexed: 05/19/2025]
Abstract
Particulate matter continuum is recognized for its significant role as a colonization niche for microorganisms, along with antibiotic resistome, mobilome, and virulence factor genes (VFGs). However, potential particle size effects on the dynamics of these bioactive pollutants in WWTPs is largely unknown. Hence, we used filtration membranes to fractionate particulate matter in wastewater into five size-fractions (< 0.2, 0.2 - 0.8, 0.8 - 3.0, 3.0 - 10.0, > 10.0 μm). The results showed that the diversity and abundances of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and VFGs varied across these fractions. Notably, the particle range of 0.8 - 3.0 μm exhibited the highest relative abundances of ARGs (0.71) and MGEs (0.41), indicating that this size-fraction was their hotspots. Moreover, the relative abundances of phyla, such as Acidobacteria (0 - 11.73 %), Chloroflexi (0 - 11.03 %) and Patescibacteria (0.033 - 35.95 %) varied across the size-fractions. The differentiation of ARGs might be attributed to the diversity and structures of bacterial communities colonizing in different size-fractions. Furthermore, it was revealed that the size-fractions (< 3.0 μm) cannot be effectively removed by the treatment units. The removal efficiencies of size-fractionated ARGs are treatment process-specific. It highlights the need to adopt specific technologies to remove size-fractionated ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifeng Yu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, 117411, Singapore; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore, 1 CREATE Way, 138602, Singapore
| | - Peng Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhimin Qiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ping Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiliang He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), National University of Singapore, 1 CREATE Way, 138602, Singapore; China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
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2
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Ye T, Li Y, Zhou X, Ye Y, Liu X, Xiong W. Hormesis-like effects of black phosphorus nanosheets on the spread of multiple antibiotic resistance genes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 487:137207. [PMID: 39827804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2024] [Revised: 12/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
The production scalability and increasing demand for black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) inevitably lead to environmental leakage. Although BPNSs' ecotoxicological effects have been demonstrated, their indirect health risks, such as inducing increased resistance in pathogenic bacteria, are often overlooked. This study explores the influence of BPNSs on the horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) facilitated by the RP4 plasmid, which carries multiple resistance genes. The results indicated that BPNSs exhibited concentration-dependent hormesis-like effects on bacterial conjugation gene transfer. Specifically, at sub-inhibitory concentrations (0.0001-1 mg/L), BPNSs promoted both intra- and intergeneric conjugative transfer, demonstrating an initial increase followed by a decline, with transfer rates rising by 1.5-3.1-fold and 1.5-3.3-fold, respectively. BPNSs were found to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increase malondialdehyde levels, and trigger the SOS response, enhancing plasmid uptake. Additionally, BPNSs increased membrane permeability by forming pores and upregulating outer membrane porins (OMPs) genes. At higher BPNSs concentrations (0.1-1 mg/L), conjugative frequency was inhibited due to the disruption of the cellular antioxidant system and changes in the adsorption process. These findings underscore the influence of BPNSs on the conjugative transfer of ARGs, complementing current knowledge of the biotoxicity and potential ecological risks associated with BPNSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yingbin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiangming Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yuhang Ye
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xuran Liu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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3
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Fang P, Konyali D, Fischer E, Mayer RP, Huang J, Elena AX, Orzechowski GH, Tony-Odigie A, Kneis D, Dalpke A, Krebs P, Li B, Berendonk TU, Klümper U. Effects of Cigarette-Derived Compounds on the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance in Artificial Human Lung Sputum Medium, Simulated Environmental Media, and Wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2025; 133:47003. [PMID: 40032488 PMCID: PMC11980918 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and smoking of tobacco products are two of the most important threats to global human health. Both are associated with millions of deaths every year. Surprisingly, the immediate interactions between these two threats remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES We aimed to elucidate the effect of toxic compounds from cigarette smoke, ashes, and filters on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in human lung and environmental microbiomes. METHODS Conjugation experiments using donor and recipient strain pairs of either Pseudomonas putida or Escherichia coli and AMR-encoding plasmids were conducted under exposure to different concentrations of cigarette smoke condensate in lung sputum medium, as well as cigarette ash and filter leachate in environmental media. We further measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of the donor strain under exposure to the cigarette-derived compounds to explore whether stress experienced by the bacteria could be one of the underlying mechanisms of change in plasmid transfer frequencies. Furthermore, used cigarette filters were submerged in a wastewater stream for several weeks, and the colonizing communities were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and high-throughput quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared with communities colonizing unused control filters. RESULTS Exposure to cigarette smoke condensate at relevant concentrations resulted in > 2 -fold higher transfer rates of a multidrug-resistance-encoding plasmid in artificial lung sputum medium. This was associated with higher ROS production as part of the bacterial stress response when exposed to cigarette-derived toxicants. Similar results were obtained for cigarette ash leachate in an environmental medium. Further, used cigarette filters were colonized by different microbial communities compared with unused filters. Those communities were significantly enriched with potential human pathogens and AMR. DISCUSSION The results of this study suggest that cigarette-derived compounds can indeed promote the spread of AMR within simulated human lung and environmental conditions. This study highlights that the consumption of cigarettes has not only direct but may also have indirect adverse effects on human health by promoting AMR. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14704.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiju Fang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Diala Konyali
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emily Fischer
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robin Pascal Mayer
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jin Huang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alan Xavier Elena
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Andrew Tony-Odigie
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Kneis
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Dalpke
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Krebs
- Institute of Urban and Industrial Water Management, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Thomas U. Berendonk
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uli Klümper
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Feng B, Chen J, Wang C, Wang P, You G, Lin J, Gao H. Removal of ofloxacin and inhibition of antibiotic resistance gene spread during the aerobic biofilm treatment of rural domestic sewage through the micro-nano aeration technology. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 486:137020. [PMID: 39733752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.137020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/31/2024]
Abstract
Micro-nano aeration (MNA) has great potential for emerging contaminant removal. However, the mechanism of antibiotic removal and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) spread, and the impact of the different aeration conditions remain unclear. This study investigated the adsorption and biodegradation of ofloxacin (OFL) and the spread of ARGs in aerobic biofilm systems under MNA and conventional aeration (CVA) conditions. Results showed that the MNA increased OFL removal by 17.27 %-40.54 % and decreased total ARG abundance by 36.37 %-54.98 %, compared with CVA. MNA-induced biofilm rough morphology, high zeta potential, and reduced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion enhanced OFL adsorption. High dissolved oxygen and temperature, induced by MNA-enriched aerobic bacteria and their carrying OFL-degrading genes, enhanced OFL biodegradation. MNA inhibited the enrichment of ARG host bacteria, which acquired ARGs possibly via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Functional profiles involved in the HGT process, including reactive oxygen species production, membrane permeability, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and EPS secretion, were down-regulated by MNA, inhibiting ARG spread. Partial least-squares path modeling revealed that MGEs might be the main factor inhibiting ARG spread. This study provides insights into the mechanisms by which MNA enhances antibiotic removal and inhibits ARG spread in aerobic biofilm systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Feng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Guoxiang You
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Junkai Lin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Han Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Department on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing 210098, PR China
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5
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Sun D, Shi X, Shen Y, Liu Y, Luo S, Jin Y, Zhai W, Liu L, Deng Z, Sun C, Liu D, Yang X, Xie Y, Krüger-Haker H, Wu C, Schwarz S, Shen J, Chen Y, Ma S, Wang Y. Comparative efficacy of anaerobic digestion systems in removing antimicrobial resistance genes from swine wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 485:136868. [PMID: 39708598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 12/10/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024]
Abstract
Swine farm wastewater is a major reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Anaerobic digestion (AD), widely implemented in farms, has been extensively studied for ARG removal. However, a comparative study on ARG removal efficiency across the four principal AD systems - up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), buried biogas digester (BBD), and septic tank (SPT) - is lacking. Herein, we employed metagenomic sequencing, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, as well as atomic absorption spectrometry/atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry, and revealed that UASB and CSTR achieved higher removal efficiencies for both ARGs (67% and 57%) and antibiotic residues (100% and 90%) compared to BBD and SPT. Acinetobacter, Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Streptococcus were the primary ARG hosts, comprising over 65% of the total abundance in influent samples. UASB and CSTR systems demonstrated superior removal efficiencies for both mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and antibiotic residues, both of which had essential impacts on ARG profiles. In addition, heavy metals might contribute to variation in ARGs through horizontal gene transfer. Collectively, the variation in microbial communities and better removal of both MGEs and antibiotic residues contribute to the remarkable ARG removal efficiency of UASB and CSTR, therefore, advocating for the widespread adoption of these two AD systems in swine farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Sun
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaomin Shi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yingbo Shen
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sunlin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongpeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weishuai Zhai
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhaoju Deng
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chengtao Sun
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dejun Liu
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Hainan Animal Disease Control Center, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Youzhi Xie
- Hainan Animal Disease Control Center, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Henrike Krüger-Haker
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Center for Infection Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14163, Germany; Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14163, Germany
| | - Congming Wu
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Center for Infection Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14163, Germany; Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR), School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14163, Germany
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiqiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Shizhen Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- Technology Innovation Center for Food Safety Surveillance and Detection (Hainan), Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya 572025, China; National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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6
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Xu Z, Li C, Xiong J, Hu S, Ma Y, Li S, Ren X, Huang B, Pan X. The ecological security risks of phthalates: A focus on antibiotic resistance gene dissemination in aquatic environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 376:124488. [PMID: 39946805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.124488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2024] [Revised: 12/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become a major focus in environmental safety and human health, with concerns about non-antibiotic substances like microplastics facilitating their horizontal gene transfer. Phthalate esters (PAEs), as ubiquitous plastic additives, are prevalent in aquatic environments, yet there remains a dearth of studies examining their impacts on ARG dissemination. This study focuses on dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a prototypical PAE, to assess its potential influence on the conjugative transfer of ARGs along with the related molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that DBP exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations significantly promoted the conjugative transfer of RP4 plasmid-mediated ARGs by up to 2.7-fold compared to that of the control group, whereas it severely suppressed the conjugation at a high concentration (100 μg/L). The promotion of conjugation transfer by low-concentration DBP (0.01-10 μg/L) was mainly attributed to the stimulation of ROS, enhanced membrane permeability, increased energy synthesis, increased polymeric substances secretion, and upregulation of conjugation-related genes. Conversely, high DBP exposure induced oxidative damage and reduced ATP synthesis, resulting in the suppression of ARG conjugation. Notably, donor and recipient bacteria responded differently to DBP-induced oxidative stress. This study explores the environmental behavior of DBP in the water environment from the perspective of ARG propagation and provides essential data and theoretical insights to raise public awareness about the ecological security risks of PAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Xu
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, 650092, China.
| | - Caiqing Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jinrui Xiong
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, 650092, China
| | - Siyuan Hu
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yitao Ma
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, 650092, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiaomin Ren
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Xuejun Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming, 650092, China.
