Regionalization and Shaping Factors for Microbiomes and Core Resistomes in Atmospheric Particulate Matters

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, exacerbated by environmental factors.
• Atmospheric particulate matter (APM) harbors diverse microbial communities and resistance genes, with poorly understood regional variations and interrelationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regional characteristics and correlations of microbial communities (microbiomes) and antimicrobial resistance genes (resistomes) within APM.
• To identify environmental factors shaping APM microbiomes and resistomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of APM samples from 13 cities across four distinct regions.
• Utilized principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), ANOSIM, response analysis, Procrustes analysis, and co-occurrence network analysis.
• Statistical analyses were employed to assess regionalization and correlations.

Main Results:

• Significant regionalization was observed for both APM microbiomes and core resistomes (P < 0.001).
• Microbiomes and resistomes exhibited similar regional clustering patterns and responded similarly to environmental parameters.
• A significant correlation (P < 0.05) was found between APM microbiomes and resistomes, with key taxa and resistance determinants identified.

Conclusions:

• APM microbiome and resistome compositions are highly regional and significantly correlated.
• Environmental pollutants and APM levels influence the composition of APM microbiomes and resistomes.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for assessing the public health risks associated with airborne bacteria and AMR.