-
Marine Pollution Bulletin Aug 2023The exposure of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as potential threats to the environment has raised global concern. This study provides discussion on... (Review)
Review
The exposure of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as potential threats to the environment has raised global concern. This study provides discussion on the emergence and distribution of antibiotics and ARGs in lakes. The correlation of critical water quality parameters with antibiotics and ARGs are evaluated along with their integrative potential ecological risk. Sulfonamides (∼67.18 ng/L) and quinolones (∼77.62 ng/L) were the dominant antibiotics distributed in the aqueous phase, while the quinolones and tetracyclines were the primary contamination factors in the sediment phase. The temporal and spatial distribution revealed that the antibiotic concentrations were significantly lower in summer than other seasons and the lakes in Hebei and Jiangsu provinces exhibited the highest antibiotic pollution. The detection frequency and relative abundance of sul1 gene have been the highest among all detected ARGs. Moreover, ARGs in lakes were driven by several factors, with bacterial communities and mobile genetic elements that prevailed the positive distribution of ARGs. Antibiotics have been identified as critical factors in inducing the propagation of ARGs, which could be further enhanced by chemical contaminants (e.g., heavy metals and nutrients). Involving the risk assessment strategies, research attention should be paid on three antibiotics (ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin) to strengthen the policy and management of Baiyangdian Lake and East Dongting Lake. This review analysis will provide in-depth understanding to the researchers and policy-makers in formulation of strategies for remediation of antibiotic contamination in the lakes.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Lakes; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Bacteria; Genes, Bacterial; Quinolones; China
PubMed: 37354830
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115189 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Oct 2023Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water for Tibetans. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial communities in groundwater on the Tibetan Plateau remain...
Landscape of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial communities in groundwater on the Tibetan Plateau, and distinguishing their difference with low-altitude counterparts.
Groundwater is a vital source of drinking water for Tibetans. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial communities in groundwater on the Tibetan Plateau remain unclear. Furthermore, the characterization of their differences between high-altitude and low-altitude groundwater is still unrevealed. Herein, 32 groundwater samples were collected on the plateau, and intra- and extracellular ARGs (iARGs and eARGs), and bacterial communities were characterised through qPCR assays to 19 ARGs and 16S rRNA sequencing. It showed top four abundant intra- and extracellular last-resort ARGs (LARGs) were bla, mcr-1, vanA, and vanB, whereas dominant common ARGs (CARGs) were tetA and ermB, respectively. CARGs had higher abundances than LARGs, and iARGs were more frequently detected than eARGs. Proteobacteria, an invasive resident phylum, and Firmicutes dominated eDNA release. Network analysis revealed all observed LARGs co-occurred with pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. Community diversity was significantly associated with longitude and elevation, while nitrate correlated with ARGs. Comparative analysis demonstrated eARG frequencies and abundances were higher at high altitudes than at low altitudes. Additionally, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas specifically dominated at high altitudes. This study reveals the widespread prevalence of ARGs, particularly LARGs, in groundwater on the less-disturbed Tibetan Plateau and underlines the potential risks associated with the LARG-carrying bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which are defined as emerging environmental contaminants, are becoming a global concern due to their ability to confer antibiotic resistance to pathogens. Our findings highlight the prevalence of ARGs, particularly LARGs, in groundwater on the Tibetan Plateau, and the possibility that naturally-occurring pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria carry multiple LARGs. In addition, we further reveal differences in the distribution of ARGs and bacterial community between high-altitude and low-altitude groundwater. Collectively, our findings offer an important insight into the potential public risks related to groundwater on the Tibetan Plateau.
Topics: Altitude; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Tibet; Bacteria; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Groundwater
PubMed: 37595466
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132300 -
Microbial Biotechnology Mar 2024In the relentless battle for human health, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has emerged as an impending catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude,...
