Mobile genetic elements facilitate the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes in multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from duck farms

Multidrug-resistant(MDR)Enterobacteriaceae critically threaten duck farming and public health.The phenotypes,genotypes,and associated mobile genetic elements(MGEs)of MDR Enterobacteriaceae isolated from 6 duck farms in Zhejiang Province,China,were investigated.A total of 215 isolates were identified as Escherichia coli(64.65%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(12.09%),Proteus mirabilis(10.23%),Salmonella(8.84%),and Enterobacter cloacae(4.19%).Meanwhile,all isolates were resistant to at least two antibiotics.Most isolates carried tet(A)(85.12%),blaTEM(78.60%)and sul1(67.44%)resistance genes.Gene co-occurrence analysis showed that the resistance genes were associated with IS26 and integrons.A conjugative IncFII plasmid pSDM004 containing all the above MGEs was detected in Proteus mirabilis isolate SDM004.This isolate was resistant to 18 antibiotics and carried the blaNDM-5 gene.MGEs,especially plasmids,are the primary antibiotic resistance gene transmission route in duck farms.These findings provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of antibiotics in farms which are substantial for evaluating public health and food safety.

Analysis of The Correlation Between inhA Gene Mutation and Resistance to Protionamide in Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of katG and inhA gene mutations in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (preXDR-TB), and their correlation with resistance to protionamide (Pto). Methods: A total of 229 patients with MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB diagnosed in the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2020 to February 2024 were selected to analyze the characteristics of katG and inhA mutations in MTB clinical isolates and their correlation with Pto resistance. Results: The mutation rate of katG (with or without inhA mutation) was 85.2%. The mutation rates in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB were 87.4% (125/143) and 81.4% (70/86), respectively. The mutation rate of inhA (including katG mutation) was 14.8% (34/229), which was 12.6% (18/143) and 18.6% (16/86) in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-MTB, respectively. There was no difference in mutation (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The total resistance rate to Pto in 229 strains was 8.7% (20/229), which was 8.4% (12/143) and 9.3% (8/86) in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB, respectively. Among the inhA mutant strains, 13 were resistant to the Pto phenotype, and the resistance rate was 65% (13/20). In MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB strains resistant to Pto, inhA gene mutations occurred in 66.7% (6/9) and 63.6% (7/11), respectively. The resistance rates of MDR-MTB and pre-XDR-TB strains without inhA gene mutation to Pto were 2.4% (3/125) and 5.7% (4/70), respectively.

SCN1A rs6732655A/T polymorphism:Diagnostic and therapeutic insights for drug-resistant epilepsy

BACKGROUND A significant subset of individuals with epilepsy fails to respond to currently available antiepileptic drugs,resulting in heightened mortality rates,psychosocial challenges,and a diminished quality of life.Genetic factors,particularly within the SCN1A gene,and the pro-inflammatory cytokine response is important in intricating the drug resistance in idiopathic epilepsy cases.In this extended study,we determined the correlation of rs6732655A/T single nucleotide polymorphism to understand the causative association of SCN1A gene with epilepsy drug resistance and inflammatory response.AIM To find the correlation of SCN1A gene rs6732655A/T polymorphism with the drug-resistant epilepsy and inflammatory response.METHODS The study enrolled 100 age and sex-matched patients of both drug-resistant and drug-responsive epilepsy cases.We analysed the rs6732655A/T polymorphism to study its association and causative role in drug-resistant epilepsy cases using restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.The diagnostic performance of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)protein levels was evaluated in conjunction with genotypic outcome receiver operating characteristic analysis.RESULTS AT and AA genotypes of rs6732655 SCN1A gene polymorphism were associated with higher risk of drug resistance epilepsy.Serum biomarkers IL-6,IL1βand HMGB1 demonstrated diagnostic potential,with cutoff values of 4.63 pg/mL,59.52 pg/mL and 7.99 ng/mL,respectively,offering valuable tools for epilepsy management.Moreover,specific genotypes(AA and AT)were found to be linked to the elevated levels of IL-1βand IL-6 and potentially reflecting increased oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation in drug-resistant cases supporting the previous reported outcome of high inflammatory markers response in drug resistance epilepsy.CONCLUSION SCN1A genotypes AA and AT are linked to higher drug-resistant epilepsy risk.These findings underscore the potential influence of inflammation and genetics on epilepsy treatment resistance.

