Article
Environmental Sciences
Suzanne Loret, Boutaina Habib, Pierre Romain, Agnes Roba, Angeline Reboul
Summary: The routine work of any molecular biology laboratory involves the daily use of microorganisms, including E. coli strains transformed with plasmids expressing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Effective methods for disinfection of liquid laboratory waste must be able to destroy nucleic acids to prevent the accidental release of ARGs into the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marion Hutinel, Jerker Fick, D. G. Joakim Larsson, Carl-Fredrik Flach
Summary: In this study, it was found that chemicals present in municipal wastewater did not induce horizontal gene transfer (HGT), while exposure to hospital wastewater led to an increase in the number of recipients acquiring sulfonamide resistance. Although concentrations were generally higher in hospital wastewater, none of the measured substances could individually explain its effects; the majority of captured mobile genetic elements were Inch plasmids.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tatiana Dimitriu, Andrew C. Matthews, Angus Buckling
Summary: Conjugative plasmids can rapidly evolve increased transfer rates and antimicrobial resistance when confronted with susceptible hosts. This evolution is driven by mutations in the copA gene, leading to higher copy numbers and subsequently higher transfer rates and AMR. Correlated selection between plasmid transfer and AMR may increase the spread of AMR within populations and communities.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaojie Hu, Yanxing Xu, Si Liu, Fredrick Owino Gudda, Wanting Ling, Chao Qin, Yanzheng Gao
Summary: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) coexist in the environment. This study investigates the influence of GQDs on the horizontal transfer of ARGs mediated by plasmids into Escherichia coli cells. GQDs enhance ARG transfer at lower concentrations, but weaken or inhibit the transfer at higher concentrations due to aggregation and hindering of ARG entrance. This study provides understanding of the ecological risks caused by GQDs and their safe application.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ashish Kothari, Prashant Kumar, Amit Gaurav, Karanvir Kaushal, Atul Pandey, Shashi Ranjan Mani Yadav, Neeraj Jain, Balram Ji Omar
Summary: The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to global public health. Majority of clinical bacteria are found to be multidrug-resistant, with antibiotic resistance genes on their plasmids that can be horizontally transferred. The presence of optimal concentration of antibiotics or heavy metals facilitates horizontal gene transfer. High levels of arsenic in water were discovered in the Shukratal region of India, corresponding to high serum arsenic levels in infected individuals and increased antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains isolated from that area. This research highlights the imminent threats to global health due to improper waste disposal, increased antibiotic concentrations and human interference.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shay Lee Chong, Joon Liang Tan, Yun Fong Ngeow
Summary: The study analyzed genome data of 1,581 MABC strains to identify 395 putative proteins associated with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. These proteins were found to be under different selection pressures, with most undergoing purifying selection, suggesting a reduction in diversity for stability in MABC. Horizontal gene transfer was suggested to play an important role in shaping the resistome of MABC, with unequal distribution of resistance proteins possibly attributed to this process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuyao Zhu, Bingqing Yang, Yuqian Jia, Feiyu Yu, Zhiqiang Wang, Yuan Liu
Summary: This study aimed to explore the impact of different disinfectants on the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their underlying mechanisms. The results showed that quaternary ammonium salt, organic halogen, alcohol, and guanidine disinfectants significantly facilitated the conjugative transfer, while heavy metals, peroxides, and phenols displayed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, guanidine disinfectants promoted conjugation through increased cell membrane permeability, over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhanced SOS response, and altered expression of conjugative transfer-related genes. Moreover, guanidine disinfectants also promoted bacterial energy metabolism and flagellum motility. These findings highlight the potential risks caused by the massive use of guanidine disinfectants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jianzhong Ye, Lulu Jin, Yaling Li, Hao Xu, Yishuai Lin, Tieli Zhou, Beiwen Zheng, Maofeng Wang, Zhongyong Wang
Summary: This study reports the isolation and comparative genomics of two bla(NDM-5) carrying Citrobacter freundii isolates from a patient with multiple infections. The isolates exhibited a high level of genetic similarity and the bla(NDM-5) resistance gene could be horizontally transferred to Escherichia coli. The dissemination of NDM-5-producing C. freundii isolates should be closely monitored in clinical settings.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yinxia Li, Yaowen Zhang, Maoyi Chen, Jie Hu, Haoran Zhang, Ying Xiang, Haiyan Yang, Shaofu Qiu, Hongbin Song
Summary: The study identified a multidrug-resistant Salmonella strain carrying the mcr-1 gene in China, showing resistance to multiple antibiotics. The plasmid pJZ26 could be transferred to E. coli and harbored other resistance genes, posing a challenge to clinical treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biology
M. G. Roberts, S. Burgess, L. J. Toombs-Ruane, J. Benschop, J. C. Marshall, N. P. French
Summary: Bacteria can develop antimicrobial resistance through mutation and plasmid mediated horizontal gene transfer, leading to the replacement or co-existence of resistant mutant strains with wild-type bacteria. Applying and relaxing antibiotic control may result in bacterial load returning to pre-control levels, but with altered population structure; removing antimicrobial selection pressure may not necessarily reduce antimicrobial resistance, necessitating alternative approaches for infection prevention and control.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Houpu Zhang, Jiajin Song, Zhiruo Zheng, Tongxin Li, Nan Shi, Yuling Han, Luqing Zhang, Yunlong Yu, Hua Fang
Summary: Co-pollution of soil with pesticide residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasing due to the substantial usage of pesticides and organic fertilizers in greenhouse-based agricultural production. Non-antibiotic stresses, including those from agricultural fungicides, are potential co-selectors for the horizontal transfer of ARGs, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Article
Microbiology
Joao Pedro Rueda Furlan, Eliana Guedes Stehling
Summary: This study conducted a genomic analysis of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, and found a highly diverse population. While P. gergoviae strains were found in humans and the environment, only human and environmental strains exhibited multidrug-resistant profiles. Additionally, numerous antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, including those encoding mobile colistin resistance. The findings indicate that P. gergoviae is emerging as a new multidrug-resistant species, necessitating continuous epidemiological genomic surveillance.