In the relentless battle for human health, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has emerged as an impending catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude, potentially driving humanity towards the brink of an unparalleled healthcare crisis. The unyielding advance of antibiotic resistance looms as the foremost threat of the 21st century in clinical, agricultural and environmental arenas. Antibiotic resistance is projected to be the genesis of the next global pandemic, with grim estimations of tens of millions of lives lost annually by 2050. Amidst this impending calamity, our capacity to unearth novel antibiotics has languished, with the past four decades marred by a disheartening 'antibiotic discovery void'. With nearly 80% of our current antibiotics originating from natural or semi-synthetic sources, our responsibility is to cast our investigative nets into uncharted ecological niches teeming with microbial strife, the so-called 'microbial oases of interactions'. Within these oases of interactions, where microorganisms intensively compete for space and nutrients, a dynamic and ever-evolving microbial 'arms race' is constantly in place. Such a continuous cycle of adaptation and counter-adaptation is a fundamental aspect of microbial ecology and evolution, as well as the secrets to unique, undiscovered antibiotics, our last bastion against the relentless tide of resistance. In this context, it is imperative to invest in research to explore the competitive realms, like the plant rhizosphere, biological soil crusts, deep sea hydrothermal vents, marine snow and the most modern plastisphere, in which competitive interactions are at the base of the microorganisms' struggle for survival and dominance in their ecosystems: identify novel antibiotic by targeting microbial oases of interactions could represent a 'missing piece of the puzzle' in our fight against antibiotic resistance.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ecosystem; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Agriculture
PubMed: 38465465
DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14430 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2024Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), known for their low energy consumption, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness, have been widely utilized for removing antibiotics... (Review)
Review
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs), known for their low energy consumption, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness, have been widely utilized for removing antibiotics from wastewater. Compared to conventional wastewater treatment methods, MFCs produce less sludge while exhibiting superior antibiotic removal capacity, effectively reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates 1) the mechanisms of ARGs generation and proliferation in MFCs; 2) the influencing factors on the fate and removal of antibiotics and ARGs; and 3) the fate and mitigation of ARGs in MFC and MFC-coupled systems. It is indicated that high removal efficiency of antibiotics and minimal amount of sludge production contribute the mitigation of ARGs in MFCs. Influencing factors, such as cathode potential, electrode materials, salinity, initial antibiotic concentration, and additional additives, can lead to the selection of tolerant microbial communities, thereby affecting the abundance of ARGs carried by various microbial hosts. Integrating MFCs with other wastewater treatment systems can synergistically enhance their performance, thereby improving the overall removal efficiency of ARGs. Moreover, challenges and future directions for mitigating the spread of ARGs using MFCs are suggested.
Topics: Bioelectric Energy Sources; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Wastewater; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38815818
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173530 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Aug 2023The presence of ARGs (antibiotic resistance genes) in the aquatic environment is a serious threat to public health especially in environmental biofilms as natural...
Seasonal and spatial variations of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial biodiversity in biofilms covering the equipment at successive stages of drinking water purification.
The presence of ARGs (antibiotic resistance genes) in the aquatic environment is a serious threat to public health especially in environmental biofilms as natural reservoirs of ARGs in water treatment plants (WTP). It has been shown that the treatment technology and source of water have a significant impact on the abundance and type of genes determining antibiotic resistance. The following indicator genes were proposed that should absolutely be controlled in environmental biofilms: intl1, sul2, sul1, tetA, blaOXA, and blaTEM. In both studied WTPs, the highest number of copies was determined for the intI1 gene. Among the tested ARGs, the highest values were obtained for genes sul1 and tetA. The qPCR analysis also revealed that the amounts of determined ARGs decreased in the following order: sulphonamides>carbapenems >tetracyclines > β-lactams >macrolides. The dominant bacterial types in all analysed samples were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Both ARGs and bacterial biodiversity was determined rather by sampling site (spatial variation) than seasonality. The obtained results show that biofilms are reservoirs of ARGs. This may affect the microbiological quality of water entering the water system. It is therefore necessary to include their analysis in the classical studies of water quality.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Genes, Bacterial; Seasons; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Water Purification; Drinking Water
PubMed: 37210784
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131660 -
Chemistry & Biodiversity Sep 2023One of the most serious threats to human health is antibiotic resistance, which has left the world without effective antibiotics. While continuous research and... (Review)
Review
One of the most serious threats to human health is antibiotic resistance, which has left the world without effective antibiotics. While continuous research and inventions for new antibiotics are going on, especially those with new modes of action, it is unlikely that this alone would be sufficient to win the battle. Furthermore, it is also important to investigate additional approaches. One such strategy for improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics is the discovery of adjuvants. This review has collected data from various studies on the current crisis and approaches for combating multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens using phytochemicals. In addition, the nano antibiotic approaches, are discussed, highlighting the high potentials of essential oils, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and nano antibiotics in combating antibiotic resistance.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Phytochemicals; Oils, Volatile
PubMed: 37535351
DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300453 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Oct 2023The granular activated carbon (GAC) sandwich modification to slow sand filtration could be considered as a promising technology for improved drinking water quality....
Antibiotic resistance genes and the association with bacterial community in biofilms occurring during the drinking water granular activated carbon (GAC) sandwich biofiltration.