Performance Parameters:Demobilization Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria(ARB)and Carrying Genes(ARG)in Wastewater Disinfection

The UV irradiation is used for removing Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria(ARB)and Antibiotic Resistance Genes(ARG)from wastewater treatment.Bacteriophages are viruses that infect within bacteria,are recognized for bacterial control.The influence of some parameters in quantification and performance influencing of pathogen demobilization could be considered in disinfection of wastewater.The comparison of Polyvalent phage(NE1)versus Coliphage(NE4)in suppressing a bacterium Escherichia coli(NDM-1:b-lactam-resistant)with UV irradiation was observed the efficacy in reduction of cells in the disinfection and parameter process.The results with the effect of UV-C irradiation on NDM-1 infected with 1%of NE4 showed a decrease of cells from 8×10^(6)to 2×10^(5)in 60 min with UV-C dose.The NDM1(E.coli)was infected with 1%of NE4(Polyvalent Phage)under magnetic stirring for 1 h,the cells count was 8×10^(6).After 1 h in UV-C e×posure,the cells number reached 3×10^(5).The NDM1 that was e×posed in 1 h of UV-C irradiation and then was infected with 1%of NE4.Cells counting were done 24 h after this procedure.These cells were e×posed in UV-C and showed a reduction in the number of cells from 1×10^(8)to 4×10^(5)after 60 min.The results indicate that bacteriophages can mitigate bacteria species,and combined the conventional water disinfection technologies that can support the microbial safety control strategies.

Mutation Characteristics of inhA and katG Genes in Isoniazid-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Patients in Xinjiang

Objective:To analyze the mutation characteristics of inhA and katG genes in isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Xinjiang.Methods:The katG and inhA in 148 strains of isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis were amplified through fluorescence quantitative PCR,and the amplified products were sequenced and compared.Results:The inhA gene mutation rate of 148 strains of isoniazid-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis was 13.51%(20/148),among which the inhA gene mutation rate among patients of Han,Uygur,and Kazakh ethnicity were 15.87%,13.21%,and 17.65%,respectively.There was no significant difference in the inhA mutation rate among nationalities(c^(2)=2.897,P>0.05).The mutation rate of the katG gene was 84.46%(125/148),among which the mutation rates of patients of Han,Uyghur,and Kazak ethnicities were 82.54%,84.91%,and 76.47%,respectively.The Hui and other ethnic groups were all affected by the katG gene mutation.There was no significant difference in the mutation rate of the katG gene among different ethnicities(c^(2)=3.772,P>0.05).The mutation rates of the inhA gene in southern Xinjiang,northern Xinjiang,and other provinces were 18.60%,9.28%,and 37.50%,respectively.The mutation rates of the inhA gene in different regions were statistically different(c^(2)=6.381,P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the inhA mutation rate between patients from southern and northern Xinjiang(c^(2)=2.214,P>0.05)and between southern Xinjiang and other provinces(c^(2)=1.424,P>0.05).However,the mutation rate of the inhA gene in patients from other provinces was higher than that in northern Xinjiang(c^(2)=5.539,P<0.05).The mutation rates of the katG gene in southern Xinjiang,northern Xinjiang,and other provinces were 81.40%,87.63%,and 62.50%,respectively.There was no significant difference in the mutation rates of the katG gene among different regions(c^(2)=3.989,P>0.05).Conclusion:katG gene mutation was predominant in isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis patients in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,and inhA and katG gene mutation were no different among different ethnic groups.