Review
Microbiology
Ilyas Alav, Michelle M. C. Buckner
Summary: Horizontal gene transfer plays a crucial role in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While the impact of antibiotic use on AMR spread is well-established, the influence of commonly used non-antibiotic compounds and environmental pollutants has been overlooked. Recent studies have found that these compounds can increase the transfer of AMR plasmids, potentially through various mechanisms. Understanding the role of these compounds in AMR dissemination is important for taking action to mitigate their impact.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lei Shen, Tianlei Qiu, Yajie Guo, Min Gao, Haoze Gao, Guozhu Zhao, Xuming Wang
Summary: This study investigates the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their bacterial hosts during composting. It finds that prolonged thermophilic composting can remove ARG-carrying plasmids and inhibit the rebound of bacteria carrying these plasmids. Moreover, the study shows that the diversity and richness of the bacterial community carrying the plasmids are significantly reduced during prolonged thermophilic composting. These findings provide new insights into the role of composting in mitigating the dissemination of plasmid-mediated ARGs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiajin Song, Houpu Zhang, Zishan Wu, Mengting Qiu, Xiuping Zhan, Conglai Zheng, Nan Shi, Qianke Zhang, Luqing Zhang, Yunlong Yu, Hua Fang
Summary: In this study, we found a novel mechanism that explains the bidirectional regulation of a heavy-metal-containing fungicide mancozeb on the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Mancozeb exposure exerted oxidative and osmotic stress on microbes and facilitated plasmid-mediated ARG transfer, but its metallic portions (Mn and Zn) were utilized by microbes as essential ions to reduce the transfer. Transcriptome analysis confirmed the altered expression levels of stress response and conjugation related genes. This updated understanding of fungicide-triggered ARG dissemination provides important insights for comprehensive risk assessment of fungicides.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Yo Okamura, Tomoya Kono, Masahiro Sakai, Jun-ichi Hikima
Summary: Interleukin (IL)-17 is an important proinflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses against bacterial and fungal infections. Although little research has been conducted on IL-17 in teleosts, recent studies have reported interesting findings about its functions in teleost species. This review focuses on teleost IL-17 and compares its signaling with that of mammals, particularly in intestinal immunity. It aims to provide further understanding of the roles and importance of IL-17 signaling in teleosts.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Satoshi Kawato, Shoya Fujishima, Reiko Nozaki, Hidehiro Kondo, Tadashi Isshiki, Ikuo Hirono
Summary: This study reports the causative agent of milky hemolymph disease in snow crab, known as Chionoecetes opilio bacilliform virus (CoBV), and reveals its complete genome sequence, confirming its classification as a member of the Nimaviridae family.
ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Liu Wang, Keisuke Yoshii, Naoya Murase, Hidetoshi Yamada, Yutaka Fukuda, Ikuo Hirono, Hidehiro Kondo
Summary: This study aimed to develop a better immunogenic and protective fish vaccine and compare the effectiveness of poly I:C and formalin-killed cells (FKCs) as adjuvants against pathogen infection. The results showed that co-inoculation with poly I:C and FKC significantly increased the expression levels of specific antibodies and provided better protection compared to FKC vaccine alone.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Akito Tsuchiya, Yo Okamura, Tomoya Kono, Jun-ichi Hikima, Masahiro Sakai
Summary: The lack of immortalized shrimp cell lines has hindered the progress of virology research in shrimp, and stable primary cell cultures have not been achieved. Transcriptomic analysis of primary lymphoid cells in kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus was performed to understand gene expression changes. The analysis revealed three groups of genes with different expression changes, including a downregulation in platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor 3 (MjVEGF3). Supplementation of VEGF signaling at the appropriate time is important for the long-term and stable culture of shrimp lymphoid organ cells.
