We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Inland Antarctic plastispheres harbour unique and diverse antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed plastic debris collected from Antarctic lakes, soils, and a protected area and found that plastisphere communities harbor significantly more antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements than surrounding environments, with antibiotic-resistant bacteria surviving prolonged freezing — raising concerns about plastic as a vector for resistance dissemination even in remote ecosystems.
Abstract Antarctica, considered pristine, is increasingly recognized to harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the role of plastic debris as hotspots for ARBs and ARGs in this remote continent remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the resistome, mobilome and bacterial communities of the plastisphere present on in situ collected plastics from Antarctic lakes and soils, including an Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPA), using high-throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Plastics exhibited a higher number and higher relative copy numbers of ARGs, including those conferring resistance to synthetic antibiotics, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) compared to surrounding water and soil. ARG–MGE correlations were more extensive on plastics, suggesting enhanced ARG mobilization potential. Isolation of ARBs from plastics after prolonged freezing confirmed the presence of clinically relevant ARGs and MGEs, indicating that plastics act as a hotspot for antibiotic resistance dissemination, with potential environmental and human health implications.
More Papers Like This
Plastic Polymers and Antibiotic Resistance in an Antarctic Environment (Ross Sea): Are We Revealing the Tip of an Iceberg?
AI summary Read the abstract
This Antarctic colonization experiment explored whether plastic polymers (PVC and polyethylene panels) submerged in the Ross Sea harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria, examining biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Multidrug resistance was widespread in both plastic-associated and surrounding water bacteria, suggesting that antibiotic resistance is a generalized phenomenon in this remote environment rather than specifically enriched by plastic substrates.
Plastisphere and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in a 40-year-old abandoned coastal landfill site in Chile.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized plastisphere microbial communities on plastics in a 40-year-old abandoned coastal landfill in Chile, finding that antibiotic resistance genes were present at 67% of sampled sites. The study showed landfills can act as reservoirs for clinically significant bacteria and may spread resistance genes into nearby wetlands and oceans.
Antibiotic resistance in plastisphere
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed antibiotic resistance in the plastisphere — the microbial community colonizing plastic surfaces in aquatic environments — finding that plastic properties and aging influence the enrichment and horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, and that aged microplastics pose elevated risks due to increased adsorption of resistant bacteria.
Marine plastisphere selectively enriches microbial assemblages and antibiotic resistance genes during long-term cultivation periods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers placed four types of common microplastics in a marine environment for over 100 days and found that bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance genes accumulated on the plastic surfaces over time. PVC microplastics were particularly effective at concentrating resistance genes, and a key gene-transfer element was found on all plastic types. These results show that microplastics floating in the ocean act as hotspots for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could eventually reach humans through seafood or water.
Ecosystem-specific composition and drivers of plastisphere resistome in freshwater and marine environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This comparative meta-analysis of metagenomic data found that microplastics in freshwater and marine environments harbor distinct antibiotic resistance gene profiles, with freshwater plastispheres showing greater resistome diversity. Microplastics serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance gene propagation, with mobile genetic elements facilitating transfer to potentially pathogenic bacteria.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.