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Antibiotics
Special Issues
Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 11612

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Anna Barra Caracciolo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, Monterotondo, Italy
Interests: environmental fate and effects of xenobiotics; water and soil ecology; microbial ecology; biodegradation; bioremediation; ecotoxicology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Improving our knowledge of the environmental fate of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes from their main sources to soil and water ecosystems is of utmost importance for halting the progression of antibiotic resistance. A holistic ‘One Health’ approach including humans, animals and their related environments is necessary for understanding the overall impacts of antibiotics and assessing effective mitigation measures.

This Special Issue seeks manuscripts submissions which improve our understanding of the spread of antimicrobial resistance from wastewater treatment plant effluents, biosolids, organic amendments (e.g., animal manure, compost) and reclaimed water to water bodies (including drinking water) and agricultural soils.

Particular focus is placed on agroecosystems which receive organic amendments from animal waste and vegetal residues, as well as effluents which arrive at natural water bodies and water reservoirs used for drinking water and irrigation. Moreover, research on the possible effects of other contaminants, including chemicals used as disinfectants, are welcome. Moreover, we encourage the submission of case studies of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental bacteria, antibiotic biodegradation, antibiotic bioaccumulation in edible plants and soil organisms.

Dr. Anna Barra Caracciolo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antibiotic-resistant bacteria
  • antibiotic resistance genes
  • environmental spread
  • bioaccumulation
  • biodegradation
  • antibiotic mixture