Article
Fisheries
Mahmoud Mostafa Mahmoud, Mohamed Abdelsalam, Satoshi Kawato, Shogo Harakawa, Hidemasa Kawakami, Ikuo Hirono, Hidehiro Kondo
Summary: This study compared the whole genome sequences of three different serotypes of Lactococcus garvieae isolated from diseased cultured striped jack in Ehime prefecture, Japan. The serotypes showed different virulence in a challenge test. Two serotypes were identified as L. garvieae and one as L. formosensis. The genome sizes ranged from 1.9 to 2.0 Mb, GC content ranged from 38.2% to 38.9%, and the number of predicted protein-coding sequences ranged from 1922 to 1959. Only one serotype harbored two plasmids.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Jayasundara Mudiyanselage Sajani Nisansala Rathnapala, Wafaa Ragab, Satoshi Kawato, Miho Furukawa, Reiko Nozaki, Hidehiro Kondo, Ikuo Hirono
Summary: By sequencing the genomes of three strains of Vibrio nigripulchritudo, it was found that they possess various virulence factors and mobile genetic elements, as well as multidrug resistance. Comparative genomic analysis showed that all three strains belong to the same clade.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Keiichiro Koiwai, Hidehiro Kondo, Ikuo Hirono
Summary: In this study, Drop-seq technology was used to investigate the impact of virus infection on hemocyte populations in shrimp. The findings revealed that virus infection reduced specific cell populations in circulating hemolymph and inhibited the expression of antimicrobial peptides. Unknown genes with antimicrobial activity were also identified. Additionally, the study discussed the effects of methanol fixation on Drop-seq data.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Mika Watanabe, Yo Okamura, Tomoya Kono, Masahiro Sakai, Jun-ichi Hikima
Summary: This study analyzed the functional significance of IL-22 in fish gills and found that IL-22 may be involved in immune responses through the production of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides in fish gills.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Dennis Berbulla Bela-ong, Kim D. Thompson, Hyoung Jun Kim, Seong Bin Park, Tae Sung Jung
Summary: Fish diseases caused by viruses pose a significant threat to aquaculture. Understanding the immune mechanisms involved in antiviral defense is crucial for developing sustainable disease protection strategies. This review focuses on the role of CD4+ T cells in fish immune responses to viral infections and immunomodulation. Studies have shown that CD4+ T cells in fish exhibit similar responses to mammalian Th cells, including proliferation and expression of key cytokines, transcription factors, and effector molecules. Gaps in our understanding of teleost CD4+ T cell responses are discussed, and the development of novel tools and approaches to study these responses is suggested.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Chalermkwan Eurlaphan, Reiko Nozaki, Motohiko Sano, Keiichiro Koiwai, Ikuo Hirono, Hidehiro Kondo
Summary: This study investigated the kinetics of red sea bream iridovirus and host gene expression during infection in rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus). The results showed that viral gene transcripts were detected at 3 and 5 days post-injection, and certain host genes were differentially expressed during the infection process. The downregulation of certain inflammation-related genes may contribute to the increased susceptibility of this fish to the virus.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Hidehiro Kondo, Haruka Kamei, Fuyuka Murotani, Reiko Nozaki, Ryosuke Yazawa, Reoto Tani, Keiichiro Koiwai, Ikuo Hirono
Summary: A novel immunoglobulin heavy chain-like gene (tsIgH) was identified in the liver of the banded houndshark Triakis scyllium through preliminary transcriptomic analysis. The tsIgH gene had low amino acid sequence similarities (< 30%) to shark Ig genes. It encoded one variable domain (VH) and three conserved domains (CH1-CH3) with a predicted signal peptide. The gene structure and expression pattern suggest that this gene may provide insights into the evolution of immunoglobulin genes in cartilaginous fishes.
FISH AND SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Hiroaki Saito, Shungo Minami, Manami Yuguchi, Aiko Shitara, Hidehiro Kondo, Goshi Kato, Motohiko Sano
Summary: The live attenuated vaccine strain P7-P8 demonstrates high protective efficacy against herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV-2) in goldfish at temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees C. The vaccine virus load over 104 DNA copies/mg may elicit sufficient acquired immunity, and cell-mediated immunity may play a fundamental role in protection.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Satoshi Kawato, Reiko Nozaki, Hidehiro Kondo, Ikuo Hirono
Summary: In this study, the genomes of 27 endogenous nimaviruses were recovered from crustacean genome data. Phylogenetic analysis revealed different lineages and specific insertion preferences for each nimavirus species. These findings suggest that endogenous nimaviruses are giant transposable elements occupying different sequence niches.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Allison M. Hitchcock, Wesley D. Kufel, Keri A. Mastro Dwyer, Eric F. Sidman
Summary: Lenacapavir is a novel HIV-1 treatment option for patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and has shown good tolerability and efficacy in clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roberta Gagliardini, Alessandro Tavelli, Stefano Rusconi, Sergio Lo Caputo, Vincenzo Spagnuolo, Maria Mercedes Santoro, Andrea Costantini, Alessandra Vergori, Franco Maggiolo, Andrea Giacomelli, Giulia Burastero, Giordano Madeddu, Eugenia Quiros Roldan, Antonella d'Arminio Monforte, Andrea Antinori, Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
Summary: This study evaluated multiple treatment failures to modern antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected individuals and found that approximately 4% of them were difficult to treat. The difficult to treat group, compared to the non-difficult to treat group, was characterized by older age, higher prevalence of AIDS, lower CD4+ cell count, and higher risk of treatment failure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2024)