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Related Concept Videos

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Plasmids

Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules found in bacteria, archaea, and some eukaryotic microbes like yeast. These small, circular DNA structures typically contain fewer than 30 genes, although some may exist linearly. Plasmids vary in their number within a cell, known as copy number. Single-copy plasmids are present in one copy per cell and multi-copy plasmids are present in multiple copies, reaching over 100 copies per cell.Plasmids usually replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA...
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Biological wastewater treatment relies on the metabolic activity of microorganisms to remove pollutants from sewage. In modern treatment systems, this process is organized into sequential stages that progressively reduce solid material, dissolved organic matter, and microbial contamination. Each stage plays a distinct role in improving water quality and preparing the effluent for safe discharge or reuse.Primary and Secondary TreatmentPrimary treatment is a physical process that removes large...
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Enhanced Extraction of Low-Molecular Weight DNA from Wastewater for Comprehensive Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance
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Broad-host-range plasmids in treated wastewater effluent and receiving streams.

Tatsuya Akiyama1, Kyle L Asfahl, Mary C Savin

  • 1Dep. of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, 115 Plant Science Bldg., Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.

Journal of Environmental Quality
|February 3, 2011
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Summary

Broad-host-range plasmids are present in wastewater treatment plant effluents and enter local streams. These plasmids, often carrying antibiotic resistance genes, are detected in both the water and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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Published on: January 10, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Broad-host-range (BHR) plasmids are mobile genetic elements that can carry antibiotic resistance genes.
  • Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are known reservoirs for various genetic elements, including BHR plasmids.
  • The dissemination of BHR plasmids from WWTPs into aquatic environments is a concern due to their potential role in spreading antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the occurrence of BHR plasmid groups (IncA/C, IncN, IncP, IncW) in WWTP effluents and receiving streams.
  • To investigate the presence of these BHR plasmids in antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from the studied environment.
  • To assess the potential for WWTPs to contribute to the environmental spread of BHR plasmids.

Main Methods:

  • Collection of water samples from WWTP effluents and upstream/downstream sites of Mud Creek and Spring Creek.
  • DNA extraction from filter membranes and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific gene sequences for IncA/C, IncN, IncP, and IncW BHR plasmids.

Main Results:

  • IncP plasmid amplicons were found in effluent and downstream sites of both streams.
  • IncN and IncW plasmid amplicons were detected in Spring Creek (effluent and downstream).
  • IncA/C plasmid amplicons were ubiquitous, found at all sites, including upstream in Spring Creek.
  • Only one IncP and two IncN BHR plasmid amplicons were detected in 85 screened E. coli isolates, exclusively from effluent and downstream samples.
  • BHR plasmids were detected in WWTP effluent and introduced into receiving streams.

Conclusions:

  • WWTP effluents serve as a source of BHR plasmids entering aquatic ecosystems.
  • The presence of BHR plasmids in effluent and downstream environments highlights their environmental dissemination.
  • Alternative bacterial indicators beyond E. coli may be more effective for monitoring the impact of WWTPs on BHR plasmid spread.