Potential pathogens drive ARGs enrichment during biofilms formation on environmental surfaces

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Microbiology
• Public Health Microbiology

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) enrichment on environmental surfaces is critical for understanding microbial ecology and public health.
• Environmental surfaces can act as reservoirs for ARGs, influencing their spread and transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of microbiota, potential pathogens, and ARGs on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and carbon steel (CS) surfaces under environmental stress.
• To elucidate the factors shaping ARG enrichment and transfer within biofilms on these surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Utilized metagenomics and quantitative polymerase chain reaction-Chip techniques.
• Examined biofilm formation on PVC and CS in a Center for Disease Control and Prevention Biofilm Reactor under landfill leachate stress.
• Analyzed microbiota composition, potential pathogen abundance, and ARG profiles.

Main Results:

• Microbiota, potential pathogens, and ARGs showed a divergence-convergence pattern influenced by surface properties and biofilm maturity.
• ARG levels in biofilms increased and exceeded surrounding environment levels, with distinct structures.
• Mobile genetic elements (intI-1) increased, suggesting a role in ARG spread.
• Potential pathogens, though less abundant, were significant hosts for ARGs and crucial drivers of ARG enrichment.

Conclusions:

• Potential pathogens are key drivers of antibiotic resistance gene enrichment on environmental surfaces.
• Surface properties and biofilm development significantly influence ARG dynamics.
• Findings provide dynamic insights into resistome enrichment on environmental surfaces, informing public health strategies.