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7
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Zhao C, Suyamud B, Yuan Y, Ghosh S, Xu X, Hu J. Effect of non-antibiotic factors on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquaculture water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 483:136701. [PMID: 39615392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
Aquaculture water with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is escalating due to the horizontal gene transfer. Non-antibiotic stressors specifically found, including those from fishery feed and disinfectants, are potential co-selectors. However, the mechanisms underlying this process remains unclear. Intragenus and intergenus conjugative transfer systems of the antibiotic-resistant plasmid RP4 were established to examine conjugative transfer frequency under exposure to five widely used non-antibiotic factors in aquaculture water: iodine, oxolinic acid, NO2-N, NO3-N and H2O2 and four different recipient bacteria: E. coli HB101, Citrobacter portucalensis SG1, Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio alginolyticus. The study found that low concentrations of non-antibiotic factors significantly promoted conjugative transfer, whereas high concentrations inhibited it. Moreover, the conjugation transfer efficiencies were significantly different with different bacterial species within (E. coli HB101 ∼ 10-3 %) or cross genera (C. portucalensis SG1 ∼10-5 %, V. harveyi ∼1 %). Besides, excessive exposure concentrations inhibited the expression of related genes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Regulation of multiple related genes and ROS-induced SOS responses are common primary mechanisms. However, the mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors differ from those of standard antibiotics, with direct changes in cell membrane permeability potentially playing a dominant role. Additionally, variations among non-antibiotic factors and the specific characteristics of bacterial species contribute to differences in conjugation mechanisms. Notably, this study found that non-antibiotic factors could increase the frequency of intergeneric conjugation beyond that of intrageneric conjugation. Furthermore, non-antibiotic factors influenced by multiple transport systems may raise the risk of unintended cross-resistance, significantly amplifying the potential for resistance gene spread. This study underscores the significance of non-antibiotic factors in the propagation of ARGs, highlighting their role in advancing aquaculture development and protecting human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendong Zhao
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Bongkotrat Suyamud
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Yue Yuan
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Shayok Ghosh
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Xulin Xu
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Jiangyong Hu
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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8
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Li J, Sun D, Wu J, Liu F, Xu Y, Wang Y, Shui X, Li Q, Zhao B. Lithium enhanced plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes in Escherichia coli: Different concentrations and mechanisms. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2025; 279:107263. [PMID: 39874626 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2025] [Accepted: 01/25/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
Conjugative transfer, a pivotal mechanism in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants. As an emerging contaminant, lithium (Li) has garnered much attention due to its extensive applications. This research investigated the effects of Li on conjugative transfer process, examining biochemical and omics perspectives. Results revealed that Li could increase the conjugative transfer frequency of both donor and recipient via different mechanisms at varying concentrations. At 0.1 mg/L LiCl, a notable increase in conjugative transfer frequency occurred without ROS elevation. However, the surge of ROS was identified as a crucial regulator at 100 mg/L LiCl, as eliminating ROS would significantly decrease the conjugative transfer frequency. Besides, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed consistent variations in "SOS response", "quorum sensing" and "oxidative phosphorylation" pathways at both 0.1 mg/L and 100 mg/L LiCl concentrations, suggesting their pivotal roles as targets for Li regulation and is independent of Li concentration. While genes related to "conjugative transfer", "pili", "outer membrane protein" and "antioxidant enzyme" were only significantly regulated by 100 mg/L LiCl, possible to be the specific reasons for High (100 mg/L) LiCl increased conjugative transfer frequency. This study reveals the distinct effects and mechanisms of different concentration of Li on conjugative transfer in E. coli, providing a theoretical basis for the understanding of the environmental effects of Li.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Dongzhe Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yuanhao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xiaoxi Shui
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Qingyang Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China; Postdoctoral Research Station in Biology, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Baohua Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang B, Ahmed I, Zhang H, He Y. Profiles and natural drivers of antibiotic resistome in multiple environmental media in penguin-colonized area in Antarctica. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2025; 5:269-281. [PMID: 40166126 PMCID: PMC11955065 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Profiles and driving mechanisms of antibiotic resistome in the polar region are important for exploring the natural evolution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, we evaluated the profiles of antibiotic resistome in multiple media on Inexpressible Island, Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Average concentrations of ARGs in intracellular DNA (iARGs) among water (3.98 × 106 copies/L), soil (3.41 × 107 copies/kg), and penguin guano (7.04 × 107 copies/kg) were higher than those of ARGs in extracellular DNA (eARGs) among water (1.99 × 104 copies/L), soil (1.75 × 106 copies/kg), and penguin guano (8.02 × 106 copies/kg). It was indicated that the transmission of ARGs across different media occurs with around 77.8% of iARGs from soil and 86.7% of iARGs from penguins observed in water, and 80.7% of iARGs and 56.7% of eARGs from penguins found in soil. Annual inputs of ARGs from Adélie penguins on Inexpressible Island have increased since 1983. Bacitracin, multidrug, and aminoglycoside resistance genes were the main ARGs among water, soil, and penguin guano. Primary medium-risk ARGs associated with human pathogenic bacteria were multidrug resistance genes, and main low-risk ARGs associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were aminoglycoside resistance genes. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from soil and penguins were more phylogenetically related to aquatic antibiotic-resistant mesophiles than aquatic antibiotic-resistant psychrophiles. MGEs, ARB, bacterial diversities, antibiotics, and metals could explain total ARGs between water and soil. Intracellular MGEs were the most significant in-situ driver of iARGs in water, reflecting that horizontal gene transfer could facilitate the spread of ARGs in water. Penguins were important ex-situ drivers of environmental antibiotic resistome, which was linked with risky ARGs between water and soil. These findings highlight the major roles of natural drivers (e.g., MGEs and penguins) in shaping environmental antibiotic resistome in polar areas, improving our understanding of the evolution of environmental microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongpeng Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Imtiaz Ahmed
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hanshu Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiliang He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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10
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Wang S, Li W, Xi B, Cao L, Huang C. Mechanisms and influencing factors of horizontal gene transfer in composting system: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 955:177017. [PMID: 39427888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 10/13/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024]
Abstract
Organic solid wastes such as livestock manure and sewage sludge are important sources and repositories of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Composting, a solid waste treatment technology, has demonstrated efficacy in degrading various antibiotics and reducing ARGs. However, some recalcitrant ARGs (e.g., sul1, sul2) will enrich during the composting maturation period. These ARGs persist in compost products and spread through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). We analyzed the reasons behind the increase of ARGs during the maturation phase. It was found that the proliferation of ARG-host bacteria and HGT process play an important role. This article revealed that microbial physiological responses, environmental factors, pollutants, and quorum sensing (QS) can all influence the HGT process in composting systems. We examined the influence of these factors on HGT in the compost system and summarized potential mechanisms by analyzing the alterations in microbial communities. We comprehensively summarized the HGT hazards that these factors may present in composting systems. Finally, we summarized methods to inhibit HGT in compost, such as using additives, quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs), microbial inoculation, and predicting HGT events. Overall, the HGT mechanism and driving force in complex composting systems are still insufficiently studied. In view of the current situation, using predictions to assess the risk of HGT in composting may be advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lijia Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Caihong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Ecological Effect and Risk Assessment of Chemicals, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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11
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Zhao H, Sun Y, Cao X, Waigi MG, Liu J. Effects and mechanisms of chlormequat on horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes through plasmid-mediated conjugation in agro-ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135639. [PMID: 39191006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Chlormequat (CCC) is widely used in agricultural production to increase the crop yield. However, the effects of CCC on transfer of ARGs in agricultural system are still unclear. In this study, using E.coli DH5α (carrying RP4 plasmid with AmpR, TetR, KanR) as the donor bacterium, E.coli HB101, endophytic Pseudomonas sp. Ph6 or rhizosphere Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as the recipient strain, three conjugative systems were designed to investigate the effects of CCC on ARG transfer. Meanwhile, hydroponics experiments were designed to study the ARG spread in the rice-nutrient solution system after CCC application. The results showed that CCC significantly promoted the RP4 conjugation by expanding cell membrane permeability and improving the relative transcription levels of trfAp, trbBp, traA and traL genes in RP4. Furthermore, the conjugation frequency between E. coli and Pseudomonas was much higher than that between E. coli cells. Compared with spraying foliage with 2500 mg·L-1 of CCC, soaking seeds with 250 mg·L-1 of CCC was more beneficial to the colonization of ARB in rice, and also increased the abundance of ARGs in rice cultivation system. These results remind that the use of CCC in agricultural production might promote the ARG transmission in agro-ecosystems; however, foliage spraying with 2500 mg·L-1 of CCC could control its spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yulong Sun
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xi Cao
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Michael Gatheru Waigi
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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12
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Zhang H, Xu L, Hou X, Li Y, Niu L, Zhang J, Wang X. Ketoprofen promotes the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance among antibiotic resistant bacteria in natural aqueous environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124676. [PMID: 39103039 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment pose a serious threat to global public health. It is acknowledged that non-antibiotic stresses, including disinfectants, pharmaceuticals and organic pollutants, play a crucial role in horizontal transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite the widespread presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), notably in surface water, their contributions to the transfer of ARGs have not been systematically explored. Furthermore, previous studies have primarily concentrated on model strains to investigate whether contaminants promote the conjugative transfer of ARGs, leaving the mechanisms of ARG transmission among antibiotic resistant bacteria in natural aqueous environments under the selective pressures of non-antibiotic contaminants remains unclear. In this study, the Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 carrying RP4 plasmid was used as the donor strain, indigenous strain Aeromonas veronii containing rifampicin resistance genes in Taihu Lake, and E. coli HB101 were used as receptor strains to establish inter-genus and intra-genus conjugative transfer systems, examining the conjugative transfer frequency under the stress of ketoprofen. The results indicated that ketoprofen accelerated the environmental spread of ARGs through several mechanisms. Ketoprofen promoted cell-to-cell contact by increasing cell surface hydrophobicity and reducing cell surface charge, thereby mitigating cell-to-cell repulsion. Furthermore, ketoprofen induced increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, activated the DNA damage-induced response (SOS), and enhanced cell membrane permeability, facilitating ARG transmission in intra-genus and inter-genus systems. The upregulation of outer membrane proteins, oxidative stress, SOS response, mating pair formation (Mpf) system, and DNA transfer and replication (Dtr) system related genes, as well as the inhibition of global regulatory genes, all contributed to higher transfer efficiency under ketoprofen treatment. These findings served as an early warning for a comprehensive assessment of the roles of NSAIDs in the spread of antibiotic resistance in natural aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Linyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Xing Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Institute of Water Science and Technology, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Lihua Niu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Xixi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
