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Polystyrene microplastics promote intestinal colonization of Aeromonas veronii through inducing intestinal microbiota

Yuqi Wang1, Chao Gao1, Wenfang Niu1

  • 1College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; Henan Province Engineering Laboratory for Bioconversion Technology of Functional Microbes, Xinxiang 453007, China.

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|March 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) significantly increase pathogen colonization in fish intestines. PS-MPs disrupt gut microbiota, reducing colonization resistance and promoting pathogen spread.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Aquatic Toxicology

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized for their role in pathogen dissemination.
  • The impact of MPs on pathogen colonization within host intestines remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the intestinal colonization of Aeromonas veronii in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus).
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which PS-MPs influence pathogen colonization and host microbiota.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of loaches to various MPs, with a focus on PS-MPs.
  • Quantification of Aeromonas veronii colonization levels in loach intestines.
  • Analysis of intestinal damage and microbiota composition.
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments to confirm causal links.

Main Results:

  • PS-MPs significantly increased Aeromonas veronii colonization by 67.18%.
  • PS-MPs caused intestinal damage and induced significant microbiota dysbiosis.
  • The abundance of beneficial bacteria like Lactococcus sp. decreased, reducing colonization resistance.
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that PS-MP-induced dysbiosis drives increased pathogen colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Polystyrene microplastics promote pathogen colonization in fish intestines by disrupting the gut microbiota.
  • Microplastic-induced dysbiosis attenuates the host's natural defense mechanisms against pathogens.
  • This study highlights the ecological risks of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Keywords:
Aeromonas veroniiColonization resistanceIntestinal colonizationIntestinal microbiota dysbiosisPolystyrene MPs

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