Spread Of Antibiotic Resistance Research Articles

In Vivo Efficacy of a Nanoconjugated Glycopeptide Antibiotic in Silkworm Larvae Infected by Staphylococcus aureus

To contrast the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, new alternative therapeutic options are urgently needed. The use of nanoparticles as carriers for clinically relevant antibiotics represents a promising solution to potentiate their efficacy. In this study, we used Bombyx mori larvae for the first time as an animal model for testing a nanoconjugated glycopeptide antibiotic (teicoplanin) against Staphylococcus aureus infection. B. mori larvae might thus replace the use of mammalian models for preclinical tests, in agreement with the European Parliament Directive 2010/63/EU. The curative effect of teicoplanin (a last resort antibiotic against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens) conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles was assessed by monitoring the survival rate of the larvae and some immunological markers (i.e., hemocyte viability, phenoloxidase system activation, and lysozyme activity). Human physiological conditions of infection were reproduced by performing the experiments at 37 °C. In this condition, nanoconjugated teicoplanin cured the bacterial infection at the same antibiotic concentration of the free counterpart, blocking the insect immune response without causing mortality of silkworm larvae. These results demonstrate the value and robustness of the silkworm as an infection model for testing the in vivo efficacy of nanoconjugated antimicrobial molecules.

A global perspective on the abundance, diversity and mobility of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli

IntroductionEscherichia coli (E. coli), a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen, poses a growing threat to human health due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the global distribution, diversity, and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in E. coli remains lacking, hindering effective strategies to combat resistance.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed 94,762 E. coli genome sequences obtained from the NCBI database using advanced bioinformatics tools. ARGs were identified by comparing sequences against a custom ARG database using BLAST. Mobile genetic element (MGE)-associated ARGs were identified by matching with ISfinder databases. Global distribution of ARGs was analyzed by clustering mobile ARG sequences with 99% genetic similarity.ResultsOur analysis revealed that 50.51% of the E. coli genome sequences contained ARGs, totaling 301,317 identified ARG sequences. These ARGs were categorized into 12 major classes and 229 subtypes. Notably, ARGs associated with multi-drug resistance (MDR), β-lactams, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramins (MLS), tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides were particularly abundant, with the subtypes mdtK, macB, and ampC being especially prevalent. Additionally, significant differences in ARG abundance and diversity were observed across countries, with higher diversity found in high-income nations. Furthermore, 9.28% of the ARG sequences were linked to MGEs, accounting for 98.25% of all ARG subtypes. Notably, 4.20% of mobile ARGs were identified in over 20 countries, with β-lactam and aminoglycoside ARGs being the most widespread.DiscussionThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution and transmission of ARGs in E. coli. The high abundance of MDR and β-lactam-related ARGs, along with their widespread transmission across countries, highlights the urgent need for global surveillance and control measures. Furthermore, the strong association between ARGs and MGEs underscores the role of horizontal gene transfer in the spread of resistance. The observed variations in ARG diversity between countries suggest that socioeconomic factors, such as healthcare infrastructure and antibiotic usage patterns, significantly influence ARG prevalence. These findings are crucial for informing global strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and improve public health outcomes.

Comprehensive Study of Antibiotic Resistance in Enterococcus spp.: Comparison of Influents and Effluents of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Background/Objectives: The spread of antibiotic resistance, particularly through Enterococcus spp., in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) poses significant public health risks. Given that research on antibiotic-resistant enterococci and their antibiotic-resistance genes in aquatic environments is limited, we evaluated the role of Enterococcus spp. in WWTPs by comparing the antibiotic resistance rates, gene prevalence, biofilm formation, and residual antibiotics in the influent and effluent using culture-based methods. Methods: In 2022, influent and effluent samples were collected from 11 WWTPs in South Korea. Overall, 804 Enterococcus strains were isolated, and their resistance to 16 antibiotics was assessed using the microdilution method. Results: High resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, and erythromycin was observed. However, no significant differences in the overall resistance rates and biofilm formation were observed between the influent and effluent. Rates of resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin, as well as the prevalence of the tetM and qnrS genes, increased in the effluent, whereas resistance rates to chloramphenicol, florfenicol, erythromycin, and tylosin tartrate, along with the prevalence of the optrA gene, decreased. E. faecium, E. hirae, and E. faecalis were the dominant species, with E. faecalis exhibiting the highest resistance. Conclusions: Our results suggest that WWTPs do not effectively reduce the rates of resistant Enterococcus spp., indicating the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of the treatment process to mitigate the environmental release of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Pneumococcal extracellular vesicles mediate horizontal gene transfer via the transformation machinery.