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Zhou Y, Zhang G, Zhang D, Zhu N, Bo J, Meng X, Chen Y, Qin Y, Liu H, Li W. Microplastic biofilms promote the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in estuarine environments. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106777. [PMID: 39368156 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
As emerging pollutants, microplastics can aggregate microorganisms on their surfaces and form biofilms, enriching antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Consequently, microplastic biofilms have become a focal point of research. Horizontal gene transfer is one of the primary mechanisms by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance, with much of the research focusing on suspended bacteria. However, microplastic biofilms, as hotspots for horizontal gene transfer, also merit significant investigation. This study primarily explored and compared the frequency of ARG conjugative transfer between suspended bacteria and microplastic biofilms. The results demonstrated that, compared to suspended bacteria, microplastic biofilms enhanced the frequency of ARG conjugative transfer by 7.2-19.6 times. Among them, biofilms on polyethylene microplastics showed the strongest promotion of conjugation. After the formation of microplastic biofilms, there was a significant increase in bacterial density within the biofilms, which raised the collision frequency of donor and recipient bacteria. Then microplastic biofilms facilitated the gene expression levels of outer membrane proteins, enhanced bacterial gene transfer capabilities, promoted the synthesis of conjugative pili, accelerated the formation of conjugative pairing systems, and elevated the expression levels of genes related to DNA replication and transfer systems, thereby enhancing the conjugative transfer of ARGs within microplastic biofilms. Among different types of microplastic biofilms, polyethylene biofilms exhibited the highest bacterial density, thus showing the highest frequency of ARG conjugation. This study highlights the risks associated with ARG conjugative transfer following the formation of microplastic biofilms and provides insights into the risks of microplastic and antibiotic resistance propagation in estuarine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyuan Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Guosheng Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Dawei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Ningzheng Zhu
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Jinpei Bo
- Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Xiangzhou Meng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, PR China
| | - Yu Qin
- School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, PR China
| | - Huajie Liu
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Weiying Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Jiaxing Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Source Identification and Control, Jiaxing-Tongji Environmental Research Institute, 1994 Linggongtang Road, Jiaxing, 314051, Zhejiang Province, PR China; School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, 400074, PR China.
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14
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Wang X, Chen Q, Pang R, Zhang C, Huang G, Han Z, Su Y. Exposure modes determined the effects of nanomaterials on antibiotic resistance genes: The different roles of oxidative stress and quorum sensing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 360:124772. [PMID: 39168438 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The effects of co-occurrent pollutants on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have raised attentions. However, how the different realistic exposure scenarios determining the effects of nanomaterials (NMs) on ARGs, was still unknown. Herein, the effects of NMs on ARGs under two realistic scenarios was investigated by short-term and long-term exposure modes. The presence of NMs with two different exposure modes could both promote the dissemination of ARGs, and the results were dose-, type- and duration-dependent. Compared to short-term exposure, the long-term exposure increased the abundances of ARGs with a greater extent except nano-ZnO. The long-term exposure increased the overall abundances of target ARGs by 2.9%-20.4%, while shot-term exposure caused the 3.4%-10.5% increment. The mechanisms of ARGs fates driven by NMs exposure were further investigated from the levels of microbial community shift, intracellular oxidative stress, and gene abundance. The variations of several potential bacterial hosts did not contribute to the difference in the ARGs transmission with different exposure modes because NMs types played more vital roles in the shift of microbial community compared to the exposure modes. For the short-term exposure, NMs were capable of triggering the QS by upregulating relevant genes, and further activated the production of surfactin and increased membrane permeability, resulting in the facilitation of ARGs transfer. However, NMs under long-term exposure scenario preferentially stimulated oxidative stress by generating more ROS, which then enhanced ARGs dissemination. Therefore, the exposure mode of NMs was one of the pivotal factors determining the ARGs fates by different triggering mechanisms. This study highlighted the importance of exposure scenario of co-occurrent pollutants on ARGs spread, which will benefit the comprehensive understanding of the actual environmental fates of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Qirui Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Ruirui Pang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Congyan Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Guangchen Huang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhibang Han
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yinglong Su
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Engineering Research Center for Nanophotonics & Advanced Instrument, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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15
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Xiong J, Hu S, Xu Z, Li C, Li Z, Li S, Ma Y, Ren X, Huang B, Pan X. Different paths, same destination: Bisphenol A and its substitute induce the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 368:143625. [PMID: 39510271 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance genes are primarily spread through horizontal gene transfer in aquatic environments. Bisphenols, which are widely used in industry, are pervasive contaminants in such environments. This study investigated how environmentally relevant concentrations of bisphenol A and its substitute (bisphenol S, Bisphenol AP and Bisphenol AF) affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among Escherichia coli. As a result, bisphenol A and its three substitutes were found to promote the RP4 plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes with different promotive efficiency. Particularly, bisphenol A and bisphenol S were found to induce more than double the incidence of conjugation at 0.1 nmol/L concentration. They therefore were selected as model compounds to investigate the involved mechanisms. Surprisingly, both slightly inhibited bacterial activity, but there was no significant increase in cell death. Bisphenols exposure changed the polymeric substances excreted by the bacteria, increased the permeability of their cell membranes, induced the secretion of antioxidant enzymes and generated reactive oxygen species. They also affected the expression of genes related to conjugative transfer by upregulating replication and DNA transfer genes and downregulating global regulatory genes. It should be noted that gene expression levels were higher in the BPS-exposed group than in the BPA-exposed group. The synthesis of bacterial metabolites and functional components was also significantly affected by bisphenols exposure. This research has helped to clarify the potential health risks of bisphenol contamination of aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Xiong
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Siyuan Hu
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Caiqing Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zihui Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yitao Ma
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiaomin Ren
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xuejun Pan
- Faculty of Environmental Science & Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Wang X, Li J, Pan X. How micro-/nano-plastics influence the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173881. [PMID: 38871331 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Plastic debris such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPTs), along with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), are pervasive in the environment and are recognized as significant global health and ecological concerns. Micro-/nano-plastics (MNPs) have been demonstrated to favor the spread of ARGs by enhancing the frequency of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) through various pathways. This paper comprehensively and systematically reviews the current study with focus on the influence of plastics on the HGT of ARGs. The critical role of MNPs in the HGT of ARGs has been well illustrated in sewage sludge, livestock farms, constructed wetlands and landfill leachate. A summary of the performed HGT assay and the underlying mechanism of plastic-mediated transfer of ARGs is presented in the paper. MNPs could facilitate or inhibit HGT of ARGs, and their effects depend on the type, size, and concentration. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the effects of MNPs on the HGT of ARGs, and offers suggestions for further study. Further research should attempt to develop a standard HGT assay and focus on investigating the impact of different plastics, including the oligomers they released, under real environmental conditions on the HGT of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310015, China; School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Shaoxing Research Institute of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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17
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Wu Q, Wu GG, Pan KN, Wang XP, Li HY, Tian Z, Jin RC, Fan NS. Beta-blocker drives the conjugative transfer of multidrug resistance genes in pure and complex biological systems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135403. [PMID: 39096644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance poses a high risk to human health. Extensive use of non-antibiotic drugs contributes to antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) transfer. However, how they affect the spread of broad-host plasmids in complex biological systems remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of metoprolol on the transfer frequency and host range of ARGs in both intrageneric and intergeneric pure culture systems, as well as in anammox microbiome. The results showed that environmental concentrations of metoprolol significantly promoted the intrageneric and intergeneric conjugative transfer. Initially, metoprolol induced excessive oxidative stress, resulting in high cell membrane permeability and bacterial SOS response. Meanwhile, more pili formation increased the adhesion and contact between bacteria, and the abundance of conjugation-related genes also increased significantly. Activation of the electron transport chain provided more ATP for this energy-consuming process. The underlying mechanism was further verified in the complex anammox conjugative system. Metoprolol induced the enrichment of ARGs and mobile genetic elements. The enhanced bacterial interaction and energy generation facilitated the high conjugative transfer frequency of ARGs. In addition, plasmid-borne ARGs tended to transfer to opportunistic pathogens. This work raises public concerns about the health and ecological risks of non-antibiotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Laboratory of Water Pollution Remediation, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Ge-Ge Wu
- Laboratory of Water Pollution Remediation, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Kai-Nan Pan
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xue-Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Water Pollution Remediation, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hong-Yan Li
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhe Tian
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Ren-Cun Jin
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Nian-Si Fan
- School of Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Xu R, Huang C, Yang B, Wang S, Zhong T, Ma L, Shang Q, Zhang M, Chu Z, Liu X. Influence of Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus on the Horizontal Transfer of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance Genes: Promotion or Inhibition? Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:344. [PMID: 39235595 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The problem of bacterial resistance caused by antibiotic abuse is seriously detrimental to global human health and ecosystem security. The two-dimensional nanomaterial (2D) such as black phosphorus (BP) is recently expected to become a new bacterial inhibitor and has been widely used in the antibacterial field due to its specific physicochemical properties. Nevertheless, the effects of 2D-BP on the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environments and the relevant mechanisms are not clear. Herein, we observed that the sub-inhibitory concentrations of 2D-BP dramatically increased the conjugative transfer of ARGs mediated by the RP4 plasmid up to 2.6-fold at the 125 mg/L exposure level compared with the untreated bacterial cells. Nevertheless, 2D-BP with the inhibitory concentration caused a dramatic decrease in the conjugative frequency. The phenotypic changes revealed that the increase of the conjugative transfer caused by 2D-BP exposure were attributed to the excessive reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, and increased bacterial cell membrane permeability. The genotypic evidence demonstrated that 2D-BP affecting the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs was probably through the upregulation of mating pair formation genes (trbBp and traF) and DNA transfer and replication genes (trfAp and traJ), as well as the downregulation of global regulatory gene expression (korA, korB, and trbA). In summary, the changes in the functional and regulatory genes in the conjugative transfer contributed to the stimulation of conjugative transfer. This research aims to broaden our comprehension of how nanomaterials influence the dissemination of ARGs by elucidating their effects and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Xu
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Chuang Huang
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Bo Yang
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Tianyang Zhong
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Lulu Ma
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Qiannan Shang
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Zhuding Chu
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, No. 99 Jinxiu Road, Hefei, 230601, China.
