We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mangrove plastisphere as a hotspot for high-risk antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that microplastics in mangrove ecosystems serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes and disease-causing bacteria. Polyethylene, polystyrene, and PVC surfaces incubated in mangrove sediments harbored significantly more high-risk resistance genes than the surrounding environment. This is concerning because mangroves are important coastal habitats, and microplastics there could help spread drug-resistant infections to wildlife and potentially to humans.
Microplastics (MPs) are critical vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); however, the prevalence and ecological risks of high-risk ARGs in mangrove ecosystems-globally vital yet understudied coastal habitats-remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this study investigated polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride incubated in mangrove sediments for one month, focusing on high-risk ARGs, virulence gene (VGs), and pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the mangrove plastisphere. High-throughput PCR and metagenomic analyses revealed that high-risk ARGs, VGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were significantly enriched on MPs compared to surrounding sediments. Pathogenic bacteria and MGEs were also more abundant in the plastisphere, highlighting its role as a hotspot for ARG dispersal. Metagenome-assembled genome analysis identified Pseudomonas and Bacillus as key hosts for ARGs, MGEs, and VGs, particularly multidrug resistance genes, integrase genes, and adherence factors. Notably, polystyrene harbored the highest abundance of pathogenic bacteria carrying ARGs, MGEs, and VGs, and mangrove root exudates were found to amplify horizontal gene transfer on MPs, uncovering a previously overlooked mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in coastal ecosystems. These findings not only elucidate how MPs accelerate the spread of ARGs, but also underscore the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address the adverse impacts microplastic pollution on human, animal, and environmental health.
More Papers Like This
Impact of the surrounding environment on antibiotic resistance genes carried by microplastics in mangroves
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers buried five plastic types in mangrove ecosystems with different surrounding environments and used qPCR to quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on the plastic surfaces, finding higher ARG abundance in urban mangroves than in protected or aquaculture areas. Polypropylene and HDPE were preferred substrates for ARG-carrying bacteria, and proximity to human activities was the main driver of ARG distribution.
Microplastics accumulation in mangroves increasing the resistance of its colonization Vibrio and Shewanella
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastics accumulating in mangrove sediments harbored antibiotic-resistant bacteria, predominantly Vibrio parahemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Shewanella, with 100% of mangrove isolates showing elevated resistance. The study highlights microplastics as ecological colonization sites that may amplify antibiotic resistance risks in coastal ecosystems.
Ecosystem settings and urbanization shape microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes on coastal microplastics.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied microplastics placed in mangrove and sandy-beach sediments, comparing rural and urban areas. Bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance genes differed by habitat and urbanization, with urban mangrove microplastics showing the highest diversity of resistance genes and the strongest links between specific bacteria and these genes.
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.
Prevalence of microplastics, antibiotic resistant genes and microplastic associated biofilms in estuary - A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined evidence for microplastics, antibiotic resistance genes, and microplastic-associated biofilms in estuarine ecosystems. Microplastics in estuaries serve as substrates for diverse microbial biofilms including pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and estuaries are identified as important reservoirs for microplastic-facilitated horizontal gene transfer.
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.