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Plastisphere as a Vector for Pathogenic Microbes and Antibiotic Resistance
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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.
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Microplastics and the plastisphere: hidden players of global antimicrobial resistance
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the environment that become coated with microbes, forming a "plastisphere." Studies show these coatings often carry more antibiotic resistance genes than surrounding water or soil, and may help spread resistant microbes between environments, though gaps remain in understanding the exact mechanisms.
Antibiotic resistance in plastisphere
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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.
Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere
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This review examines how microplastics in the environment may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance by providing surfaces where bacteria, antibiotics, and resistant genes converge. Researchers describe several mechanisms by which the microbial communities living on microplastics, known as the plastisphere, could accelerate horizontal gene transfer of resistance traits. The study highlights an emerging concern at the intersection of plastic pollution and the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Microplastic biofilm as hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens
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This review examined how microplastic biofilms—the plastisphere—serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) accumulation and potential pathogen enrichment. The authors described mechanisms by which microplastic surfaces promote horizontal gene transfer and bacterial community shifts that favor ARG-carrying strains, raising concern that microplastics accelerate the spread of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.
Microplastic Microbiome Interactions: Emerging Threats and Bioremediation Potentials
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This review examines the plastisphere — microbial communities that colonize plastic surfaces — covering how these biofilms influence the fate and toxicity of microplastics while acting as vectors for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes, and discussing their potential for bioremediation.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.