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Nursing Standard (Royal College of... Nov 2014
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; United Kingdom
PubMed: 25370240
DOI: 10.7748/ns.29.10.18.s25 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Apr 2023Antibiotic resistance is currently one of the greatest threats to human health. Widespread use and residues of antibiotics in humans, animals, and the environment can... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic resistance is currently one of the greatest threats to human health. Widespread use and residues of antibiotics in humans, animals, and the environment can exert selective pressure on antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG), accelerating the flow of antibiotic resistance. As ARG spreads to the population, the burden of antibiotic resistance in humans increases, which may have potential health effects on people. Therefore, it is critical to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance to humans and reduce the load of antibiotic resistance in humans. This review briefly described the information of global antibiotic consumption information and national action plans (NAPs) to combat antibiotic resistance and provided a set of feasible control strategies for the transmission of ARB and ARG to humans in three areas including (a) Reducing the colonization capacity of exogenous ARB, (b) Enhancing human colonization resistance and mitigating the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARG, (c) Reversing ARB antibiotic resistance. With the hope of achieving interdisciplinary one-health prevention and control of bacterial resistance.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Bacteria; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Genes, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 36950985
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114734 -
Molecular Microbiology Mar 2020The acquisition process of antibiotic resistance in an otherwise susceptible organism is shaped by the ecology of the species. Unlike other relevant human pathogens,... (Review)
Review
The acquisition process of antibiotic resistance in an otherwise susceptible organism is shaped by the ecology of the species. Unlike other relevant human pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes has maintained a high rate of susceptibility to the antibiotics used for decades to treat human and animal infections. However, L. monocytogenes can acquire antibiotic resistance genes from other organisms' plasmids and conjugative transposons. Ecological factors could account for its susceptibility. L. monocytogenes is ubiquitous in nature, most frequently including reservoirs unexposed to antibiotics, including intracellular sanctuaries. L. monocytogenes has a remarkably closed genome, reflecting limited community interactions, small population sizes and high niche specialization. The L. monocytogenes species is divided into variants that are specialized in small specific niches, which reduces the possibility of coexistence with potential donors of antibiotic resistance. Interactions with potential donors are also hampered by interspecies antagonism. However, occasional increases in population sizes (and thus the possibility of acquiring antibiotic resistance) can derive from selection of the species based on intrinsic or acquired resistance to antibiotics, biocides, heavy metals or by a natural tolerance to extreme conditions. High-quality surveillance of the emergence of resistance to the key drugs used in primary therapy is mandatory.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Listeria monocytogenes; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plasmids
PubMed: 32185838
DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14454 -
Poultry Science Mar 2022Antibiotic resistance is a serious concern for public health. Farm environments are relevant reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes...
Antibiotic resistance is a serious concern for public health. Farm environments are relevant reservoirs of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), thus strategies to limit the spread of ARGs from farms to the environment are needed. In this study a broiler farm, where antibiotics have never been used for any purpose, was selected to evaluate if this measure is effective in reducing the ARGs load in farm environment (FE) and in meat processing environment (MPE). Faecal samples from FE and MPE were processed for DNA extraction. Detection and quantification of the 16S rRNA gene and selected ARGs (bla, qnrS, sul2, and tetA) were carried out by PCR and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), respectively. Generally, the relative abundance of the quantified ARGs in FE was similar or higher than that measured in intensive farms. Furthermore, apart for tetA, no differences in relative abundances of the other ARGs between FE and MPE were determined. These results suggest that the choice to not use antibiotics in broiler farming is not so effective to limit the ARGs spread in MPE and that further sources of ARGs should be considered including the preceding production phase with particular reference to the breeding stage.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chickens; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Farms; Genes, Bacterial; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 35091251
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101675 -
Trends in Microbiology Nov 2017Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human pathogen with remarkable adaptive powers. Antibiotic-resistant clones rapidly emerge mainly by acquisition of... (Review)
Review
Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human pathogen with remarkable adaptive powers. Antibiotic-resistant clones rapidly emerge mainly by acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes from other S. aureus strains or even from other genera. Transfer is mediated by a diverse complement of mobile genetic elements and occurs primarily by conjugation or bacteriophage transduction, with the latter traditionally being perceived as the primary route. Recent work on conjugation and transduction suggests that transfer by these mechanisms may be more extensive than previously thought, in terms of the range of plasmids that can be transferred by conjugation and the efficiency with which transduction occurs. Here, we review the main routes of antibiotic resistance gene transfer in S. aureus in the context of its biology as a human commensal and a life-threatening pathogen.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Conjugation, Genetic; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus Phages; Staphylococcus aureus; Transduction, Genetic
PubMed: 28641931
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.05.011 -
ELife Jun 2020Surveillance strategies based on whole genome sequencing could help with the early identification and detection of new forms of drug-resistant gonorrhoea.