Bacterial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), the function of which is a matter of intense investigation. Here, we show that the EVs secreted by the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are associated with bacterial DNA on their surface and can deliver this DNA to the transformation machinery of competent cells. These findings suggest that EVs contribute to gene transfer in Gram-positive bacteria and, in doing so, may promote the spread of drug resistance genes in the population.IMPORTANCEThis work extends our understanding of horizontal gene transfer and the roles of extracellular vesicles in pneumococcus. This bacterium serves as the model for transformation, a process by which bacteria can take up naked DNA from the environment. Here, we show that extracellular vesicles secreted by the pneumococcus have DNA on their surface and that this DNA can be imported by the transformation machinery, facilitating gene transfer. Understanding EV-mediated gene transfer may provide new avenues to manage the spread of antibiotic drug resistance.

Evaluation of LPRDA Pentapeptide for the Prevention and Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Peritoneal Infection

Targeting virulence determinants is a promising approach to controlling S. aureus infections in the face of the global spread of antibiotic resistance. S. aureus-induced peritonitis often occurs in dialysis, implant and trauma patients. To develop novel prevention and treatment options for peritoneal infection, we investigated the oligopeptide sortase A inhibitor LPRDA as a non-conventional antibacterial that does not affect staphylococcal survival. Administration of LPRDA prior to S. aureus challenge reduced the bacterial load of internal organs and bacterial colonization of the abdominal cavity in animals. In addition, LPRDA inhibited α-hemolysin production in 80% of the 35 reference and clinical S. aureus strains tested. Consequent research of LPRDA interactions with cefazolin and vancomycin has demonstrated the potential for combined application of the antivirulent and antibiotic agents under study.

A scientific research training programme for teaching biomedical students to identify the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.

Worldwide prevalence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria is rapidly increasing, and the education of undergraduates and graduates about antibiotic resistance and its associated horizontal gene transfer is critical in the general effort to confront the spread of antibiotic resistance. In this study, a deeper understanding of antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer was achieved by biomedical undergraduate students through a scientific research programme. The enthusiasm of students to participate in the training programme was very high, and results revealed that each student could identify the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element from the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia MER1 genome. Each student could also draw the phylogenetic relationship of the antibiotic resistance integrative and conjugative element. In addition, students proved the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from S. maltophilia MER1 to Escherichia coli strain 25DN through conjugation and PCR assays. Each group of students was able to obtain the expected results, indicating that the outcome of the scientific research programme was highly reproducible. This programme improved the theoretical knowledge about antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer and the research skills of biomedical sciences students. Through this programme, students learned that antibiotic resistance genes can be horizontally transferred among different bacteria, laying a solid foundation for students to value the importance of the appropriate use of antibiotics in their future work and life.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm features of mutSMAP-18 against Vibrio cholerae

Cholera continues to be a pointed global health issue, prominently in developing nations, where the disease's severe diarrheal symptoms pose substantial public health risks. With the escalating spread of antibiotic resistance among V. cholerae strains, alternative therapeutic approaches are imperative. Antimicrobial peptides are increasingly recognized for their potential, with research focusing on finding the most effective options. We explored the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of analogues of sheep myeloid antimicrobial peptide-18 (SMAP-18) against V. cholerae in this investigation. Our prior research demonstrated that substituting glycine with alanine at different positions within SMAP-18 altered its structure and antimicrobial activity. Among these altered analogues, our focus was on a mutant variant (mutSMAP-18), characterized by glycine-to-alanine substitutions at positions 2, 7, and 13. Our results indicated that mutSMAP-18 exhibited heightened antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against V. cholerae compared to SMAP-18. We conducted several mechanistic investigations to check the membrane integrity using DNA-binding dye, SYTOX Green or measuring calcein dye leakage and analyzing flow cytometry by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACScan). From these tests, we elucidated that SMAP-18 primarily functions intracellularly, while mutSMAP-18 targets the bacterial membrane. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images illustrated membrane disruption at lower concentrations for mutSMAP-18. Notably, mutSMAP-18 demonstrated significant antibiofilm properties against V. cholerae. Overall, these findings offer valuable perspectives for developing novel antibacterial therapies targeting the pathogenic V. cholerae.

The Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance Among Adult Population in an Urban Setting of Rawalpindi

O Objective: To determine the association of various aspects of antimicrobial resistance awareness and socio-demographic determinants among residents of Rawalpindi. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi Cantonment, Pakistan, from Jan to Dec 2021. Methodology: A validated (World Health Organization) multi-country questionnaire was completed by a total of 400 participants, aged 16 years and older, by using two-stage sampling technique. The relationship between social and dependent variables was analyzed using chi-square test of significance. Results: Study results showed that 53.8% of participants were aware of the term ‘antibiotic resistance’ whereas only 29.5% understood what antimicrobial resistance meant. In comparison to males, more females (65.3%) knew the term antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance awareness was higher among young adults aged 16-24 years (67.8%) than among older age groups (p=0.001). Antibiotic resistance awareness in relation to gender (p<0.001), education level (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001) and monthly household income (p<0.001) was found statistically significant. Antibiotic resistance, according to nearly one-third of respondents (31.8%), was a problem in other countries but not in Pakistan. Conclusion: Awareness and level of understanding regarding spread of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance itself were found to be low. The study findings revealed that older adults, those with lower education and lower socioeconomic status had the least knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial resistance as compared to other groups.

SERS calibration substrate with a silent region internal standard for reliable simultaneous detection of multiple antibiotics in water

As the extensive use of antibiotics has led to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need for quantitative assessment of antibiotic residues in the environment. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a rapid and cost-effective detection method, but it suffers from the high variability in signal intensities, its quantitative detection remains challenging. Herein, we have developed a SERS calibration substrate with a silent region internal standard, enabling simultaneous and reliable quantitative detection of three commonly antibiotics of penicillin potassium (PP), tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and levofloxacin (LEV). The calibration substrate is made by assembling Au @ 4-mercaptobenzonitrile (4-MBN) @ SiO2 on silicon wafer. The chemically-inert silica shell allows the substrate to remain SERS active for more than 24 weeks in the air. The vC ≡ N of 4-MBN in the silent region of 1800–2800 cm−1 provides an effective reference for correcting Raman signal fluctuations. The relative SERS intensity by normalizing to the internal standard (IS) of vC ≡ N shows a linear response against to the logarithmic concentration with a correlation coefficient of 0.997, 0.976, 0.998 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 26.9, 28.2, 2.4 nM for PP, TCH and LEV, respectively. Furthermore, simultaneous detection and principal component analysis (PCA) of these antibiotics in lake water with a concentration range of 1–100 mg/L can achieve a sensitivity and specificity of 100 %. This novel quantitative technique of using this SERS calibration substrate shows promises as a high-throughput platform for multiple trace antibiotics analysis.

Antibiotic resistance genes are transferred from manure-contaminated water bodies to the gut microbiota of animals through the food chain

Fecal-contaminated water may enter the food chain and become an important route for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to the human microbiome. However, little is known about the spread of ARGs from fecal contamination in water bodies along the aquatic food chain. In this study, laboratory-raised Daphnia magna and Aristichthys nobilis were used to investigate the effects of the addition of manure on target ARGs in water and their intestinal contents to determine the potential transmission route of ARGs in the aquatic food chain system. The abundance of target ARGs in water as well as D. magna and A. nobilis intestinal contents significantly increased when fecal contamination was present. ARGs bioaccumulated along the food chain, with four ARGs (tetM-01, tetX, qnrS, and sul2) detected regularly. Mn and Cr were key environmental factors that promoted the transfer of ARGs along the food chain. Fecal addition significantly changed the structure of microbial communities in water, D. magna gut, and A. nobilis gut. The ARG spectrum was significantly correlated with the composition and structure of the bacterial community. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were identified as the main host bacteria and were likely to act as carriers of ARGs to promote the spread of antibiotic resistance in the food chain. The composition and structure of bacterial communities, along with mobile genetic elements, were two key drivers of ARG transfer. These findings provide new insights into the distribution and spread of ARGs along the freshwater food chain.

