Effects of Copper Addition on Copper Resistance, Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and intl1 during Swine Manure Composting Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes, short for microorganisms, are tiny living organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, including on and inside the human body. They play a crucial role in human health and disease, functioning within complex ecosystems in various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, gut, and respiratory tract. The human microbiome, which is […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study examined the effects of copper addition during the composting of swine manure, specifically focusing on its impact on copper resistance genes (CRGs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and the integrase gene (intI1) that plays a role in horizontal gene transfer. Researchers evaluated how varying copper concentrations influenced the persistence and abundance of these genes in relation to the microbial community composition throughout the composting process. The research aimed to understand the interactions between copper exposure, resistance gene dynamics, and bacterial community shifts during composting, with an emphasis on environmental and microbiological factors.
Who was studied?
The study utilized swine manure as the primary substrate for composting, collected from a medium-sized farm in Yangling, China. The swine feed had been supplemented with trace elements like copper and antibiotics, ensuring that the manure had a baseline concentration of copper and resistance genes. The composting process was controlled in a laboratory setting, with specific concentrations of copper (200 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg) added to simulate varying levels of environmental copper contamination. Through this setup, the study sought to understand the response of the manure’s microbial community, particularly the abundance and co-occurrence of copper and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as the intI1 gene.
Most important findings
The results demonstrated significant changes in the abundance of CRGs, ARGs, and intI1 throughout the composting process. The abundance of copper resistance genes such as pcoA and tcrB decreased, while genes like copA and cusA increased, suggesting that copper exposure exerted selective pressure on certain bacterial populations, enhancing their resistance capabilities. The study also observed that higher copper concentrations (Cu2000) had a more persistent effect on the microbial community composition, maintaining higher levels of certain CRGs even at later stages of composting. The presence of antibiotics, particularly macrolides, co-selected for the persistence of these resistance genes, as evidenced by the enhanced abundance of erm(A) and erm(B) genes, which are associated with macrolide resistance. Network analysis revealed that these genes, particularly the copper and antibiotic resistance genes, were co-located on the same bacterial taxa, such as Steroidobacter and Corynebacterium, suggesting these bacteria as potential hosts for the genes.
Key implications
The study highlights the interconnectedness between copper resistance, antibiotic resistance, and gene transfer during the composting process. The findings underscore the role of composting as a potential pathway for the persistence and spread of these resistance genes in the environment, especially in agricultural settings. The research suggests that copper, especially at higher concentrations, can alter the microbial community structure and potentially facilitate the horizontal transfer of resistance genes, which could have implications for public health and the management of antibiotic resistance in the environment. Understanding these dynamics is critical for developing strategies to mitigate the spread of resistance genes in composted manure, which is commonly applied to soil.
Copper (Cu)
Copper serves as both a vital nutrient and a potential toxin, with its regulation having profound effects on microbial pathogenesis and immune responses. In the body, copper interacts with pathogens, either supporting essential enzyme functions or hindering microbial growth through its toxicity. The gastrointestinal tract, immune cells, and bloodstream are key sites where copper plays a crucial role in controlling infection and maintaining microbial balance. Understanding copper’s interactions with the microbiome and host defenses allows for targeted clinical strategies.