Insight into the distribution and evolution of certain antibiotic resistance genes in different environmental media in Hulunbuir grassland*

doi:10.7523/j.ucas.2025.007

Abstract

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a typical environmental pollutant. The pollution of ARGs has received increasing concern due to their possible threats to human health. However, few studies have simultaneously assessed the distribution and abundance evolution characteristics of ARGs among fine airborne particulate matter (PM_2.5), rainwater and soil in the same area. In this study, we aimed to clarify the distribution and abundance evolution characteristics of ARGs related to the treatment of brucellosis, to further understand current ARG pollution levels in a temperate grassland in Hulunbuir, the Inner Mongolia. We measured the relative abundance of ARGs related to the treatment of brucellosis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), characterized the bacterial composition by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and analysed the relationships between ARGs and bacterial by network analyses in multiple environmental media sample (rainwater, topsoil and PM_2.5) collected in the summers from 2019 to 2021. The three environmental media of Hulunbuir grasslands were contaminated with some degree of ARGs with the highest ARG abundance in the topsoil. Significant relationships were observed between ARGs and bacteria, thereby promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance. Extensive distribution of ARG carrying bacteria in atmospheric particles, rainwater, and soil may also increase potential ARG exposure risks. These findings are valuable in understanding the ARG pollution levels and distribution characteristics in three environmental media, which can aid to design and implement policies to curb ARGs in local area.

Key words: ARGs, distribution, abundance, evolution, multiple environmental media

CLC Number:

X592

LI Yuanyuan, GUO Li, DU Rui, ZHAO Hua, JIA Zeyu. Insight into the distribution and evolution of certain antibiotic resistance genes in different environmental media in Hulunbuir grassland^*[J]. Journal of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, DOI: 10.7523/j.ucas.2025.007.

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Insight into the distribution and evolution of certain antibiotic resistance genes in different environmental media in Hulunbuir grassland^*

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