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Characterization of transferable antibiotic resistance plasmids in airborne particulate matter from ICU environments

Kexing Zhang1,2, Xumei Zhou2, Xu Zhang3

  • 1School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China.

Iscience
|May 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Transferable antibiotic resistance plasmids (TARPs) found in intensive care unit (ICU) air can spread antibiotic resistance genes. These airborne TARPs may contribute to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Intensive care units (ICUs) are hotspots for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Transferable antibiotic resistance plasmids (TARPs) drive the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
  • The presence and role of airborne TARPs in ICUs remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of TARPs in ICU airborne environments.
  • To identify antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors harbored by these airborne TARPs.
  • To understand the potential contribution of airborne TARPs to antibiotic resistance transmission in ICUs.

Main Methods:

  • Direct isolation of resistant plasmids from ICU air samples using *Escherichia coli* CV601 as a recipient.
  • Plasmid typing, sequencing for identification of ARGs and virulence factors.
  • Validation of resistance phenotypes and phylogenetic analysis of TARPs.

Main Results:

  • 30 distinct plasmid types were detected in ICU air, with IncX3 being the most prevalent.
  • 245 ARGs were identified, including dominant genes such as *bla*NDM-53, *bla*SHV-12, and *BRP(MBL)*.
  • Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the identified TARPs originated from bacteria commonly colonizing human mucosa.

Conclusions:

  • ICU airborne TARPs are a potential reservoir for ARGs.
  • Airborne TARPs can facilitate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring airborne contaminants in ICUs for effective infection control.
Keywords:
Biological sciencesHealth sciencesInternal medicineMedical microbiologyMedical specialtyMedicineMicrobiologyNatural sciences

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