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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Characterization of the soil resistome and mobilome in Namib Desert soils
ClearTracking antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic-contaminated soil
Researchers used metagenomics to track antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils with long histories of plastic mulch use across eight Chinese provinces, identifying 204 subtypes of resistance genes alongside thousands of mobile genetic elements, demonstrating that microplastic-contaminated soils are significant reservoirs for antibiotic resistance spread.
Bacteriophages: Underestimated vehicles of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil
This review highlighted bacteriophages as underestimated vehicles for spreading antibiotic resistance genes in soil, finding that phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer between bacteria is promoted by anthropogenic activities and represents a significant but overlooked pathway for resistance dissemination.
Distinctive signatures of pathogenic and antibiotic resistant potentials in the hadal microbiome
Researchers mapped antibiotic resistance genes and disease-causing microbial traits in the deepest parts of the ocean — the Mariana Trench — revealing a unique and largely unknown landscape of microbial risk factors even in Earth's most remote environments.
The Influence of Coalescent Microbiotic Particles From Water and Soil on the Evolution and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance
This review examines how microbiotic particles in water and soil serve as hotspots for bacterial interactions, facilitating the evolution and horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between ecologically distant bacterial species through biofilm formation on particle surfaces.
Antibiotic resistome in groundwater and its association with mountain springs and river
Researchers characterized antibiotic resistance genes in peri-urban groundwater alongside mountain spring and river sources, finding 261 distinct resistance genes in groundwater and identifying natural water sources as contributors to groundwater antibiotic resistome profiles.
The influence of depth on the global deep-sea plasmidome
Researchers analyzed plasmid DNA communities in 81 deep-sea samples from global ocean expeditions and found that deeper waters harbored more diverse plasmid populations carrying genes for stress resistance and metabolism. They also identified plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance genes, with some linked to microplastic-associated bacteria. The study reveals that even remote deep-sea environments may serve as reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes spread through mobile genetic elements.
Sources, interactions, influencing factors and ecological risks of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A review
Microplastics in soil serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes, with the plastisphere — the microbial community colonizing plastic surfaces — facilitating horizontal gene transfer of resistance markers. Key factors driving this interaction include microplastic properties, soil chemistry, and agricultural practices, though research in soil environments is still at an early stage compared to aquatic systems.
Metagenomic insights into ecological risk of antibiotic resistome and mobilome in riverine plastisphere under impact of urbanization
This study used advanced genetic sequencing to examine antibiotic resistance genes on microplastics found in an urban river. Microplastics harbored more antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements than natural materials like rocks and wood, and the problem was worse in more urbanized areas. The findings suggest that microplastics in waterways can act as hotspots for spreading antibiotic resistance, which is a growing public health threat.
Quantification of class 1 integrons and characterization of the associated gene cassettes in the high Arctic – Interplay of humans and glaciers in shaping the aquatic resistome
Researchers quantified class 1 integrons and characterized associated gene cassettes in water and ice samples from the high Arctic, examining how human activity and glacial melt influence antibiotic resistance in remote aquatic environments. Both anthropogenic contamination sites and glacial meltwater harbored integron-carrying bacteria, suggesting multiple pathways of resistance gene introduction into the Arctic.
Microbiotic particles in water and soil, water-soil microbiota coalescences, and antimicrobial resistance
This paper explores how bacteria attach to tiny particles in water and soil, forming communities that may carry antimicrobial resistance genes. Microplastics, sediment grains, and other particles act as surfaces where antibiotic-resistant bacteria can accumulate and spread. Understanding these 'microbiotic particles' is important for tracking how antibiotic resistance moves through the environment.
Antibiotic sorption onto MPs in terrestrial environment: a critical review of the transport, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicological effects and prospects
This review examines how microplastics in soil absorb and transport antibiotics, creating complex pollutants that can spread antibiotic resistance genes through the environment. When antibiotic-carrying microplastics are taken up by plants or soil organisms, the resistance genes can eventually reach humans through the food chain. The authors highlight the need for better strategies to reduce microplastic contamination in soil to help slow the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
Deciphering the mechanisms shaping the plastisphere antibiotic resistome on riverine microplastics
Researchers found that microplastics in China's Huangpu River selectively enrich antibiotic resistance genes for Rifamycin and Vancomycin, creating unique bacterial niches that favor horizontal gene transfer and dissemination of resistance through stochastic assembly processes.
Reshaping the antibiotic resistance genes in plastisphere upon deposition in sediment-water interface: Dynamic evolution and propagation mechanism
Researchers examined how antibiotic resistance genes in the microplastic biofilm (plastisphere) evolve as MPs settle from water to sediment, finding that deposition in sediment reshapes ARG profiles and promotes horizontal gene transfer, amplifying resistance gene reservoirs in benthic environments.
Mobile genetic elements drive the assembly of high-risk resistance and virulence configurations at the riverine water–sediment interface
Rivers passing through agricultural and urban areas accumulate a dangerous mix of antibiotic-resistant genes, metal resistance genes, virulence factors, and mobile genetic elements — and this study found that all of these increase in abundance as rivers flow from rural to urban zones. Microplastics, heavy metals, and antibiotics in river environments appear to drive the spread of these genetic elements, particularly in urban sediments where complex resistance networks concentrate. The findings highlight that rivers are not just carriers of plastic pollution but also incubators for antimicrobial resistance, requiring integrated management approaches.
Arctic plasmidome analysis reveals distinct relationships among associated antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes along anthropogenic gradients
Researchers analyzed antibiotic resistance genes carried on mobile genetic elements in Arctic glacial ice and nearby waterways, finding more resistance genes in areas with greater human influence. Even in this remote region, the spread of antimicrobial resistance was detectable along gradients of human activity. While not directly about microplastics, the study is relevant because microplastics in polar environments can serve as surfaces where bacteria exchange resistance genes, potentially accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Biodegradable microplastics induced the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil: A metagenomic perspective
Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil at levels comparable to conventional microplastics, challenging assumptions about their environmental safety.
Exposure to heavy metal and antibiotic enriches antibiotic resistant genes on the tire particles in soil
Researchers found that tire particles in soil accumulate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, and that the presence of heavy metals or antibiotics in the soil further enriches these resistance genes on tire particle surfaces. The findings suggest that tire-derived microplastics in contaminated soils could serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance, with potential implications for human health.
Effects of agricultural inputs on soil virome-associated antibiotic resistance and virulence: A focus on manure, microplastic and pesticide
Researchers studied how agricultural inputs including manure, microplastics, and pesticides affect virus communities in soil and their potential to carry antibiotic resistance genes. They found that manure application significantly increased both viral diversity and the abundance of resistance and virulence genes carried by viruses. The study reveals that soil viruses may play a previously underappreciated role in spreading antibiotic resistance through agricultural ecosystems.
Exploring the Diversity and Antibiogram of the Soil around a Tertiary Care Hospital and a University Precinct in Southern India: A Pilot Study
This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it profiles bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance in soils around a hospital and university campus in southern India.
The combined effect of microplastics and tetracycline on soil microbial communities and ARGs
Researchers studied how simultaneous exposure to microplastics and tetracycline affects soil microbial communities, finding that the combination disrupted microbial diversity, altered functional gene expression, and promoted horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes beyond the effects of either pollutant alone.