- International (Sino-German) Joint Research Center for Biomass of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230601, China.
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19
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He Z, Smets BF, Dechesne A. Mating Assay: Plating Below a Cell Density Threshold is Required for Unbiased Estimation of Plasmid Conjugation Frequency of RP4 Transfer Between E. coli Strains. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:109. [PMID: 39198281 PMCID: PMC11358341 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Mating assays are common laboratory experiments for measuring the conjugation frequency, i.e. efficiency at which a plasmid transfers from a population of donor cells to a population of recipient cells. Selective plating remains a widely used quantification method to enumerate transconjugants at the end of such assays. However, conjugation frequencies may be inaccurately estimated because plasmid transfer can occur on transconjugant-selective plates rather than only during the intended mating duration. We investigated the influence of cell density on this phenomenon. We conducted mating experiments with IncPα plasmid RP4 harbored in Escherichia coli at a fixed cell density and mating conditions, inoculated a serial dilution of the mating mixture on transconjugant-selective plates or in transconjugant-selective broth, and compared the results to a model of cell-to-cell distance distribution. Our findings suggest that irrespective of the mating mode (liquid vs solid), the enumeration of transconjugants becomes significantly biased if the plated cell density exceeds 28 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/mm2 (or 1.68•105 CFU/standard 9 cm Petri dish). This threshold is determined with a 95% confidence interval of ± 4 CFU/mm2 (± 2.46•104 CFU/standard 9 cm Petri dish). Liquid mating assays were more sensitive to this bias because the conjugation frequency of RP4 is several orders of magnitude lower in suspension compared to surface mating. Therefore, if selective plating is used, we recommend to plate at this density threshold and that negative controls are performed where donors and recipients are briefly mixed before plating at the same dilutions as for the actual mating assay. As an alternative, a liquid enumeration method can be utilized to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and allow for more accurate enumeration of transconjugants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming He
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads Building 221, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
- Sino-Danish College (SDC) for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering - Environmental Engineering, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads Building 221, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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20
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Wei L, Han Y, Zheng J, Xu X, Zhu L. Accelerated dissemination of antibiotic resistant genes via conjugative transfer driven by deficient denitrification in biochar-based biofiltration systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173268. [PMID: 38754503 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Biofiltration systems harbored and disseminated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), when confronting antibiotic-contained wastewater. Biochar, a widely used environmental remediation material, can mitigate antibiotic stress on adjoining microbes by lowering the availability of sorbed antibiotics, and enhance the attachment of denitrifiers. Herein, bench-scale biofiltration systems, packed with commercial biochars, were established to explore the pivotal drivers affecting ARG emergence. Results showed that biofiltration columns, achieving higher TN removal and denitrification capacity, showed a significant decrease in ARG accumulation (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of ARGs (0.014 ± 0.0008) in the attached biofilms decreased to 1/5-folds of that in the control group (0.065 ± 0.004). Functional analysis indicated ARGs' accumulation was less attributed to ARG activation or horizontal gene transfer (HGT) driven by sorbed antibiotics. Most denitrifiers, like Bradyrhizobium, Geothrix, etc., were found to be enriched and host ARGs. Nitrosative stress from deficient denitrification was demonstrated to be the dominant driver for affecting ARG accumulation and dissemination. Metagenomic and metaproteomic analysis revealed that nitrosative stress promoted the conjugative HGT of ARGs mainly via increasing the transmembrane permeability and enhancing the amino acid transport and metabolism, such as cysteine, methionine, and valine metabolism. Overall, this study highlighted the risks of deficient denitrification in promoting ARG transfer and transmission in biofiltration systems and natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lecheng Wei
- Institute of Environment Pollution Control and Treatment, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University
| | - Yutong Han
- Institute of Environment Pollution Control and Treatment, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Institute of Environment Pollution Control and Treatment, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University
| | - Xiangyang Xu
- Institute of Environment Pollution Control and Treatment, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water Pollution Control, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Institute of Environment Pollution Control and Treatment, College of Environmental and Resource Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Water Pollution Control, Hangzhou 310058, China; Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University.
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21
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Shi J, Sun C, An T, Jiang C, Mei S, Lv B. Unraveling the effect of micro/nanoplastics on the occurrence and horizontal transfer of environmental antibiotic resistance genes: Advances, mechanisms and future prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174466. [PMID: 38964386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics can not only serve as vectors of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but also they and even nanoplastics potentially affect the occurrence of ARGs in indigenous environmental microorganisms, which have aroused great concern for the development of antibiotic resistance. This article specifically reviews the effects of micro/nanoplastics (concentration, size, exposure time, chemical additives) and their interactions with other pollutants on environmental ARGs dissemination. The changes of horizontal genes transfer (HGT, i.e., conjugation, transformation and transduction) of ARGs caused by micro/nanoplastics were also summarized. Further, this review systematically sums up the mechanisms of micro/nanoplastics regulating HGT process of ARGs, including reactive oxygen species production, cell membrane permeability, transfer-related genes expression, extracellular polymeric substances production, and ARG donor-recipient adsorption/contaminants adsorption/biofilm formation. The underlying mechanisms in changes of bacterial communities induced by micro/nanoplastics were also discussed as it was an important factor for structuring the profile of ARGs in the actual environment, including causing environmental stress, providing carbon sources, forming biofilms, affecting pollutants distribution and environmental factors. This review contributes to a systematical understanding of the potential risks of antibiotic resistance dissemination caused by micro/nanoplastics and provokes thinking about perspectives for future research and the management of micro/nanoplastics and plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Shi
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chaoli Sun
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Tingxuan An
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Changhai Jiang
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shenglong Mei
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Baoyi Lv
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China; International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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22
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Li H, Wang Q, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhou J, Wang T, Zhu L, Guo J. EDTA enables to alleviate impacts of metal ions on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 257:121659. [PMID: 38692255 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Various heavy metals are reported to be able to accelerate horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In real water environmental settings, ubiquitous complexing agents would affect the environmental behaviors of heavy metal ions due to the formation of metal-organic complexes. However, little is known whether the presence of complexing agents would change horizontal gene transfer due to heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impacts of a typical complexing agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated ARGs induced by a range of heavy metal ions. At the environmentally relevant concentration (0.64 mg L-1) of metal ions, all the tested metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+) promoted conjugative transfer of ARGs, while an inhibitory effect was observed at a relatively higher concentration (3.20 mg L-1). In contrast, EDTA (0.64 mg L-1) alleviated the effects of metal ions on ARGs conjugation transfer, evidenced by 11 %-66 % reduction in the conjugate transfer frequency. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations disclosed that this is attributed to the stronger binding of metal ions with the lipids in cell membranes. Under metal-EDTA exposure, gene expressions related to oxidative stress response, cell membrane permeability, intercellular contact, energy driving force, mobilization, and channels of plasmid transfer were suppressed compared with the metal ions exposure. This study offers insights into the alleviation mechanisms of complexing agents on ARGs transfer induced by free metal ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Yue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China.
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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23
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Cao J, Xue B, Yang S, Yang X, Zhang X, Qiu Z, Shen Z, Wang J. Chlorite and bromate alter the conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes: Co-regulation of oxidative stress and energy supply. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134257. [PMID: 38636236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of disinfectants during the global response to the 2019 coronavirus pandemic has increased the co-occurrence of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Although DBPs pose major threats to public health globally, there is limited knowledge regarding their biological effects on ARGs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two inorganic DBPs (chlorite and bromate) on the conjugative transfer of RP4 plasmid among Escherichia coli strains at environmentally relevant concentrations. Interestingly, the frequency of conjugative transfer was initially inhibited when the exposure time to chlorite or bromate was less than 24 h. However, this inhibition transformed into promotion when the exposure time was extended to 36 h. Short exposures to chlorite or bromate were shown to impede the electron transport chain, resulting in an ATP shortage and subsequently inhibiting conjugative transfer. Consequently, this stimulates the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the SOS response. Upon prolonged exposure, the resurgent energy supply promoted conjugative transfer. These findings offer novel and valuable insights into the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of inorganic DBPs on the conjugative transfer of ARGs, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the management of DBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Cao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Shuran Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhigang Qiu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China.