Drug-resistant Pantoea agglomerans Causing Bacteremia at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata, India: First Report of Carbapenem Resistance Mediated by OXA-181.

The spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in uncommon human pathogens endangers global public health, escalating morbidity, death, and healthcare expenditures. Pantoea agglomerans, a member of the Erwiniaceae family that rarely infects humans, is emerging as a drug-resistant nosocomial pathogen. Seven P. agglomerans isolates were recovered from bacteremia patients at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, between March 2022 and October 2022. The isolates were evaluated for phenotypic resistance, β-lactamase and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, plasmid profiling, and clonality assessment. All isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, with four resistant to carbapenems. The following β-lactamases and PMQR genes were identified: blaOXA-1 (n = 1), blaTEM (n = 1), blaCTX-M-1 (n = 2), blaNDM (n = 5), blaOXA-181 (n = 1), qnrB (n = 2), and qnrS (n = 4). Six isolates carried up to seven plasmids ranging in size from 2kb to > 212kb. IncFI, FII, HI, and X3 plasmid types were detected in three isolates, while the rest remained untypable. Four different genetic patterns were noted. Four isolates were clonally related, with three being clonal. The swap of environmental isolates to human pathogens exacerbates the ABR dilemma, periling patient care and outcomes. This is the first report in India of a carbapenem-resistant P. agglomerans blood isolate carrying blaOXA-181. In-depth genomic research of drug-resistant microbes adapted to the environment-human interfaces might underpin the source-route-containment of ABR.

Research on antibiotic resistance genes in wild and artificially bred green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Sea turtles, vital to marine ecosystems, face population decline. Artificial breeding is a recovery strategy, yet it risks introducing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to wild populations and ecosystems. This study employed metagenomic techniques to compare the distribution characteristics of ARGs in the guts of wild and artificially bred green turtles (Chelonia mydas). The findings revealed that the total abundance of ARGs in C. mydas that have been artificially bred was significantly higher than that in wild individuals. Additionally, the abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) co-occurring with ARGs in artificially bred C. mydas was significantly higher than in wild C. mydas. In the analysis of bacteria carrying ARGs, wild C. mydas exhibited greater bacterial diversity. Furthermore, in artificially bred C. mydas, we discovered 23 potential human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) that contain antibiotic resistance genes. In contrast, in wild C. mydas, only one type of HPB carrying an antibiotic resistance gene was found. The findings of this study not only enhance our understanding of the distribution and dissemination of ARGs within the gut microbial communities of C. mydas, but also provide vital information for assessing the potential impact of releasing artificially bred C. mydas on the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic Resistance And The Future Of Infection Control

This review article focuses on the essential topic of antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat that calls into question the efficacy of previously effective therapies. It starts by recognizing the enormous influence that antibiotics, which were discovered in the 20th century, have had on medicine. Despite their effectiveness in treating infections, these medications' overuse and abuse have had unforeseen repercussions. Pathogens have evolved a number of defense mechanisms against antibiotics as their usage in human healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry has increased. This resistance extends throughout communities and the environment in addition to occurring in clinical settings. The paper emphasizes how environmental variables, agricultural runoff, and other microbes can all contribute to the acquisition of resistance genes. It highlights how gene transfer contributes to the rapid proliferation of resistant strains. The worldwide nature of travel and trade adds to the complexity of this problem by making it easier for resistant germs to spread across national boundaries. Many antibiotics could become ineffective as a result of this resistance crisis, which would raise healthcare expenses, lengthen hospital stays, and raise mortality rates. The essay emphasizes the necessity of a multipronged strategy, including improved antibiotic stewardship, surveillance initiatives, and public education, to counter this threat. It urges cooperation between researchers, legislators, and healthcare professionals in order to create novel remedies and encourage the prudent use of antibiotics. In order to protect public health for future generations, the review intends to increase awareness and motivate action against the spread of antibiotic resistance by addressing these interrelated issues.

