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Plastiome: Plastisphere-enriched mobile resistome in aquatic environments

Keerthi S Guruge1, Prasun Goswami1, Kazuki Kanda1

  • 1Hygiene Management Group, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan.

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Aquatic microplastics (MPs) harbor microbial communities, creating a mobile resistome that promotes environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study found significantly higher antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on MPs than in surrounding water.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Aquatic microplastics (MPs) serve as vectors for microbial communities.
  • These communities can harbor a mobile resistome, including antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and biocide/metal resistance genes (BMRGs).
  • This 'plastiome' may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the composition and resistome of microbial communities on MPs in Japanese rivers.
  • To compare the abundance and types of ARGs and BMRGs on MPs versus surrounding water.
  • To understand the role of MPs in the coselection and propagation of AMR.

Main Methods:

  • Sampling of waterborne MPs (polyethylene and polypropylene fibers/sheets) from two rivers near Tokyo.
  • Metagenomic analysis of microbial communities and their associated genes on MPs and in water.
  • Network analysis to identify associations between microbial genera, resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements.

Main Results:

  • MPs were primarily composed of polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and sheets.
  • Clinically relevant genera like Exiguobacterium and Eubacterium were enriched on MPs.
  • ARGs were 3.46-fold higher on MPs than in water, with multidrug resistance genes (MDRGs) and BMRGs being prevalent.
  • Specific ARGs/BMRGs conferring resistance to vancomycin, beta-lactams, biocides, arsenic, and mercury were selectively enriched on MPs.
  • Intense associations between host genera, ARGs, BMRGs, and MGEs were observed on MPs, indicating coselection.

Conclusions:

  • Aquatic MPs significantly enrich ARGs and BMRGs, contributing to the mobile plastiome.
  • MPs facilitate coselection and potential propagation of AMR in aquatic ecosystems.
  • Understanding the plastiome is crucial for addressing the global challenge of AMR within the One Health framework.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance gene (ARG)Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)Metal resistance gene (MRG)MicroplasticMobile genetic element (MGE)

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