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24
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Dadeh Amirfard K, Moriyama M, Suzuki S, Sano D. Effect of environmental factors on conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic settings. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae129. [PMID: 38830804 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARGs) are spread among bacteria by horizontal gene transfer, however, the effect of environmental factors on the dynamics of the ARG in water environments has not been very well understood. In this systematic review, we employed the regression tree algorithm to identify the environmental factors that facilitate/inhibit the transfer of ARGs via conjugation in planktonic/biofilm-formed bacterial cells based on the results of past relevant research. Escherichia coli strains were the most studied genus for conjugation experiments as donor/recipient in the intra-genera category. Conversely, Pseudomonas spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. were studied primarily as recipients across inter-genera bacteria. The conjugation efficiency (ce) was found to be highly dependent on the incubation period. Some antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin (at ≥0.2 µg ml-1) and kanamycin (at ≥9.5 mg l-1) as well as metallic compounds like mercury (II) chloride (HgCl2, ≥3 µmol l-1), and vanadium (III) chloride (VCl3, ≥50 µmol l-1) had enhancing effect on conjugation. The highest ce value (-0.90 log10) was achieved at 15°C-19°C, with linoleic acid concentrations <8 mg l-1, a recognized conjugation inhibitor. Identifying critical environmental factors affecting ARG dissemination in aquatic environments will accelerate strategies to control their proliferation and combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoun Dadeh Amirfard
- Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Momoko Moriyama
- Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
| | - Satoru Suzuki
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Bunkyōchō 2-5, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sano
- Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-06, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
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25
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Zuo X, Zhang S, Chen S, Sun H. Stormwater runoff treatment through electrocoagulation: antibiotic resistant bacteria removal and its transmission risks. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 45:2743-2752. [PMID: 36848218 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2023.2185911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recently, increasing attention has been paid to antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in stormwater runoff. However, there were little data on ARB removal through electrocoagulation (EC) treatment. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate key designs for ARB removal, role of SS, effects of water matrix, and potential risks after EC treatment under the pre-determined conditions. EC treatment with 5 mA/cm2 of current density and 4 cm of inter-electrode distance was optimal with the highest ARB removal (3.04 log reduction for 30 min). The presence of SS significantly improved ARB removal during EC treatment, where ARB removal increased with the increase of SS levels when SS less than 300 mg/L. Large ARB removal was found under particles with size lower than 150 μm with low contribution (less than 10%) of the settlement without EC treatment, implying that the enhancement of ARB adsorption onto small particles could be one of the reasonable approaches for ARB removal through EC treatment. ARB removal increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of pH, while had proportional relationship with conductivity. After the optimal condition, there were weak conjugation transfer but high transformation frequency (5.5 × 10-2 for blaTEM) for target antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), indicating that there could be still a risk of antibiotic resistance transformation after EC treatment. These suggested that the combination of EC and other technologies (like electrochemical disinfection) should be potential ways to control antibiotic resistance transmission through stormwater runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- XiaoJun Zuo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - SongHu Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - ShaoJie Chen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Sun
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control, Jiangsu Joint Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution Control, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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26
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He Z, Dechesne A, Schreiber F, Zhu YG, Larsson DGJ, Smets BF. Understanding Stimulation of Conjugal Gene Transfer by Nonantibiotic Compounds: How Far Are We? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9017-9030. [PMID: 38753980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
A myriad of nonantibiotic compounds is released into the environment, some of which may contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance by stimulating conjugation. Here, we analyzed a collection of studies to (i) identify patterns of transfer stimulation across groups and concentrations of chemicals, (ii) evaluate the strength of evidence for the proposed mechanisms behind conjugal stimulation, and (iii) examine the plausibility of alternative mechanisms. We show that stimulatory nonantibiotic compounds act at concentrations from 1/1000 to 1/10 of the minimal inhibitory concentration for the donor strain but that stimulation is always modest (less than 8-fold). The main proposed mechanisms for stimulation via the reactive oxygen species/SOS cascade and/or an increase in cell membrane permeability are not unequivocally supported by the literature. However, we identify the reactive oxygen species/SOS cascade as the most likely mechanism. This remains to be confirmed by firm molecular evidence. Such evidence and more standardized and high-throughput conjugation assays are needed to create technologies and solutions to limit the stimulation of conjugal gene transfer and contribute to mitigating global antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming He
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, So̷ltofts Plads Building 221, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Sino-Danish College (SDC) for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, So̷ltofts Plads Building 221, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Frank Schreiber
- Division of Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms (4.1), Department of Materials and the Environment, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, 361021 Xiamen, China
| | - D G Joakim Larsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10, SE-413 46 Göteborg, Sweden
- Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research (CARe), University of Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering-Environmental Engineering, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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27
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Peng X, Zhou J, Lan Z, Tan R, Chen T, Shi D, Li H, Yang Z, Zhou S, Jin M, Li JW, Yang D. Carbonaceous particulate matter promotes the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:915-927. [PMID: 38618896 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00547j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
There is growing concern about the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in airborne particulate matter. In this study, we investigated the effects of various types of carbonaceous particulate matter (CPM) on the transfer of ARGs in vitro. The results showed that CPM promoted the transfer of ARGs, which was related to the concentration and particle size. Compared with the control group, the transfer frequency was 95.5, 74.7, 65.4, 14.7, and 3.8 times higher in G (graphene), CB (carbon black), NGP (nanographite powder), GP1.6 (graphite powder 1.6 micron), and GP45 (graphite powder 45 micron) groups, respectively. Moreover, the transfer frequency gradually increased with the increase in CPM concentration, while there was a negative relationship between the CPM particle size and conjugative transfer frequency. In addition, the results showed that CPM could promote the transfer of ARGs by increasing ROS, as well as activating the SOS response and expression of conjugative transfer-related genes (trbBp, trfAp, korA, kroB, and trbA). These findings are indicative of the potential risk of CPM for the transfer of ARGs in the environment, enriching our understanding of environmental pollution and further raising awareness of environmental protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Peng
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Jiake Zhou
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Zishu Lan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Rong Tan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Tianjiao Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Danyang Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Haibei Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Zhongwei Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Shuqing Zhou
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Jun-Wen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
| | - Dong Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment & Food Safety, No. 1 Dali Road, Tianjin 300050, P. R. China.
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Zhang Y, Li W, Wu Y, Tian X, Li G, Zhou Y, Sun J, Liao X, Liu Y, Wang Y, Yu Y. Chitosan oligosaccharide accelerates the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes through promoting conjugative plasmid transfer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133922. [PMID: 38442604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), especially via plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer, poses a pervasive threat to global health. Chitosan-oligosaccharide (COS) is extensively utilized in medicine, plant and animal husbandry. However, their impact on microflora implies the potential to exert selective pressure on plasmid transfer. To explore the role of COS in facilitating the dissemination of ARGs via plasmid conjugation, we established in vitro mating models. The addition of COS to conjugation mixtures significantly enhanced the transfer of RP4 plasmid and mcr-1 positive IncX4 plasmid in both intra- and inter-specific. Phenotypic and transcriptome analysis revealed that COS enhanced intercellular contact by neutralizing cell surface charge and increasing cell surface hydrophobicity. Additionally, COS increased membrane permeability by inhibiting the Tol-Pal system, thereby facilitating plasmid conjugative transfer. Furthermore, COS served as the carbon source and was metabolized by E. coli, providing energy for plasmid conjugation through regulating the expression of ATPase and global repressor factor-related genes in RP4 plasmid. Overall, these findings improve our awareness of the potential risks associated with the presence of COS and the spread of bacterial antibiotic resistance, emphasizing the need to establish guidelines for the prudent use of COS and its discharge into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yashuang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yufeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yahong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Jiang X, Long J, Song Y, Qi X, Li P, Pan K, Yan C, Xu H, Liu H. The effect of triclosan on intergeneric horizontal transmission of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) from Citrobacter freundii isolated from grass carp gut. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123658. [PMID: 38432343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in pathogenic bacteria affects culture animal health, endangers food safety, and thus gravely threatens public health. However, information about the effect of disinfectants - triclosan (TCS) on ARGs dissemination of bacterial pathogens in aquatic animals is still limited. One Citrobacter freundii (C. freundii) strain harboring tet(X4)-resistant plasmid was isolated from farmed grass carp guts, and subsequently conjugative transfer frequency from C. freundii to Escherichia coli C600 (E. coli C600) was analyzed under different mating time, temperature, and ratio. The effect of different concentrations of TCS (0.02, 0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 2000 μg/L) on the conjugative transfer was detected. The optimum conditions for conjugative transfer were at 37 °C for 8h with mating ratio of 2:1 or 1:1 (C. freundii: E. coli C600). The conjugative transfer frequency was significantly promoted under TCS treatment and reached the maximum value under 2.00 μg/L TCS with 18.39 times that of the control group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, cell membrane permeability of C. freundii and E. coli C600 were obviously increased under TCS stress. Scanning electron microscope showed that the cell membrane surface of the conjugative strains was wrinkled and pitted, even broken at 2.00 μg/L TCS, while lysed or even ruptured at 200.00 μg/L TCS. In addition, TCS up-regulated expression levels of oxidative stress genes (katE, hemF, bcp, hemA, katG, ahpF, and ahpC) and cell membrane-related genes (fimC, bamE and ompA) of donor and recipient bacteria. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment demonstrated significant changes in categories relevant to pilus, porin activity, transmembrane transporter activity, transferase activity, hydrolase activity, material transport and metabolism. Taken together, a tet(X4)-resistant plasmid could horizontal transmission among different pathogens, while TCS can promote the propagation of the resistant plasmid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingfei Long
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanzhen Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ping Li
- Powerchina Northwest Engineering Corporation Limited, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Kuiquan Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenyang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongzhou Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Fang Q, Pan X. A systematic review of antibiotic resistance driven by metal-based nanoparticles: Mechanisms and a call for risk mitigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170080. [PMID: 38220012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Elevations in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are due not only to the antibiotic burden, but also to numerous environmental pressures (e.g., pesticides, metal ions, or psychotropic pharmaceuticals), which have led to an international public health emergency. Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) poison bacteria while propelling nanoresistance at ambient or sub-lethal concentrations, acting as a wide spectrum germicidal agent. Awareness of MNPs driven antibiotic resistance has created a surge of investigation into the molecule mechanisms of evolving and spreading environmental antibiotic resistome. Co-occurrence of MNPs resistance and antibiotic resistance emerge in environmental pathogens and benign microbes may entail a crucial outcome for human health. In this review we expound on the systematic mechanism of ARGs proliferation under the stress of MNPs, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced mutation, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) relevant genes regulation, nano-property, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation and highlighting on the momentous contribution of nanoparticle released ion. As antibiotic resistance pattern alteration is closely knit with the mediate activation of nanoparticle in water, soil, manure, or sludge habitats, we have proposed a virulence and evolution based antibiotic resistance risk assessment strategy for MNP contaminated areas and discussed practicable approaches that call for risk management in critical environmental compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunkai Fang