Acetylshikonin reduces the spread of antibiotic resistance via plasmid conjugation

The plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) stands out as the primary driver behind the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Developing effective inhibitors that target conjugative transfer represents an efficient strategy for addressing the issue of AMR. Here, we studied the effect of acetylshikonin (ASK), a botanical derivative, on plasmid conjugation. The conjugative transfer of RP4-7 plasmid inter and intra species was notably reduced by ASK. The conjugation process of IncI2 and IncX4 plasmids harboring the mobile colistin resistance gene (mcr-1), IncX4 and IncX3 plasmids containing the carbapenem resistance gene (blaNDM-5), and IncFI and IncFII plasmids possessing the tetracycline resistance gene [tet(X4)] were also reduced by ASK. Importantly, the conjugative transfer frequency of mcr-1 positive IncI2 plasmid in mouse peritoneal conjugation model and gut conjugation model was reduced by ASK. The mechanism investigation showed that ASK disrupt the functionality of the bacterial cell membrane. Furthermore, the proton motive force (PMF) was dissipated. In addition, ASK blocked the electron transmission in bacteria's electron transport chain (ETC) through disturbing the quinone interaction, resulting in an insufficient energy supply for conjugation. Collectively, ASK is a potential conjugative transfer inhibitor, providing novel strategies to prevent the spread of AMR.

Incorporating Single-Copper Sites and Host Defense Peptides into a Nanoreactor for Antibacterial Therapy by Bioinspired Design

A sustainable solution to the dramatic spread of antibiotic resistance threatening public health security is the development of antibiotic-free antimicrobial substances. Inspired by natural host defense mechanisms involving amino-terminal copper−nickel binding motif (ATCUN) antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we have designed and prepared an artificial complex (Cu@G-AMPs) incorporating single-atom Cu catalysts for antibacterial therapy. The substrate of the complex, formed from guanine doped with abundant heteroatoms, anchored single Cu atoms with a coordination number of 2 and an average bond length of 1.91Å. Interestingly, Cu@G-AMPs, exhibiting Fenton-like catalytic activity, caused the inactivation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by generating and delivering reactive oxygen species (ROS) cargo. Mechanistically, the intrinsic stress response system of MRSA underwent an irreversible collapse when Cu@G-AMPs initiated its offensive program associated with non-specific targets. Furthermore, Cu@G-AMPs, which inherited the immunomodulatory properties of AMPs, sequentially carried out the functions of pulling edge closure, stabilizing granulation tissue, promoting collagen fiber proliferation, alleviating inflammation, and promoting neovascularization in wound areas infected by MRSA. Our results show that Cu@G-AMPs will provide a new perspective on untangling the complex regulatory networks that resistant bacteria have cultivated to deactivate commercial antibiotics.

Antibiotic-Resistance Genes and Mobile Genetic Elements in Free-DNA with Transformational Capacity are Present in the Cantaloupe Melon Production Environment

ABSTRACT Bacterial free DNA (fDNA) may be a template for genetic exchange of antibiotic resistance genes (fARG), facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGE). We analyzed for the presence of fARGs in cantaloupe melon, farmworker´s hands, and irrigation water samples; and if these fARGs, containing the ampicillin resistance gene (ampC), could transform ampicillin-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii. Fourteen ARGs and five MGEs were identified in the fDNA from a total of 201 samples. Ninety-one percent of the hand rinses, 74% of the cantaloupe melon rinses, and 62% of the water samples contained at least one of the groups of genes analyzed. The genes most frequently found were ampC, 50%. Of the MGE genes analyzed, int1 was the most often detected (24%). ARG and MGE genes were more prevalent in farmworker’s hands. The fDNA, containing the ampC, transformed the ampicillin-sensitive A. baumannii (efficiency of 10−7). fDNA can facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance among the agricultural microbiota.

Antibiotic resistance and pathogen spreading in a wastewater treatment plant designed for wastewater reuse