Surveillance strategies based on whole genome sequencing could help with the early identification and detection of new forms of drug-resistant gonorrhoea.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Genomics; Gonorrhea; Humans; Neisseria gonorrhoeae
PubMed: 32602460
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.59379 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2023The role of microplastics (MPs) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly attracting global research attention due to their unique ecological... (Review)
Review
The role of microplastics (MPs) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly attracting global research attention due to their unique ecological and environmental effects. The ubiquitous use of plastics and their release into the environment by anthropic/industrial activities are the main sources for MP contamination, especially of water bodies. Because of their physical and chemical characteristics, MPs represent an ideal substrate for microbial colonization and formation of biofilm, where horizontal gene transfer is facilitated. In addition, the widespread and often injudicious use of antibiotics in various human activities leads to their release into the environment, mainly through wastewater. For these reasons, wastewater treatment plants, in particular hospital plants, are considered hotspots for the selection of ARGs and their diffusion in the environment. As a result, the interaction of MPs with drug-resistant bacteria and ARGs make them vectors for the transport and spread of ARGs and harmful microorganisms. Microplastic-associated antimicrobial resistance is an emerging threat to the environment and consequently for human health. More studies are required to better understand the interaction of these pollutants with the environment as well as to identify effective management systems to reduce the related risk.
Topics: Humans; Microplastics; Wastewater; Plastics; Genes, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Hospitals
PubMed: 37239594
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105868 -
Journal of Microbiology and... Jan 2021Bacterial biofilm is a community of bacteria that are embedded and structured in a self-secreted extracellular matrix. An important clinical-related characteristic of... (Review)
Review
Bacterial biofilm is a community of bacteria that are embedded and structured in a self-secreted extracellular matrix. An important clinical-related characteristic of bacterial biofilms is that they are much more resistant to antimicrobial agents than the planktonic cells (up to 1,000 times), which is one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance in clinics. Therefore, infections caused by biofilms are notoriously difficult to eradicate, such as lung infection caused by in cystic fibrosis patients. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of biofilms will provide direct insights into how we overcome such resistance. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of biofilms and chronic infections associated with bacterial biofilms. We examine the current understanding and research progress on the major mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in biofilms, including quorum sensing. We also discuss the potential strategies that may overcome biofilm-related antibiotic resistance, focusing on targeting biofilm EPSs, blocking quorum sensing signaling, and using recombinant phages.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Bacteriophages; Biofilms; Cystic Fibrosis; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Pseudomonas Infections; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Quorum Sensing
PubMed: 33323672
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2010.10021 -
Environment International Jun 2023Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been widely found and studied in soil and water environments. However, the propagation of ARGs in plant microbiomes has attracted... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been widely found and studied in soil and water environments. However, the propagation of ARGs in plant microbiomes has attracted insufficient attention. Plant microbiomes, especially the rhizosphere microorganisms, are closely connected with water, soil, and air, which allows ARGs to spread widely in ecosystems and pose a threat to human health after entering the human body with bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to deeply understand and explore the dynamics and the transmission of ARGs in rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes of plants. In this review, the transmission and influencing factors of ARGs in the microorganisms associated with plants, especially the influence of root exudates on plant microbiomes, are analyzed. Notably, the role of intrinsic genes of plants in determining root exudates and their potential effects on ARGs are proposed and analyzed. The important role of phyllosphere microorganisms and endophytes in the transmission of ARGs and co-resistance of antibiotics and other substances are also emphasized. The proliferation and transmission of ARGs associated with plant microbiomes addressed in this review is conducive to revealing the fate of ARGs in plant microorganisms and alleviating ARG pollution.
Topics: Humans; Bacteria; Genes, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Microbiota; Soil; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 37257204
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107986 -
Bioscience Trends Feb 2016Nosocomial infection is a kind of infection, which is spread in various hospital environments, and leads to many serious diseases (e.g. pneumonia, urinary tract... (Review)
Review
Nosocomial infection is a kind of infection, which is spread in various hospital environments, and leads to many serious diseases (e.g. pneumonia, urinary tract infection, gastroenteritis, and puerperal fever), and causes higher mortality than community-acquired infection. Bacteria are predominant among all the nosocomial infection-associated pathogens, thus a large number of antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides, penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, are adopted in clinical treatment. However, in recent years antibiotic resistance quickly spreads worldwide and causes a critical threat to public health. The predominant bacteria include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. In these bacteria, resistance emerged from antibiotic resistant genes and many of those can be exchanged between bacteria. With technical advances, molecular mechanisms of resistance have been gradually unveiled. In this review, recent advances in knowledge about mechanisms by which (i) bacteria hydrolyze antibiotics (e.g. extended spectrum β-lactamases, (ii) AmpC β-lactamases, carbapenemases), (iii) avoid antibiotic targeting (e.g. mutated vanA and mecA genes), (iv) prevent antibiotic permeation (e.g. porin deficiency), or (v) excrete intracellular antibiotics (e.g. active efflux pump) are summarized.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Cross Infection; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Hydrolysis; Mutation; beta-Lactamases
PubMed: 26877142
DOI: 10.5582/bst.2016.01020