Studies of Transgenic Hybrid Poplar 741 Carrying Two Insect-resistant Genes

Partially modified Bt Cry1Ac gene and the arrowhead proteinase inhibitor (API) gene were used to construct a plant transformation vector pBtiA and this construct was transferred into the genome of the hybrid poplar 741 [ Populus alba L.×( P. davidiana Dode+ P. simonii Carr.)× P. tomentosa Carr.] by Agrobacterium _ mediated transformation. Ten kanamycin resistant plants have been regenerated. Upon insect bioassay using Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius), three of the examined plants were demonstrated to be highly resistant to the testing insects. The mortality of insect larvae on one plant was higher than 90% in 6 days after infestation and the growth of the survival larvae were seriously inhibited. Results of PCR and Southern blot analysis indicated that both Bt Cry1Ac gene and API gene were integrated as a single copy into the genomes of these three plants when Cry1Ac gene fragment was used as the probe. Protein dot blot immunoassay and ELISA analysis revealed that at least the Cry1Ac protein was produced in these three transgenic plants and the expression levels were estimated to be approximately 0.015% of the leaf total soluble protein. This is the first report on insect resistant transgenic hybrid poplar 741 that expresses two insecticidal protein genes.

Mutational and Phylogenetic Analysis of <i>nfxB</i>Gene in Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>Hyperexpressing MexCD-OprJ Efflux Pump

The present study focused on MexCD-OprJ efflux pump and its regulatory gene nfxB in multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from Kerala, South India. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-PCR technique was employed to detect hyperexpression of the efflux pump gene, mexD. Amplicons from nfxB gene of isolates hyperexpressing the efflux pump were sequenced for mutational and phylogenetic analysis. Among 29 isolates of MDR P. aeruginosa, increased mexD transcription was detected in 10.3% of the isolates when compared with P. aeruginosa reference strain, PAO (MTCC-3541). Various synonymous and non-synonymous mutations in nfxB regulatory gene sequences were detected. Notably, mutations detected in the strains designate Pa6 and Pa7 have been found to be novel and are hitherto unreported in GenBank data base. The genetic divergence and homogeneity of the nfxB regulatory gene sequences of mexCD-oprJ operon were clearly apparent in the phylogram generated employing similar sequences retrieved from the public database.

Using Gene Silencing Technology to Create Blast Resistant Rice Resources

Rice blast disease is one of the most devastating diseases in rice production,which severely affects the high and stable yield of rice.The formation of appressorium plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Magnaporthe grisea in rice.It has been confirmed that a P-type ATPase （P-ATPase） is involved in the formation of appressorium.A number of small molecular substances are able to enter the pathogen from the host during the interactions between pathogens and hosts,thus resisting the infection of pathogens.In this study,a 232 bp DNA sequence with good specificity from the first exon of P-ATPase gene MgAPT2 was used as an interference fragment and was inserted into interference vector forward and reversely.The interfering vector was then transformed into rice blast-susceptible rice variety Nipponbare via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.Identification of rice plants inoculated with M.grisea at the seedling stage and detection of the expression level of P-ATPase gene MgAPT2 showed that the expression level of MgAPT2 gene in transgenic plants was reduced and the rice blast resistance was improved.This study provided a new way for the innovation of rice germplasm resources resistant to rice blast disease.

Transduction of Fas gene or Bcl-2 antisense RNA sensitizes cultured drug resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs

AIM To compare the expression level of Fas gene and Bcl-2 gene in gastric cancer cells SGC7901 and gastric cancer MDR (multidrug resistant) cells SGC7901/VCR, to transduce Fas cDNA and Bcl-2 antisense nucleic acid into SGC7901/VCR cells respectively, and to observe the expression of two genes in transfectants and non-transfectants as well as their drug sensitivity.METHODS Eukaryotic expression vector pBK-Fas cDNA and pDOR-anti Bcl-2 were constructed and transfected into SGC7901/VCR cells by lipofectamine, respectively. Northern blot and Western blot were used to detect the expression of mRNA and protein in SGC7901/VCR and SGC7901 cells and transfectants, and drug sensitivity of transfectants for VCR, CDDP and 5-FU was analyzed with MTT assay.RESULTS After gene transfection, 80 for Fas and 120 for antisense Bcl-2 drug-resistant clones were selected from 2×105 cells, transfection rate being 0.04% and 0.06%. Two clones of SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells and SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells were randomly selected for further incubation. Hybridization results showed that the expression level of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901/VCR cells was much lower, but that of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was higher than that in SGC7901 cells. The expression of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells was higher, and of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein was lower in SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells than that in non-transfectants. MTT assay showed that transfectants were more sensitive to VCR, CDDP, 5-FU than non-transfectants.CONCLUSION Bcl-2 gene displayed high expression while Fas gene had low expression in drug resistant gastric cancer cells. Expression of Bcl-2 protein was effectively blocked in SGC7901 anti Bcl-2/VCR cells by gene transfection. In contrast, the expression of Fas mRNA and protein in SGC7901 Fas/VCR cells increased. Fas gene and Bcl-2 antisense nucleic acid transfection sensitized drug resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. These results suggest cell apoptosis plays an important role in the mechanism of MDR, and enhancing apoptosis might reverse MDR.

