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Plastisphere as a Vector for Pathogenic Microbes and Antibiotic Resistance
Summary
This review examines how the plastisphere, the microbial community that colonizes plastic surfaces, serves as a vector for pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. Researchers found that microplastics can adsorb antibiotics and facilitate higher rates of plasmid transfer among bacteria, with potentially pathogenic species carrying multi-drug resistance genes identified on plastic surfaces.
The plastisphere hosts resilient microbial communities colonizing plastics, offering durable substrates. It is a carrier for pathogenic bacteria and exhibits higher antimicrobial-resistant bacteria due to antibiotic adsorption on microplastics. Plasmid transfer frequency among plastic-associated bacteria exceeds aquatic counterparts. Potential pathogenic bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Bacillus anthracis containing multi-antimicrobial resistant genes were found in the plastisphere, and according to the temporal dynamics of PS, the relative abundance of antibiotic-resistant genes decreases significantly in the PS during colonization, likely due to increased microbial biomass. This chapter focuses on how plastisphere is a potential vector for pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic-resistant gene transmission, necessitating attention to mitigate environmental health risks.