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2605 KiB  
Article
Adsorption of Macrolide Antibiotics and a Metabolite onto Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polyethylene Microplastics in Aquatic Environments
by Carmen Mejías, Julia Martín, Laura Martín-Pozo, Juan Luis Santos, Irene Aparicio and Esteban Alonso
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050408 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1249
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are emerging pollutants widely found in aquatic environments, potentially causing environmental harm. MPs may act as carriers for antibiotics, affecting their environmental distribution. This study investigates the adsorption of four macrolide antibiotics and a metabolite onto two types of [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are emerging pollutants widely found in aquatic environments, potentially causing environmental harm. MPs may act as carriers for antibiotics, affecting their environmental distribution. This study investigates the adsorption of four macrolide antibiotics and a metabolite onto two types of MPs: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Results revealed a linear isotherm adsorption model, with higher adsorption to PET than to PE (R2 > 0.936 for PE and R2 > 0.910 for PET). Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding could be the main adsorption mechanisms, with pore filling potentially involved. Reduced particle size enhances adsorption due to the increase of active adsorption sites. This increasement is more pronounced in PE than in PET, leading to an 11.6% increase in the average adsorption of all macrolides to PE, compared to only 5.1% to PET. Dissolved organic matter inhibits adsorption (azithromycin adsorption to PE was reduced from 12% to 5.1%), while salinity enhances it just until 1% salinity. pH slightly influences adsorption, with maximal adsorption at neutral pH. Results in real samples showed that complexity of the matrix decreased adsorption. Overall, these findings indicate that PE and PET MPs can be a vector of macrolides in aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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12 pages, 1684 KiB  
Article
Emerging Issues on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Colonizing Plastic Waste in Aquatic Ecosystems
by Ifra Ferheen, Roberto Spurio and Stefania Marcheggiani
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040339 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1953
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) adhesion onto plastic substrates is a potential threat to environmental and human health. This current research investigates the prevalence of two relevant human pathogens, Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp., and their sophisticated equipment of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), retrieved from plastic [...] Read more.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) adhesion onto plastic substrates is a potential threat to environmental and human health. This current research investigates the prevalence of two relevant human pathogens, Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp., and their sophisticated equipment of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), retrieved from plastic substrates submerged into an inland water body. The results of microbiological analysis on selective and chromogenic media revealed the presence of colonies with distinctive phenotypes, which were identified using biochemical and molecular methods. 16S rDNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Klebsiella spp., while in the case of Staphylococcus spp., 63.6% of strains were found to be members of Lysinibacillus spp., and the remaining 36.3% were identified as Exiguobacterium acetylicum. The Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion assay was performed to test the susceptibility of the isolates to nine commercially available antibiotics, while the genotypic resistant profile was determined for two genes of class 1 integrons and eighteen ARGs belonging to different classes of antibiotics. All isolated bacteria displayed a high prevalence of resistance against all tested antibiotics. These findings provide insights into the emerging risks linked to colonization by potential human opportunistic pathogens on plastic waste commonly found in aquatic ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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13 pages, 2477 KiB  
Article
Advancing Antibiotic Residue Analysis: LC-MS/MS Methodology for Ticarcillin Degradation Products in Tomato Leaves
by Muhammad K. Hakeem, Sampathkumar Elangovan, Mohammed Rafi, Suja George, Iltaf Shah and Khaled M. A. Amiri
Antibiotics 2024, 13(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13020133 - 29 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1475
Abstract
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture has raised concerns about antibiotic residues in food products, necessitating robust analytical methods for detection and quantification. In this study, our primary aim was to develop a robust and advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology [...] Read more.
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in agriculture has raised concerns about antibiotic residues in food products, necessitating robust analytical methods for detection and quantification. In this study, our primary aim was to develop a robust and advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodology specifically designed for the accurate quantification of ticarcillin degradation products in tomato leaves. The choice of ticarcillin as the target analyte stems from its frequent use in agriculture and the potential formation of degradation products, which can pose a threat to food safety. The use of tomatoes as the target sample matrix in this study is justified by their significance in human diets, their widespread cultivation, and their suitability as a model for assessing antibiotic residue dynamics in diverse agricultural environments. By optimizing the MS/MS parameters, the study successfully demonstrates the practicality and reliability of the employed LC-MS/MS method in accurately assessing ticarcillin degradation product (Thiophene-2-Acetic acid and Thiophene-3-Acetic acid) levels. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a specialized column, ensuring high resolution and sensitivity in detecting analytes. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) data acquisition was employed to enhance the selectivity and accuracy of the analysis. The developed method exhibited excellent linearity and precision, meeting the stringent requirements for antibiotic residue analysis in complex matrices. Key outcomes of this study include the successful identification and quantification of ticarcillin and its degradation products in tomato leaves, providing crucial insights into the fate of this antibiotic in agricultural settings. The methodology’s applicability was further demonstrated by analyzing real-world samples, highlighting its potential for routine monitoring and ensuring food safety compliance. In summary, our study constitutes a noteworthy advancement in the domain of antibiotic residue analysis, offering a reliable method for quantifying ticarcillin degradation products in tomato leaves. The optimized parameters and MRM-based LC-MS/MS approach enhance the precision and sensitivity of the analysis, opening up opportunities for further studies in the assessment of antibiotic residues in agricultural ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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18 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Third Generation Cephalosporin- and Carbapenem-Resistant Aeromonas Isolates from Municipal and Hospital Wastewater
by Sara Drk, Ana Puljko, Mia Dželalija and Nikolina Udiković-Kolić
Antibiotics 2023, 12(3), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12030513 - 3 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2636
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance (AR) remains one of the greatest threats to global health, and Aeromonas species have the potential to spread AR in the aquatic environment. The spread of resistance to antibiotics important to human health, such as third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) and carbapenems, is [...] Read more.
Antibiotic resistance (AR) remains one of the greatest threats to global health, and Aeromonas species have the potential to spread AR in the aquatic environment. The spread of resistance to antibiotics important to human health, such as third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) and carbapenems, is of great concern. We isolated and identified 15 cefotaxime (3GC)- and 51 carbapenem-resistant Aeromonas spp. from untreated hospital and treated municipal wastewater in January 2020. The most common species were Aeromonas caviae (58%), A. hydrophila (17%), A. media (11%), and A. veronii (11%). Almost all isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype and harboured a diverse plasmidome, with the plasmid replicons ColE, IncU, and IncR being the most frequently detected. The most prevalent carbapenemase gene was the plasmid-associated blaKPC-2 and, for the first time, the blaVIM-2, blaOXA-48, and blaIMP-13 genes were identified in Aeromonas spp. Among the 3GC-resistant isolates, the blaGES-5 and blaMOX genes were the most prevalent. Of the 10 isolates examined, three were capable of transferring carbapenem resistance to susceptible recipient E. coli. Our results suggest that conventionally treated municipal and untreated hospital wastewater is a reservoir for 3GC- and carbapenem-resistant, potentially harmful Aeromonas spp. that can be introduced into aquatic systems and pose a threat to both the environment and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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Review