Screening of Effective Resistance Genes and Resistant Rice Parents against Rice Bacterial Blight(Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae) in Guangxi Province

[ Objective ] The paper was to confirm the resistance genes and resistant parents of rice against bacterial blight that could be used in Guangxi Province. [ Method] The dominant pathogenic types Ⅳ of Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. Oryzae in Guangxi were inoculated on a set of monogenic rice lines, the main hybrid rice parents in Guangxi and some important rice germplasm resources, and its resistant and susceptible conditions were investigated. [ Result ] IRBBS, IRBB7 and CBB23 were the resistant rice parents with resistance against pathogenic type IV, which contained resistance genes xa5, Xa7 and Xa23, respectively, and were identified to be the effective resistance genes against pathogenic type Ⅳ of X. Oryzae in Guangxi. [ Conclusion] The results provided basis for resistance breeding against bacterial blight.

Photostable and Biocompatible Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Co-Delivery of siRNA and Doxorubicin to Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells

The development of effective and safe vehicles to deliver small interfering RNA(siRNA) and chemotherapeutics remains a major challenge in RNA interference-based combination therapy with chemotherapeutics,which has emerged as a powerful platform to treat drug-resistant cancer cells.Herein,we describe the development of novel all-in-one fluorescent silicon nanoparticles(SiNPs)-based nanomedicine platform for imaging-guided co-delivery of siRNA and doxorubicin(DOX).This approach enhanced therapeutic efficacy in multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells(i.e.,MCF-7/ADR cells).Typically,the SiNP-based nanocarriers enhanced the stability of siRNA in a biological environment(i.e.,medium or RNase A) and imparted the responsive release behavior of siRNA,resulting in approximately 80% down-regulation of P-glycoprotein expression.Co-delivery of P-glycoprotein siRNA and DOX led to>35-fold decrease in the half maximal inhibitory concentration of DOX in comparison with free DOX,indicating the pronounced therapeutic efficiency of the resultant nanocomposites for drug-resistant breast cancer cells.The intracellular time-dependent release behaviors of siRNA and DOX were revealed through tracking the strong and stable fluorescence of SiNPs.These data provide valuable information for designing effective RNA interference-based co-delivery carriers.

Rapid Detection of rpoB Gene Mutations in Rif-resistant M.tuberculosis Isolates by Oligonucleotide Microarray

Objective To detect the specific mutations in rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by oligonucleotide microarray. Methods Four wild-type and 8 mutant probes were used to detect rifampin resistant strains. Target DNA of M. tuberculosis was amplified by PCR, hybridized and scanned. Direct sequencing was performed to verify the results of oligonucleotide microarray Results Of the 102 rifampin-resistant strains 98 （96.1%） had mutations in the rpoB genes. Conclusion Oligonucleotide microarray with mutation-specific probes is a reliable and useful tool for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of rifampin resistance in M. tuberculosis isolates.

Mapping of a New Gene Wbph6(t) Resistant to the Whitebacked Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera, in Rice

A rice population consisting of 90 TN1/Guiyigu F3 lines was employed to analyze the linkage between DNA markers and a new gene Wbph6(t) conferring resistance to whitebacked planthopper, Sogatella furcifera By using the mapping approach of bulked extremes and recessive class, Wbph6(t) was mapped onto the short arm of chromosome 11 with a genetic distance of 21.2 cM to SSLP marker RM167.

