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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Mobile Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Probiotics
Adrienn Gréta Tóth1, István Csabai2, Maura Fiona Judge3
1Health Services Management Training Centre, Semmelweis University, 1125 Budapest, Hungary.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Probiotic bacteria may transfer antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) to the human gut microbiome. This study found numerous ARGs in probiotics, raising public health concerns about potential horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Probiotic products are widely consumed for health benefits.
- Concerns exist regarding probiotic bacteria colonizing the human gut.
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can spread genes, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential for HGT of ARGs in probiotic bacteria.
- To assess the public health implications of ARG transfer from probiotics.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of 47 shotgun sequencing datasets from probiotic samples (isolated strains and metagenomes).
- Detection and characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).
Main Results:
- Over 70 ARGs were detected in the analyzed probiotic samples.
- Common ARGs included rifampicin resistance (rpoB mutants), tet(W/N/W), and TEM-116 (ESBL).
- Many ARGs were linked to mobile genetic elements, plasmids, or phages, facilitating HGT.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic consumption may lead to the transfer of ARGs to human gut bacteria.
- The findings highlight clinical and public health concerns regarding ARG dissemination via probiotics.
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