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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31
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Song J, Zheng C, Qiu M, Zhan XP, Zhang Z, Zhang H, Shi N, Zhang L, Yu Y, Nicolaisen M, Xu L, Fang H. Mechanisms Underlying the Overlooked Chiral Fungicide-Driven Enantioselective Proliferation of Antibiotic Resistance in Earthworm Intestinal Microbiome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2931-2943. [PMID: 38306257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
From a "One Health" perspective, the global threat of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is associated with modern agriculture practices including agrochemicals application. Chiral fungicides account for a considerable proportion of wildly used agrochemicals; however, whether and how their enantiomers lead to differential proliferation of antibiotic resistance in agricultural environments remain overlooked. Focused on the soil-earthworm ecosystem, we for the first time deciphered the mechanisms underlying the enantioselective proliferation of antibiotic resistance driven by the enantiomers of a typical chiral fungicide mandipropamid (i.e., R-MDP and S-MDP) utilizing a multiomic approach. Time-series metagenomic analysis revealed that R-MDP led to a significant enhancement of ARGs with potential mobility (particularly the plasmid-borne ARGs) in the earthworm intestinal microbiome. We further demonstrated that R-MDP induced a concentration-dependent facilitation of plasmid-mediated ARG transfer among microbes. In addition, transcriptomic analysis with verification identified the key aspects involved, where R-MDP enhanced cell membrane permeability, transfer ability, biofilm formation and quorum sensing, rebalanced energy production, and decreased cell mobility versus S-MDP. Overall, the findings provide novel insights into the enantioselective disruption of microbiome and resistome in earthworm gut by chiral fungicides and offer significant contributions to the comprehensive risk assessment of chiral agrochemicals in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Song
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Conglai Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Zhan
- Shanghai Agricultural Technology Extension and Service Center, Shanghai 201103, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Houpu Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Hazardous Factors and Risk Control of Agri-food Quality Safety, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Nan Shi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Luqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mogens Nicolaisen
- Department of Agroecology, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Slagelse 4200, Denmark
| | - Lihui Xu
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Wang YZ, An XL, Fan XT, Pu Q, Li H, Liu WZ, Chen Z, Su JQ. Visible light-activated photosensitizer inhibits the plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132564. [PMID: 37734313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of plasmid transfer, including transformation and conjugation, is essential to prevent the spread of plasmid-encoded antimicrobial resistance. Photosensitizers have been successfully used in the treatment of serious infectious diseases, however, the effects of photosensitizers on the plasmid transfer are still elusive. In this study, we determined the transformation and conjugation efficiency of plasmid pUC19 and pRP4, respectively, when exposed to a photosensitizer (Visible Light-activated Rose Bengal, VLRB). The results showed that the activation of VLRB resulted in up to a 580-fold decrease in the transformation frequency of pUC19 and a 10-fold decrease in the conjugation frequency of pRP4 compared with the non-VLRB control. The inhibition of pUC19 transformation by VLRB exhibited a dose-dependent manner and was attributed to the changes in the plasmid conformation. The inhibition of pRP4 conjugation was associated with the generation of extracellular free radicals, induced oxidative stress, suppression of the mating pair formation gene (trbBp) and DNA transfer and replication gene (trfAp), and enhanced expression of the global regulatory genes (korA, korB, and trbA). These findings highlight the potential of visible light-activated photosensitizer for mitigating the dissemination of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Zi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin-Li An
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Fan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiang Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Hu Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wen-Zhen Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Lin X, Zhang C, Han R, Li S, Peng H, Zhou X, Huang L, Xu Y. Oxytetracycline and heavy metals promote the migration of resistance genes in the intestinal microbiome by plasmid transfer. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:2003-2013. [PMID: 37700035 PMCID: PMC10579362 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01514-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has been considered the most important pathway to introduce antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which seriously threatens human health and biological security. The presence of ARGs in the aquatic environment and their effect on the intestinal micro-ecosystem of aquatic animals can occur easily. To investigate the HGT potential and rule of exogenous ARGs in the intestinal flora, a visual conjugative model was developed, including the donor of dual-fluorescent bacterium and the recipient of Xenopus tropicalis intestinal microbiome. Some common pollutants of oxytetracycline (OTC) and three heavy metals (Zn, Cu and Pb) were selected as the stressor. The multi-techniques of flow cytometry (FCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), single-cell Raman spectroscopy with sorting (SCRSS) and indicator analysis were used in this study. The results showed that ARG transfer could occur more easily under stressors. Moreover, the conjugation efficiency mainly depended on the viability of the intestinal bacteria. The mechanisms of OTC and heavy metal stressing conjugation included the upregulation of ompC, traJ, traG and the downregulation of korA gene. Moreover, the enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX increased and the bacterial surface appearance also changed. The predominant recipient was identified as Citrobacter freundi by SCRSS, in which the abundance and quantity of ARG after conjugation were higher than those before. Therefore, since the diversity of potential recipients in the intestine are very high, the migration of invasive ARGs in the microbiome should be given more attention to prevent its potential risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Lin
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Chaonan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ruiqi Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Shoupeng Li
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Huishi Peng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lu Huang
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yanbin Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, No. 100 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Yang H, Lu H, Li K, Huang Y, Li Q. Insights into antibiotic resistance gene abundances and regulatory mechanisms induced by ionic liquids during composting. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118652. [PMID: 37481880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of the evolution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during the composting process with sawdust and cow manure as raw materials using ionic liquids (ILs) pretreatment. The results showed that genes of MLS, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, beta - lactam as composting gradually decreased. From day0 to day3, MLS in control group (CK) and experimental group (T) decreased by 25.62% and 26.66%, respectively. Tetracycline decreased by 7.21% in CK and by 7.86% in T. Chloramphenicol decreased by 2.85% in CK and 3.34% in T. Beta-lactam decreased by 1.95% in Ck and by 3.69% in T. Mechanism studies have shown that ILs can effectively decompose extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and enhance lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) release, resulting in ARGs release and elimination. Meanwhile, ILs pretreatment can inhibit growth of some ARGs hosts, especially Firmicutes, resulting in decreased ARGs. Moreover, metabolic pathways and related genes take part in ARGs transmission were down regulated, leading to decreased ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Heng Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Kecheng Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yite Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Qunliang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Zhao Y, Hu Z, Xie H, Wu H, Wang Y, Xu H, Liang S, Zhang J. Size-dependent promotion of micro(nano)plastics on the horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in constructed wetlands. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120520. [PMID: 37657315 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been identified as significant sources of micro(nano)plastics (MPs/NPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic environments. However, little is known about the impact of MPs/NPs exposure on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs and shaping the corresponding ARG hosts' community. Herein, the contribution of polystyrene (PS) particles (control, 4 mm, 100 μm, and 100 nm) to ARG transfer was investigated by adding an engineered fluorescent Escherichia coli harboring RP4 plasmid-encoded ARGs into CWs. It was found MPs/NPs significantly promoted ARG transfer in a size-dependent manner in each CW medium (p < 0.05). The 100 μm-sized PS exhibited the most significant promotion of ARG transfer (p < 0.05), whereas 100 nm-sized PS induced limited promotion due to its inhibitory activity on microbes. The altered RP4-carrying bacterial communities suggested that MPs/NPs, especially 100 µm-PS, could recruit pathogenic and nitrifying bacteria to acquire ARGs. The increased sharing of RP4-carrying core bacteria in CW medium further suggested that ARGs can spread into CW microbiome using MPs/NPs as carriers. Overall, our results highlight the high risks of ARG dissemination induced by MPs/NPs exposure and emphasize the need for better control of plastic disposal to prevent the potential health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China.
| | - Huijun Xie
- Environmental Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Haiming Wu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Yuechang Wang
- Beijing Further Tide Eco-construction Co., Ltd, Beijing 100012, P.R. China
| | - Han Xu
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi 276000, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P.R. China; College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, P.R. China.
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36
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Zhai Z, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Horizontal transfer and driving factors of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing resistance genes in mice intestine after the ingestion of contaminated water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:96376-96383. [PMID: 37572258 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) has been identified in various water environments, posing a serious risk to public health. However, whether and how ESBL-producing genes in water-derived E. coli can spread among mammalian gut microbiota via drinking water is largely unclear. To address this problem, horizontal transfer characterization of ESBL-producing genes in mice gut microbiota was determined after the oral ingestion of contaminated water by ESBL-producing E. coli, and then the driving factors were comprehensively examined from multiple different perspectives. The results showed that water-borne ESBL-producing E. coli can colonize in the mice intestine, the ESBL-producing genes can horizontally spread among gut microbiota, and the recipient bacteria include opportunistic pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica. This horizontal spread may be attributed to the intestinal micro-environment changes caused by the ingestion of contaminated water by ESBL-producing E. coli. These changes, including gut microbiota diversity, increased levels of inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species, cell membrane permeability, and expression levels of conjugative transfer-related genes, are all major driving factors for horizontal transfer of ESBL-producing genes in mice gut microbiota. Our findings highlight the potential for ESBL-producing E. coli to spread resistance genes to mammalian gut microbiota during ingestion of contaminated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhai
- The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, Tai'an City, 271000, China
| | - Yufa Zhou
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Daiyue District, Shandong Province, Tai'an City, 271000, China
| | - Hongna Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Hebei Province, 47 Xuefu Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050061, China.
| | - Yujing Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Hebei Province, 47 Xuefu Road, Shijiazhuang City, 050061, China
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37
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Liu C, Goh SG, You L, Yuan Q, Mohapatra S, Gin KYH, Chen B. Low concentration quaternary ammonium compounds promoted antibiotic resistance gene transfer via plasmid conjugation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:163781. [PMID: 37149193 PMCID: PMC10158037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
During the pandemic of COVID-19, the amounts of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) used to inactivate the virus in public facilities, hospitals and households increased, which raised concerns about the evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Although QACs may play an important role in the propagation of antibiotic resistance gene (ARGs), the potential contribution and mechanism remains unclear. Here, the results showed that benzyl dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) significantly promoted plasmid RP4-mediated ARGs transfer within and across genera at environmental relevant concentrations (0.0004-0.4 mg/L). Low concentrations of QACs did not contribute to the permeability of the cell plasma membrane, but significantly increased the permeability of the cell outer membrane due to the decrease in content of lipopolysaccharides. QACs altered the composition and content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and were positively correlated with the conjugation frequency. Furthermore, transcriptional expression levels of genes encode for mating pairing formation (trbB), DNA replication and translocation (trfA), and global regulators (korA, korB, trbA) are regulated by QACs. And we demonstrate for the first time that QACs decreased the concentration of extracellular AI-2 signals, which was verified to be involved in regulating conjugative transfer genes (trbB, trfA). Collectively, our findings underscore the risk of increased disinfectant concentrations of QACs on the ARGs transfer and provide new mechanisms of plasmid conjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shin Giek Goh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Luhua You
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Qiyi Yuan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Sanjeeb Mohapatra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore.
