A clinically important, plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance gene (β-lactamase TEM-116) present in desert soils

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Authors

Naidoo, Yashini
Valverde, Angel
Cason, Errol D.
Pierneef, Rian Ewald
Cowan, Don A.

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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.

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Keywords

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), Desert soils, Metagenomics, Low anthropogenic impact, Namib desert, Mobile genetic element

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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.