Climate change significantly contributes to water scarcity in various regions worldwide. While wastewater reuse is a crucial strategy for mitigating water scarcity, it also carries potential risks for human health due to the presence of pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB). Antibiotic resistance represents a Public Health concern and, according to the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance, wastewater role in selecting and spreading ARB must be monitored.Our aim was to assess the occurrence of ARB, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and potential pathogenic bacteria throughout a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) designed for water reuse. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate potential association between ARB and ARGs with antibiotics and heavy metals.The results obtained revealed the presence of ARB, ARGs and pathogenic bacteria at every stage of the WWTP. Notably, the most prevalent ARB and ARG were sulfamethoxazole-resistant bacteria (up to 7.20 log CFU mL−1) and sulII gene (up to 5.91 log gene copies mL−1), respectively. The dominant pathogenic bacteria included Arcobacter, Flavobacterium and Aeromonas. Although the abundance of these elements significantly decreased during treatment (influent vs. effluent, p < 0.05), they were still present in the effluent designated for reuse. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between heavy metal concentrations (copper, nickel and selenium) and antibiotic resistance elements (ampicillin-resistant bacteria, tetracycline-resistant bacteria, ARB total abundance and sulII) (p < 0.05).These results underscore the importance of monitoring the role of WWTP in spreading antibiotic resistance, in line with the One Health approach. Additionally, our findings suggest the need of interventions to reduce human health risks associated with the reuse of wastewater for agricultural purposes.

Antimicrobial Activity of Terpenes and Oxygen-Containing Terpenoids Against &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/i&gt;

At various pathological states, Staphylococcus aureus may cause a number of diseases. Rapid spread of antibiotic resistance necessitates the search for alternative approaches to antimicrobial treatment of staphylococci. Due to their membranotropic properties, natural and synthetic terpenoids are capable both of antimicrobial action and of potentiation of the effect of other antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial activity of 53 natural terpenes and their synthetic oxygen-containing derivatives was determined, as well as their ability to potentiate the effect of known antimicrobials on S. aureus. Two- to fourfold increase in efficiency of amikacin, ceftriaxone, and miramistin in the presence of (+)-3β,4β-carandiol and (‒)-myrtenic acid indicates the possibility of their application for combined therapy together with medical preparations in order to decrease the concentrations of the latter.

Public health implications of antibiotic resistance in sewage water: an epidemiological perspective

The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance pose a major threat to global health, attributing to misuse and overuse of antibiotics resulting in antibiotics-resistant bacteria through natural mutation or transfer of resistance genes. A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which a total of 36 samples were systematically collected; of these, 26 were derived from the wastewater efflux and 10 from the receiving waters at several critical junctures along the Sutlej River. Herein, this study elucidated elevated levels of antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates sourced from urban wastewater. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the highest at 90% among the isolates, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) at 58%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) at 55%, and Salmonella spp. at 53%. Many antibiotics were found to be more resistant including Ciproflaxacin, Co-Trimaxazole, Ampicillin and Tetracycline. Several antibiotic-resistance genes were found in isolated bacterial spp., such as Aminoglycosides (aadA), Sulfonamides (Sul1, Sul3), Tetracyclines (Tet (A/B/D)) and Cephalosporins (Bla_CTM X) at 41%, 35%, 29% and 12% respectively. Furthermore, the development of innovative wastewater treatment models and surveillance programs are crucial to counteract the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. To investigate the genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance, molecular analysis was performed, including DNA isolation, PCR amplification, and sequence analysis. The study helps investigate a diverse range of ARBs and ARGs in wastewater, which highlights the need of better laws for antibiotic usage and wastewater treatment processes. This investigation also stresses on regular monitoring of ARBs and ARGs in sewage wastewater. Through proactive interventions and sustained scientific inquiry, we can strive toward preserving environmental integrity and public health for successive generations.Graphical

Natural Organic Matter Enhances Natural Transformation of Extracellular Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Sunlit Water.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as emerging environmental contaminants exacerbate the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance. Natural organic matter (NOM) is ubiquitous in aquatic environments and plays a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles. However, its impact on the dissemination of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (eARGs) under sunlight exposure remains elusive. This study reveals that environmentally relevant levels of NOM (0.1-20 mg/L) can significantly enhance the natural transformation frequency of the model bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 by up to 7.6-fold under simulated sunlight. Similarly, this enhancement was consistently observed in natural water and wastewater systems. Further mechanism analysis revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NOM under sunlight irradiation, primarily singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals, play a crucial role in this process. These ROS induce intracellular oxidative stress and elevated cellular membrane permeability, thereby indirectly boosting ATP production and enhancing cell competence of extracellular DNA uptake and integration. Our findings highlight a previously underestimated role of natural factors in the dissemination of eARGs within aquatic ecosystems and deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between NOM, sunlight, and microbes in environmental water bodies. This underscores the importance of developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.