| | - Baoliang Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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38
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Abassi S, Kim HS, Bui QTN, Ki JS. Effects of nitrate on the saxitoxins biosynthesis revealed by sxt genes in the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum (group IV). HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 127:102473. [PMID: 37544673 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum (group IV) is of particular interest because of its involvement in harmful algal blooms and production of saxitoxin (STX), which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning. The toxicity from STX and its analogues (STXs) is suspected to be affected by nitrogen (N) availability. However, the toxicity-associated behavior and STX-biosynthesis gene responses of the toxic A. pacificum under N fluctuations have not been sufficiently investigated. In the present study, we identified the sxtI gene involved in sxt biosynthesis pathway and evaluated the effects of nitrate (NO3-) on STXs production and the expression of four sxt core genes (sxtA4, sxtG, sxtB, and sxtI). Quantification of total STXs levels in the cultures under different NO3- regimes showed that NO3- concentration influenced STXs production. In addition, the proportion and concentration of STXs varied depending on the NO3- concentration. Core sxt transcript abundance was also influenced by available NO3- in a time-dependent manner. Expressional levels and patterns of sxtI were correlated with those of sxtA and sxtB. The relationship between the toxins and sxt responses in A. pacificum under various NO3- regimes suggests the direct involvement of N in the STXs biosynthesis pathway. Understanding this link would provide a tool to understand the toxin dynamics of dinoflagellates following N shifts in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Abassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Sol Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Quynh Thi Nhu Bui
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Seu Ki
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul, 03016, Republic of Korea.
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39
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Zhu S, Yang B, Jia Y, Yu F, Wang Z, Liu Y. Comprehensive analysis of disinfectants on the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131428. [PMID: 37094448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The propagation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is constantly paralyzing our healthcare systems. In addition to the pressure of antibiotic selection, the roles of non-antibiotic compounds in disseminating antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a matter of great concerns. This study aimed to explore the impact of different disinfectants on the horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying mechanisms. First, the effects of different kinds of disinfectants on the conjugative transfer of RP4-7 plasmid were evaluated. Results showed that quaternary ammonium salt, organic halogen, alcohol and guanidine disinfectants significantly facilitated the conjugative transfer. Conversely, heavy-metals, peroxides and phenols otherwise displayed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, we deciphered the mechanism by which guanidine disinfectants promoted conjugation, which includes increased cell membrane permeability, over-production of ROS, enhanced SOS response, and altered expression of conjugative transfer-related genes. More critically, we also revealed that guanidine disinfectants promoted bacterial energy metabolism by enhancing the activity of electron transport chain (ETC) and proton force motive (PMF), thus promoting ATP synthesis and flagellum motility. Overall, our findings reveal the promotive effects of disinfectants on the transmission of ARGs and highlight the potential risks caused by the massive use of guanidine disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqian Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiyu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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40
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Cheng Y, Wang X, Zhao L, Zhang X, Kong Q, Li H, You X, Li Y. Wheat straw pyrochar more efficiently decreased enantioselective uptake of dinotefuran by lettuce and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes than hydrochar in an agricultural soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163088. [PMID: 36996986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Remediation of soils pollution caused by dinotefuran, a chiral pesticide, is indispensable for ensuring human food security. In comparison with pyrochar, the effect of hydrochar on enantioselective fate of dinotefuran, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) profiles in the contaminated soils remain poorly understood. Therefore, wheat straw hydrochar (SHC) and pyrochar (SPC) were prepared at 220 and 500 °C, respectively, to investigate their effects and underlying mechanisms on enantioselective fate of dinotefuran enantiomers and metabolites, and soil ARG abundance in soil-plant ecosystems using a 30-day pot experiment planted with lettuce. SPC showed a greater reduction effect on the accumulation of R- and S-dinotefuran and metabolites in lettuce shoots than SHC. This was mainly resulted from the lowered soil bioavailability of R- and S-dinotefuran due to adsorption/immobilization by chars, together with the char-enhanced pesticide-degrading bacteria resulted from increased soil pH and organic matter content. Both SPC and SHC efficiently reduced ARG levels in soils, owing to lowered abundance of ARG-carrying bacteria and declined horizontal gene transfer induced by decreased dinotefuran bioavailability. The above results provide new insights for optimizing char-based sustainable technologies to mitigate pollution of dinotefuran and spread of ARGs in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Cheng
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Liuwei Zhao
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Qingxian Kong
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Xiangwei You
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China.
| | - Yiqiang Li
- Marine Agriculture Research Center, Tobacco Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China.
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41
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Wu HY, Wei ZL, Shi DY, Li HB, Li XM, Yang D, Zhou SQ, Peng XX, Yang ZW, Yin J, Chen TJ, Li JW, Jin M. Simulated Gastric Acid Promotes the Horizontal Transfer of Multidrug Resistance Genes across Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract at Elevated pH Levels. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0482022. [PMID: 37070984 PMCID: PMC10269839 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04820-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of factors that can promote the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract is in great demand to understand the occurrence of infections related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in humans. However, whether acid-resistant enteric bacteria can promote ARG transmission in gastric fluid under high-pH conditions remains unknown. This study assessed the effects of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at different pH levels on the RP4 plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of ARGs. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, assessment of cell membrane permeability, and real-time quantitative assessment of the expression of key genes were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms. The frequency of conjugative transfer was the highest in SGF at pH 4.5. Antidepressant consumption and certain dietary factors further negatively impacted this situation, with 5.66-fold and 4.26-fold increases in the conjugative transfer frequency being noted upon the addition of sertraline and 10% glucose, respectively, compared with that in the control group without any additives. The induction of ROS generation, the activation of cellular antioxidant systems, increases in cell membrane permeability, and the promotion of adhesive pilus formation were factors potentially contributing to the increased transfer frequency. These findings indicate that conjugative transfer could be enhanced under certain circumstances in SGF at elevated pH levels, thereby facilitating ARG transmission in the gastrointestinal tract. IMPORTANCE The low pH of gastric acid kills unwanted microorganisms, in turn affecting their inhabitation in the intestine. Hence, studies on the factors that influence antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) propagation in the gastrointestinal tract and on the underlying mechanisms are limited. In this study, we constructed a conjugative transfer model in the presence of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and found that SGF could promote the dissemination of ARGs under high-pH conditions. Furthermore, antidepressant consumption and certain dietary factors could negatively impact this situation. Transcriptomic analysis and a reactive oxygen species assay revealed the overproduction of reactive oxygen species as a potential mechanism by which SGF could promote conjugative transfer. This finding can help provide a comprehensive understanding of the bloom of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body and create awareness regarding the risk of ARG transmission due to certain diseases or an improper diet and the subsequent decrease in gastric acid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-yan Wu
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Zi-lin Wei
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan-yang Shi
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Hai-bei Li
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin-mei Li
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Shu-qing Zhou
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue-xia Peng
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhong-wei Yang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Yin
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Tian-jiao Chen
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun-wen Li
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Jin
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control for Environment and Food Safety, Tianjin, China
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42
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Zhu S, Yang B, Wang Z, Liu Y. Augmented dissemination of antibiotic resistance elicited by non-antibiotic factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115124. [PMID: 37327521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance seriously compromise the clinical efficacy of current antibiotic therapies, representing a serious public health threat worldwide. Generally, drug-susceptible bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation or gene transfer, among which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a dominant role. It is widely acknowledged that the sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are the key drivers in promoting the transmission of antibiotic resistance. However, accumulating evidence in recent years has shown that in addition to antibiotics, non-antibiotics can also accelerate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Nevertheless, the roles and potential mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors in the transmission of ARGs remain largely underestimated. In this review, we depict the four pathways of HGT and their differences, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. We summarize non-antibiotic factors accounting for the enhanced horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the limitations and implications of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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43
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Liu C, Zhu X, You L, Gin KYH, Chen H, Chen B. Per/polyfluoroalkyl substances modulate plasmid transfer of antibiotic resistance genes: A balance between oxidative stress and energy support. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 240:120086. [PMID: 37257295 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants can accelerate the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from environmental bacteria to human pathogens via plasmid conjugation, posing a great challenge to the public health. Although the toxic effects of per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as persistent organic pollutants have been understood, it is still unclear whether and how PFAS modulate the transmission of ARGs. In this study, we for the first time reported that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) and ammonium perfluoro (2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate) (GenX) at relatively low concentrations (0.01, 0.1 mg/L) promoted the conjugative transfer of plasmid RP4 within Escherichia coli, while the plasmid conjugation was inhibited by PFOA, PFDoA and GenX at relatively high concentrations (1, 10 mg/L). The non-unidirectional conjugation result was ascribed to the co-regulation of ROS overproduction, enhanced cell membrane permeability, shortage of energy support as well as l-arginine pool depletion. Taking the well-known PFOA as an example, it significantly enhanced the conjugation frequency by 1.4 and 3.4 times at relatively low concentrations (0.01, 0.1 mg/L), respectively. Exposure to PFOA resulted in enhanced cell membrane permeability and ROS overproduction in donor cells. At high concentrations of PFOA (1, 10 mg/L), although enhanced oxidative stress and cell membrane permeability still occurred, the ATP contents in E. coli decreased, which contributed to the inhibited conjugation. Transcriptome analysis further showed that the expression levels of genes related to arginine biosynthesis (argA, argC, argF, argG, argI) and transport (artJ, artM, artQ) pathways were significantly increased. Intracellular l-arginine concentration deficiency were observed at high concentrations of PFOA. With the supplementary exogenous arginine, it was demonstrated that arginine upregulated conjugation transfer- related genes (trfAp, trbBp) and restores the cell number of transconjugants in PFOA-treated group. Therefore, the inhibited conjugation at high concentrations PFOA were attributed to the shortage of ATP and the depletion of L-arginine pool. These findings provide important insights into the effect environmental concentrations of PFAS on the conjugative transfer of ARGs, and update the regulation mechanism of plasmid conjugation, which is critical for the management of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Liu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Luhua You
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Baoliang Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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44