Molecular Mapping of Two Novel Stripe Rust Resistant Genes YrTp1 and YrTp2 in A-3 Derived from Triticum aestivum × Thinopyrum ponticum

Loss of variety resistance to stripe rust （Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp.tritici） is an important factor causing massive periodical epidemic of rust in wheat production. Creation and development of new races of rust pathogen have led to serious crisis of resistance loss in widely planted varieties. This has quickened the search for new resistance resources. Molecular marker could facilitate the identification of the location of novel genes. A line A-3 with high resistance （immune） to currently epidemic yellow rust races （CY29, 31, 32） was screened out in offspring of Triticum aestivura x Thinopyrum ponticum. Segregation in F2 and BC1 populations indicated that the resistance was controlled by two independent genes： one dominant and one recessive. SSR markers were employed to map the two resistant genes in the F2 and BC1 populations. A marker WMC477-167bp located on 2BS was linked to the dominant gene with genetic distance of 0.4 cM. Another marker WMC364-2os bp located on 7BS was linked to the recessive-resistant gene with genetic distance of 5.8 cM. The two genes identified in this paper might be two novel stripe rust resistant genes, which were temporarily designated as YrTpl and YrTp2, respectively. The tightly linking markers facilitate transfer of the two resistant genes into the new varieties to control epidemic of yellow rust.

Analysis of Resistant Spectrum to Rice Blast in Transgenic Rice Lines Introduced Lysozyme Gene from T4 Phage

The receptor cultivar Nan29 and thirty-six T5 rice lines derived from ten T0 generation transgen-ic plants harboring lysozyme gene were challenged in the greenhouse by inoculating 63 isolates belonging to 48 races of Magnaporthe grisea from Yunnan Province. The transgenic rice lines exhibited resistance to more than 72% of isolates inoculated in this experiment, and 38.1% (24 isolates) of them could infect the receptor cultivar Nan29. The results indicated that the transgenic rice lines possessed wide-spectrum resistance against various rice blast races and the resistant spectrum of rice lines were different although some lines derived from same T0 plant. The transgenic rice lines exhibited also high resistance to leaf and neck blast in the disease field evaluation, but not all of resistant lines against leaf blast were resistant to neck blast.

Development of lepidopteran pest-resistant transgenic japonica rice harboring a synthetic cry2A* gene

A synthetic cry2A^＊ gene enco ding Bacillus thuringiensis（Bt） δ-endotoxi n that resi st ance to lepidopteran pest was transformed into japonica rice variety Jijing 88, which is the most widely cultivated variety in Jilin Province, Northeast China, by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A total of 106 independent transformants overexpressing cry2A^＊ gene driven by ubiquitin（Ubi） promoter was produced. Three single-copy homozygous transgenic lines were finally selected based on the results of PCR analysis, se gregation ratio of Bast a resistance, and Southern hybridiza tion analyse s. RT-PCR and enzyme linke dimmune sorbent assay（ELISA） revealed that cry2A^＊ transcripts and protein were highly expressed in these lines. The high level of Cry2A^＊ protein expression resulted in high resistance to rice striped stem borer as evidence d by insect feeding bioassays. Our results demonst rate that cry2A^＊ transgenic japonica rice confers resistance to the rice striped stem borer in the laboratory conditions.

Isolation and identification of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus from a laboratory-breeding mouse

Objective:To analysis and identify a bacterium strain isolated from laboratory breeding mouse far away from a hospital.Methods:Phenotype of the isolate was investigated by conventional microbiological methods,including Gram-staining,colony morphology,tests for haemolysis, catalase,coagulase,and antimicrobial susceptibility test.The meek and 16S rRNA genes were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and sequenced.The base sequence of the PCR product was compared with known 16S rRNA gene sequences in the CenBank database by phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment.Results:The isolate in this study was a gram positive,coagulase negative,and catalase positive coccus.The isolate was resistant to oxacillin,methicillin,penicillin,ampicillin,cefazolin,cipr of loxacin erythromycin,et al.PCR results indicated that the isolate was meek gene positive and its 16S rRNA was 1465 bp.Phylogenetic analysis of the resultant 16S rRNA indicated the isolate belonged to genus Saphylococcus,and multiple sequence alignment showed that the isolate was Saphylococcus haemolyticus with only one base difference from the corresponding 16S rRNA deposited in the CenBank.Conclusions: 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a suitable technique for non-specialist researchers.Laboratory animals are possible sources of lethal pathogens,and researchers must adapt protective measures when they manipulate animals.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals differential gene expression in resistant and susceptible tobacco cultivars in response to infection by cucumber mosaic virus

