A clinically important, plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance gene (β-lactamase TEM-116) present in desert soils
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Date
Authors
Naidoo, Yashini
Valverde, Angel
Cason, Errol D.
Pierneef, Rian Ewald
Cowan, Don A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The exhaustive use of antibiotics in humans, animal farming and other agricultural practices has resulted in the frequent appearance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in human-impacted habitats. However, antibiotic resistance in natural (less-impacted) habitats is less understood. Using shotgun metagenomics we analysed soils from relatively low anthropogenic impact sites across the Namib Desert. We report the presence of a clinically significant extended spectrum β-lactamase (TEM-116), on a ColE1-like plasmid also carrying a metal resistance gene (arsC). The co-occurrence of resistance to antimicrobial drugs and metals encoded on a single mobile genetic element increases the probability of dissemination of these resistance determinants and the potential selection of multiple resistance mechanisms. In addition, the presence of a P7 entero-bacteriophage on the same plasmid, may represent a new vehicle for the propagation of TEM-116 in these soil communities. These findings highlight the role of the environment in the One Health initiative.
Description
Keywords
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), Desert soils, Metagenomics, Low anthropogenic impact, Namib desert, Mobile genetic element
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Naidoo, Y., Valverde, A., Cason, E.D. et al. 2020, 'A clinically important, plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance gene (β-lactamase TEM-116) present in desert soils', Science of the Total Environment, vol. 719, art. 137497, pp. 1-6.