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Song J, Zhang H, Wu Z, Qiu M, Zhan X, Zheng C, Shi N, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Yu Y, Fang H. A novel bidirectional regulation mechanism of mancozeb on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131559. [PMID: 37163893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The high abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the fungicide residual environment, posing a threat to the environment and human health, raises the question of whether and how fungicide promotes the prevalence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Here, we reported a novel mechanism underlying bidirectional regulation of a typical heavy-metal-containing fungicide mancozeb on the horizontal transfer of ARGs. Our findings revealed that mancozeb exposure significantly exerted oxidative and osmotic stress on the microbes and facilitated plasmid-mediated ARGs transfer, but its metallic portions (Mn and Zn) were potentially utilized as essential ions by microbes for metalating enzymes to deal with cellular stress and thus reduce the transfer. The results of transcriptome analysis with RT-qPCR confirmed that the expression levels of cellular stress responses and conjugation related genes were drastically altered. It can be concluded mancozeb bidirectionally regulated the ARGs dissemination which may be attributed to the diverse effects on the microbes by its different portions. This novel mechanism provides an updated understanding of neglected fungicide-triggered ARGs dissemination and crucial insight for comprehensive risk assessment of fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Song
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Houpu Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agri-food Safety of Anhui Province, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zishan Wu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiuping Zhan
- Shanghai Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Shanghai 201103, China
| | - Conglai Zheng
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nan Shi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Qianke Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Luqing Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Wu J, Zhou JH, Liu DF, Wu J, He RL, Cheng ZH, Li HH, Li WW. Phthalates Promote Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes: An Overlooked Environmental Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6876-6887. [PMID: 37083356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastics-microorganism interactions have aroused growing environmental and ecological concerns. However, previous studies concentrated mainly on the direct interactions and paid little attention to the ecotoxicology effects of phthalates (PAEs), a common plastic additive that is continuously released and accumulates in the environment. Here, we provide insights into the impacts of PAEs on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among environmental microorganisms. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP, a model PAE) at environmentally relevant concentrations (2-50 μg/L) significantly boosted the plasmid-mediated conjugation transfer of ARGs among intrageneric, intergeneric, and wastewater microbiota by up to 3.82, 4.96, and 4.77 times, respectively. The experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results unveil a strong interaction between the DMP molecules and phosphatidylcholine bilayer of the cell membrane, which lowers the membrane lipid fluidity and increases the membrane permeability to favor transfer of ARGs. In addition, the increased reactive oxygen species generation and conjugation-associated gene overexpression under DMP stress also contribute to the increased gene transfer. This study provides fundamental knowledge of the PAE-bacteria interactions to broaden our understanding of the environmental and ecological risks of plastics, especially in niches with colonized microbes, and to guide the control of ARG environmental spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun-Hua Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Dong-Feng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jie Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ru-Li He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhou-Hua Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hui-Hui Li
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wen-Wei Li
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215123, China
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Yan X, Liu W, Wen S, Wang L, Zhu L, Wang J, Kim YM, Wang J. Effect of sulfamethazine on the horizontal transfer of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes and its mechanism of action. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 127:399-409. [PMID: 36522071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As a new type of environmental pollutant, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a huge challenge to global health. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) represents an important route for the spread of ARGs. The widespread use of sulfamethazine (SM2) as a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agent leads to high residual levels in the environment, thereby increasing the spread of ARGs. Therefore, we chose to study the effect of SM2 on the HGT of ARGs mediated by plasmid RP4 from Escherichia coli (E. coli) HB101 to E. coli NK5449 as well as its mechanism of action. The results showed that compared with the control group, SM2 at concentrations of 10 mg/L and 200 mg/L promoted the HGT of ARGs, but transfer frequency decreased at concentrations of 100 mg/L and 500 mg/L. The transfer frequency at 200 mg/L was 3.04 × 10-5, which was 1.34-fold of the control group. The mechanism of SM2 improving conjugation transfer is via enhancement of the mRNA expression of conjugation genes (trbBP, trfAP) and oxidative stress genes, inhibition of the mRNA expression of vertical transfer genes, up regulation of the outer membrane protein genes (ompC, ompA), promotion of the formation of cell pores, and improvement of the permeability of cell membrane to promote the conjugation transfer of plasmid RP4. The results of this study provide theoretical support for studying the spread of ARGs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Shengfang Wen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Lanjun Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Lusheng Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Jun Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Young Mo Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Jinhua Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China.
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Chatterjee S, More M. Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Microcystin and Increased Vibrio Occurrence as Climate-Change-Induced Biological Co-Stressors: Exposure and Disease Outcomes via Their Interaction with Gut-Liver-Brain Axis. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:289. [PMID: 37104227 PMCID: PMC10144574 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of global warming are not limited to rising global temperatures and have set in motion a complex chain of events contributing to climate change. A consequence of global warming and the resultant climate change is the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyano-HABs) across the world, which pose a threat to public health, aquatic biodiversity, and the livelihood of communities that depend on these water systems, such as farmers and fishers. An increase in cyano-HABs and their intensity is associated with an increase in the leakage of cyanotoxins. Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxins produced by some cyanobacterial species, and their organ toxicology has been extensively studied. Recent mouse studies suggest that MCs can induce gut resistome changes. Opportunistic pathogens such as Vibrios are abundantly found in the same habitat as phytoplankton, such as cyanobacteria. Further, MCs can complicate human disorders such as heat stress, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Firstly, this review describes how climate change mediates the rise in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in freshwater, causing increased levels of MCs. In the later sections, we aim to untangle the ways in which MCs can impact various public health concerns, either solely or in combination with other factors resulting from climate change. In conclusion, this review helps researchers understand the multiple challenges brought forth by a changing climate and the complex relationships between microcystin, Vibrios, and various environmental factors and their effect on human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Chatterjee
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Toxicology Core, NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health on Climate Change Interactions, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, UCI School of Medicine, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Madhura More
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California–Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Zhang H, Song J, Zheng Z, Li T, Shi N, Han Y, Zhang L, Yu Y, Fang H. Fungicide exposure accelerated horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes via plasmid-mediated conjugation. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119789. [PMID: 36863279 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Co-pollution of soil with pesticide residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasing due to the substantial usage of pesticides and organic fertilizers in greenhouse-based agricultural production. Non-antibiotic stresses, including those from agricultural fungicides, are potential co-selectors for the horizontal transfer of ARGs, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Intragenus and intergenus conjugative transfer systems of the antibiotic resistant plasmid RP4 were established to examine conjugative transfer frequency under stress from four widely used fungicides: triadimefon, chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin, and carbendazim. The mechanisms were elucidated at the cellular and molecular levels using transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq techniques. The conjugative transfer frequency of plasmid RP4 between Escherichia coli strains increased with the rising exposure concentrations of chlorothalonil, azoxystrobin, and carbendazim, but was suppressed between E. coli and Pseudomonas putida by a high fungicide concentration (10 µg/mL). Triadimefon did not significantly affect conjugative transfer frequency. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms revealed that: (i) chlorothalonil exposure mainly promoted generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, stimulated the SOS response, and increased cell membrane permeability, while (ii) azoxystrobin and carbendazim primarily enhanced expression of conjugation-related genes on the plasmid. These findings reveal the fungicide-triggered mechanisms associated with plasmid conjugation and highlight the potential role of non-bactericidal pesticides on the dissemination of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houpu Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China; College of Resources and Environment, Anhui Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agri-food Safety of Anhui Province, Hefei 230036, PR. China
| | - Jiajin Song
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China
| | - Zhiruo Zheng
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China
| | - Tongxin Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China
| | - Nan Shi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine CA 92697, United States
| | - Yuling Han
- Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Luqing Zhang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR. China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR. China
| | - Hua Fang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR. China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR. China.
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Engin AB, Engin ED, Engin A. Effects of co-selection of antibiotic-resistance and metal-resistance genes on antibiotic-resistance potency of environmental bacteria and related ecological risk factors. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 98:104081. [PMID: 36805463 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The inadequate elimination of micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), cause to increase in the incidence of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. Growth of microbial pathogens in WWTP is one of the serious public health problems. The widespread and simultaneous emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) in the environment with heavy metals create persistent and selective pressure for co-selection of both genes on environmental microorganisms. Co-localization of ARGs and HMRGs on the same horizontal mobile genetic elements (MGEs) allows the spreading of numerous antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in aquatic and terrestrial environment. The biofilm formation and colonization potential of environmental bacteria leads to the co-selection of multi-antibiotic resistance and multi-metal tolerance. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), co-localization of both ARGs and HMRGs on the same MGEs, and the shared resistomes are important bacteria-associated ecological risks factors, which reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Evren Doruk Engin
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Gumusdere Campus, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atilla Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Turkey
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Zhao H, Liu X, Sun Y, Liu J, Waigi MG. Effects and mechanisms of plant growth regulators on horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes through plasmid-mediated conjugation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 318:137997. [PMID: 36720410 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A vast number of bacteria occur in both soil and plants, with some of them harboring antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). When bacteria congregate on the interface of soil particles or on plant root surfaces, these ARGs can be transferred between bacteria via conjugation, leading to the formation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that threaten human health. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are widely used in agricultural production, promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields. However, until now, little information has been known about the effects of PGRs on the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs. In this study, with Escherichia coli DH5α (carrying RP4 plasmid with TetR, AmpR, KanR) as the donor and E. coli HB101 as the recipient, a series of diparental conjugation experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of indoleacetic acid (IAA), ethel (ETH) and gibberellin (GA3) on HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved were also clarified. The results showed that all three PGRs affected the ARG transfer frequency by inducing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, changing the cell membrane permeability, and regulating the gene transcription of traA, traL, trfAp, trbBp, kilA, and korA in plasmid RP4. In detail, 50-100 mg⋅L-1 IAA, 20-50 mg⋅L-1 ETH and 1500-2500 mg⋅L-1 GA3 all significantly promoted the ARG conjugation. This study indicated that widespread use of PGRs in agricultural production could affect the HGT of ARGs via plasmid-mediated conjugation, and the application of reasonable concentrations of PGRs could reduce the ARG transmission in both soil environments and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Yulong Sun
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
| | - Juan Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China.
| | - Michael Gatheru Waigi
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, PR China
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