Cucumber mosaic virus(CMV) is one of the most severe viral diseases transmitted by aphids infecting Solanum crops in China, causing great losses of crop yields and income in rural communities.The tobacco cultivars NC82 and Taiyan 8 are closely related but differ in resistance to CMV.NC82 is susceptible to infection and Taiyan 8 is resistant, but the mechanisms underlying this difference in resistance are not clear.In this study, we conducted RNA sequencing to analyze changes in gene expression induced in the leaves of Taiyan 8 and NC82 upon systemic infection with CMV, compared with gene expression in the leaves of mock-inoculated plants.Leaves were sampled at one, three, eight, and 15 days after infection.In total, 3443 and 747 differentially expressed genes were identified in Taiyan 8 and NC82, respectively.Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the different responses to CMV infection between cultivars were based on microtubulebased processes, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, plant–pathogen interaction,and hormone signal transduction pathways.Genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins, disease-resistance proteins, lipoxygenase, cellulose synthase, an auxin response factor, and an ethylene receptor showed different expression patterns.The differences in gene expression following CMV infection likely contributed to the different resistance levels of these two tobacco cultivars.The comprehensive transcriptome dataset described here,which includes candidate response genes, will serve as a resource for further studies of the molecular mechanisms associated with tobacco defense responses against CMV.

GENE EXPRESSION PROFILING IN MULTIDRUG RESISTANT KB CELLS USING cDNA MICROARRAYS

Objective: A single mechanistic pathway cannot explain the genesis of drug resistance in cancer. Drug resistance in cancer is a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy. KB cells provide a useful starting point for selection of the multidrug resistant (MDR) cell lines. Methods: We used cDNA microarrays containing 12,720 sequences of known genes, expressed sequence tags and unknown clones to monitor gene expression profiles in MDR KB cells. Results: Preliminary data analysis showed that 18 genes were up-regulated and 18 genes were down-regulated by comparison of expression patterns between KB 3-1 and MDR KB-V1 cells. Furthermore, the highly over-expressed CGA, CLU genes in MDR KB-V1 cell were verified with conventional Northern blot analysis. These genes contain information predictive of drug resistance of cancer cells. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that genome-wide gene expression profiling by using cDNA microarray technique is a valuable approach in obtaining molecular mechanism of drug resistance in cancer cells.

Core and variable antimicrobial resistance genes in the gut microbiomes of Chinese and European pigs

Monitoring the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)is vital for addressing the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.Despite its importance,the characterization of ARGs and microbiome structures,as well as the identification of indicators for routine ARG monitoring in pig farms,are still lacking,particularly concerning variations in antimicrobial exposure in different countries or regions.Here,metagenomics and random forest machine learning were used to elucidate the ARG profiles,microbiome structures,and ARG contamination indicators in pig manure under different antimicrobial pressures between China and Europe.Results showed that Chinese pigs exposed to high-level antimicrobials exhibited higher total and plasmid-mediated ARG abundances compared to those in European pigs(P<0.05).ANT(6)-Ib,APH(3')-IIIa,and tet(40)were identified as shared core ARGs between the two pig populations.Furthermore,the core ARGs identified in pig populations were correlated with those found in human populations within the same geographical regions.Lactobacillus and Prevotella were identified as the dominant genera in the core microbiomes of Chinese and European pigs,respectively.Forty ARG markers and 43 biomarkers were able to differentiate between the Chinese and European pig manure samples with accuracies of 100%and 98.7%,respectively.Indicators for assessing ARG contamination in Chinese and European pigs also achieved high accuracy(r=0.72-0.88).Escherichia flexneri in both Chinese and European pig populations carried between 21 and 37 ARGs.The results of this study emphasize the importance of global collaboration in reducing antimicrobial resistance risk and provide validated indicators for evaluating the risk of ARG contamination in pig farms.