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19 pages, 1048 KiB  
Review
Aged Microplastics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Review of Aging Effects on Their Interactions
by Kuok Ho Daniel Tang and Ronghua Li
Antibiotics 2024, 13(10), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13100941 - 6 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Background: Microplastic aging affects the dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on microplastics, yet no review presents the effects of microplastic aging on the associated ARGs. Objectives: This review, therefore, aims to discuss the effects of different types of microplastic aging, as well [...] Read more.
Background: Microplastic aging affects the dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on microplastics, yet no review presents the effects of microplastic aging on the associated ARGs. Objectives: This review, therefore, aims to discuss the effects of different types of microplastic aging, as well as the other pollutants on or around microplastics and the chemicals leached from microplastics, on the associated ARGs. Results: It highlights that microplastic photoaging generally results in higher sorption of antibiotics and ARGs due to increased microplastic surface area and functional group changes. Photoaging produces reactive oxygen species, facilitating ARG transfer by increasing bacterial cell membrane permeability. Reactive oxygen species can interact with biofilms, suggesting combined effects of microplastic aging on ARGs. The effects of mechanical aging were deduced from studies showing larger microplastics anchoring more ARGs due to rough surfaces. Smaller microplastics from aging penetrate deeper and smaller places and transport ARGs to these places. High temperatures are likely to reduce biofilm mass and ARGs, but the variation of ARGs on microplastics subjected to thermal aging remains unknown due to limited studies. Biotic aging results in biofilm formation on microplastics, and biofilms, often with unique microbial structures, invariably enrich ARGs. Higher oxidative stress promotes ARG transfer in the biofilms due to higher cell membrane permeability. Other environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals, antibacterial, chlorination by-products, and other functional genes, could increase microplastic-associated ARGs, as do microplastic additives like phthalates and bisphenols. Conclusions: This review provides insights into the environmental fate of co-existing microplastics and ARGs under the influences of aging. Further studies could examine the effects of mechanical and thermal MP aging on their interactions with ARGs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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18 pages, 346 KiB  
Review
Overview of Direct and Indirect Effects of Antibiotics on Terrestrial Organisms
by Alessandra Narciso, Anna Barra Caracciolo and Chiara De Carolis
Antibiotics 2023, 12(9), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12091471 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1736
Abstract
Antibiotics (ABs) have made it possible to treat bacterial infections, which were in the past untreatable and consequently fatal. Regrettably, their use and abuse among humans and livestock led to antibiotic resistance, which has made them ineffective in many cases. The spread of [...] Read more.
Antibiotics (ABs) have made it possible to treat bacterial infections, which were in the past untreatable and consequently fatal. Regrettably, their use and abuse among humans and livestock led to antibiotic resistance, which has made them ineffective in many cases. The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacteria is not limited to nosocomial environments, but also involves water and soil ecosystems. The environmental presence of ABs and ARGs is a hot topic, and their direct and indirect effects, are still not well known or clarified. A particular concern is the presence of antibiotics in agroecosystems due to the application of agro-zootechnical waste (e.g., manure and biosolids), which can introduce antibiotic residues and ARGs to soils. This review provides an insight of recent findings of AB direct and indirect effects on terrestrial organisms, focusing on plant and invertebrates. Possible changing in viability and organism growth, AB bioaccumulation, and shifts in associated microbiome composition are reported. Oxidative stress responses of plants (such as reactive oxygen species production) to antibiotics are also described. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Effects of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes)
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