The granular activated carbon (GAC) sandwich modification to slow sand filtration could be considered as a promising technology for improved drinking water quality. Biofilms developed on sand and GAC surfaces are expected to show a functional diversity during the biofiltration. Bench-scale GAC sandwich biofilters were set-up and run continuously with and without antibiotic exposure. Surface sand (the schmutzdecke) and GAC biofilms were sampled and subject to high-throughput qPCR for antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) analysis and 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Similar diversity of ARG profile was found in both types of biofilms, suggesting that all ARG categories decreased in richness along the filter bed. In general, surface sand biofilm remained the most active layer with regards to the richness and abundance of ARGs, where GAC biofilms showed slightly lower ARG risks. Network analysis suggested that 10 taxonomic genera were implicated as possible ARG hosts, among which Nitrospira, Methyloversatilis and Methylotenera showed the highest correlation. Overall, this study was the first attempt to consider the whole structure of the GAC sandwich biofilter and results from this study could help to further understand the persistence of ARGs and their association with the microbial community in drinking water biofiltration system.
Topics: Charcoal; Drinking Water; Sand; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Biofilms; Drug Resistance, Microbial
PubMed: 37708648
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132511 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Apr 2024Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge to public health, but human-caused environmental changes have not been widely recognized as its drivers. Here, we provide a... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge to public health, but human-caused environmental changes have not been widely recognized as its drivers. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the relationships between environmental degradation and antibiotic resistance, demonstrating that the former can potentially fuel the latter with significant public health outcomes. We describe that (i) global warming favors horizontal gene transfer, bacterial infections, the spread of drug-resistant pathogens due to water scarcity, and the release of resistance genes with wastewater; (ii) pesticide and metal pollution act as co-selectors of antibiotic resistance mechanisms; (iii) microplastics create conditions promoting and spreading antibiotic resistance and resistant bacteria; (iv) changes in land use, deforestation, and environmental pollution reduce microbial diversity, a natural barrier to antibiotic resistance spread. We argue that management of antibiotic resistance must integrate environmental goals, including mitigation of further increases in the Earth's surface temperature, better qualitative and quantitative protection of water resources, strengthening of sewage infrastructure and improving wastewater treatment, counteracting the microbial diversity loss, reduction of pesticide and metal emissions, and plastic use, and improving waste recycling. These actions should be accompanied by restricting antibiotic use only to clinically justified situations, developing novel treatments, and promoting prophylaxis. It is pivotal for health authorities and the medical community to adopt the protection of environmental quality as a part of public health measures, also in the context of antibiotic resistance management.
Topics: Humans; Plastics; Environmental Pollution; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Bacteria; Metals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Pesticides; Genes, Bacterial
PubMed: 38402936
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123649 -
Revue de L'infirmiere Oct 2023The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), created by the French Health Insurance Act of August 13, 2004, is an independent scientific public authority, with legal personality...
The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), created by the French Health Insurance Act of August 13, 2004, is an independent scientific public authority, with legal personality and financial autonomy. Involved in the fight against antibiotic resistance, the HAS provides professionals and the general public with a range of tools to encourage the adoption of best practices in the use of antibiotics.
Topics: Humans; Drug Resistance, Microbial; France
PubMed: 37838364
DOI: 10.1016/j.revinf.2023.08.004 -
Marine Environmental Research May 2024In this study, the pollution status of antibiotics and ARGs in sediments from the land-sea intersection of Liaodong Bay was analyzed. The results showed that the level... (Review)
Review
In this study, the pollution status of antibiotics and ARGs in sediments from the land-sea intersection of Liaodong Bay was analyzed. The results showed that the level of antibiotic pollution ranged from ND to 433.27 ng/kg, with quinolones and tetracycline as the dominant antibiotics. The relative abundance of ARGs ranged from 3.62 × 10 to 1.32 × 10 copies/16SrRNA copies, with aminoglycoside and MLSB resistance genes being dominant. Regarding spatial distribution, the land and estuary areas showed higher antibiotic pollution levels than the offshore areas. Similarly, the land and estuary areas exhibited higher antibiotic diversity than the offshore areas. The ARGs were widely distributed on land, and their abundance gradually decreased to the downstream estuary area. Land and coastal areas exhibited higher ARG diversity than estuary areas. Analysis of environmental factors revealed a significant correlation between ARGs and non-corresponding antibiotics, and some ARGs were affected by heavy metals Cu and Pb.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bays; Genes, Bacterial; Environmental Monitoring; China; Drug Resistance, Microbial
PubMed: 38574497
DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106470