Prevalence and genetic characterization of linezolid resistance gene reservoirs in hospital sewage from Zhejiang Province, China.

Hospital sewage represented important hotspots for the aggregation and dissemination of clinically relevant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes. To investigate the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of linezolid resistance genes in hospital sewage, both influent and effluent samples from 11 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, were collected and analyzed for linezolid resistance gene carriers. Thirty colonies of putative isolates that grew on the selective media with 10 mg/L florfenicol were randomly picked per sample. A total of 420 Gram-positive isolates, including 330 from 11 influent samples and 90 from three effluent samples, were obtained. Each isolate carried at least one of the linezolid resistance genes, including optrA, poxtA, cfr, and cfr(D), and the optrA gene was highly dominant (388/420). Enterococci displayed predominance among the linezolid resistance gene carriers in the hospital sewage, exhibiting a resistance rate to linezolid of 77.8 %. The wild-type OptrA and OptrA variants KLDP, RDK, and KLDK, all associated with high linezolid MICs, were most frequently detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the multispecies and polyclonal distribution of linezolid-resistant bacteria in hospital sewage, while Enterococcus faecalis sequence types (STs) 16 and 179 demonstrated the widest dissemination across different hospitals. Despite generally high genetic diversity, phylogenetic analysis showed that 87 isolates, assigned to ten STs from both sewage and other sources, were genetically related. Moreover, the genetic environment of linezolid resistance genes in isolates from sewage was similar to that from animals, humans, or the environment, with "Tn554-fexA-optrA" as the most common structure. These findings revealed the potential risk of the transmission of linezolid resistance genes through hospital sewage to other environments.

One Health Ethics and the Ethics of Zoonoses: A Silent Call for Global Action.

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term "zoonoses" should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on "zoonoethics". Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach.

Visualizing Active Sites in Electrospun Photoactive Membranes via Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

Interest in antibacterial nanomaterials has surged in recent years, driven by the rise in antibiotic resistance among microbes. However, their practical application remains limited because many crucial properties have yet to be thoroughly investigated. In this study, we have developed novel nanofibrous membranes based on hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) with embedded hydrophilic or hydrophobic zinc(II)phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) as photosensitizers and investigated their water disinfection properties. Several key characteristics were evaluated to link the activity of the material and composition/structure. As demonstrated by reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, the aggregation states of dyes within the polymer support vary significantly. We have proposed and validated the use of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for visualizing "active sites" in the membranes. The results of this study provide useful insights for the engineering of photoactive nanomaterials with tailor-made properties and highlight the crucial role of the nature of polymeric support in modulating the material's activity.

Human enteric viruses' detection in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farmed in the central Adriatic Sea.

Human enteric viruses, such as hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and norovirus genogroups I and II (NoVGI and NoVGII), cause infections, and it has been largely demonstrated that mussels play an important role if consumed as raw or undercooked food matrices. This study aimed to investigate, through qualitative and quantitative biomolecular assays, the detection of partial genomic regions belonging to the most relevant enteropathogenic viruses for humans (HAV, HEV, NoVGI and NoVGII) in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farmed along the coasts of two Italian regions on the central Adriatic Sea: Abruzzo (Casalbordino, Chieti) and Molise (Termoli, Campobasso). A total of 425 animals were sampled, and the respective georeferentiations were registered. A total of 85 pools, each composed of five sub-jects/aliquots, were formed (22 from Abruzzo and 63 from Molise regions). This step was followed by homogenization and RNA extraction, and then the biomolecular assays [nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR] were performed. 1.17% of the pool was positive for HAV RNA detection (102 copies/mL), 9.41% for HEV (102-103 copies/µL), 2.35% for NoVGI (101 copies/µL), and no pool was positive for NoVGII. This study demonstrated the human enteric viruses' presence in mussels farmed in a low-investigated marine area. Based on a one-health point of view, this paper aims to enforce the importance of biomolecular and epidemiological screenings as surveillance systems to guarantee human, animal, and environmental health.

Genomic analysis of Brucella isolates from animals and humans, Türkiye, 2010 to 2020.

BackgroundBrucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis causing severe illness in humans and animals and leading to economic losses in the livestock production in Türkiye and other endemic countries.AimWe aimed at investigating genomic differences of Brucella isolates from animals and humans in Türkiye.MethodsWe used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to assess the genetic diversity of Brucella isolates from 41 provinces in Türkiye and compared with isolates from other countries. We applied allele-based typing and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) determination.ResultsOf the 106 Turkish Brucella isolates included, 57 were B. abortus and 49 were B. melitensis. One B. melitensis and two B. abortus isolates were identified as vaccine strains. Most (n = 55) B. abortus isolates clustered in three major branches, with no spatial discernible pattern. Of the B. melitensis isolates, 48 were assigned to the Eastern Mediterranean lineage with no discernible patterns between host species, location and sampling date. The Turkish isolates clustered with isolates from neighbouring countries such as Greece and Syria, but some also with isolates from human patients in European countries, like Germany, Norway and Sweden, suggesting that the source may be travel-related.ConclusionSeveral B. melitensis and B. abortus lineages are circulating in Türkiye. To decrease the prevalence and prevent brucellosis in animals and humans, stricter control measures are needed, particularly in areas where humans and animals have close contact. Furthermore, illegal transportation of animals across borders should be more closely controlled and regulated.

Using one health training for interprofessional team building: implications for research, policy, and practice in Nigeria.

In recent years, the concept of One Health (OH) has arisen as an approach that helps to catalyze the creation of transdisciplinary teams needed for surveillance and investigation of emerging disease dynamics. Besides a wealth of descriptions of what the OH approach encompasses, a dearth of information is available regarding the training of individuals in OH competencies. In 2019, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control developed an OH strategic plan to meet the country's human, animal, and environmental health challenges. In response to the demand for clinicians, scientists, climatologists, conservationists, and environmentalists, who have expertise in environment, human, plant, and animal health to work collaboratively in addressing OH challenges in Nigeria. An interprofessional group of faculty from the University of Texas Medical Branch, the University of Jos, and the National Veterinary Research Institute convened to develop a novel OH course 'entitled 'One Health for Translational Team Science. The objective of the course was to explore the evolution of an emerging epidemic, capitalizing on various learning environments, including animal, environmental, human, and public health perspectives. The 6-week course comprised of three parts: 2-weeks virtual part of case-based group discussions focusing on animal and environmental aspects, 2 weeks of individual field experiences, and a final virtual part focusing on human health. Pedagogical tools used were: case-based group discussions, breakout group presentations, role-play activities, field project write-up, peer evaluation, group writing assignments, and weekly reflections with the goal of working in teams to develop and practice the fundamental leadership and management skills in addressing emerging public health challenges. Post-course evaluations showed that all participants felt more confident identifying and practicing the necessary attitudes and skills to participate effectively in the evaluation of an outbreak. Furthermore, the roles, responsibilities, and "One Health ways of thinking" for the various disciplines and professions involved in improving global health were articulated and identified.

Seroprevalence of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) in sheep in the Kwahu West municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana.

Query fever, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. It is a cause of abortion in livestock and presents as a febrile illness in humans. A correlation between the incidence of the disease in humans and abortion in goats and sheep farms has been reported in countries such as the Netherlands and Australia. In Ghana, the occurrence of Q fever in both livestock and humans has not been fully explored. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever in livestock in Nkawkaw, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Sera obtained from 92 sheep from 12 farms were tested using the indirect multi-species ELISA for the detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Animal demographics, farms' proximity to human settlement and history of abortion in relation to the Q fever status were assessed. The overall prevalence of Q fever was 13.0 % [95 % CI 6.9-21.6] (12/92). Both sexes were equally affected, with a sex-specific prevalence of 13.0 % each. The farm-specific prevalence was 50 %. Abortions were reported on eight (8) of the 12 farms, and all farms were located less than 200 m from human habitation. Only proximity of farm to human settlement showed statistical significance. Q fever is prevalent in Nkawkaw and requires the attention of both animal and health authorities, using the One- Health approach to nip any future epidemics in its bud.

Isolation and characterization of enterococci from poultry reveals high incidence of Enterococcus thailandicus in Victoria, Australia.

AIMS: Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis. Roughly two-thirds of all antibiotics used are in production animals, which have the potential to impact the development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens of humans. There is little visibility on the extent of antibiotic resistance in the Australian food chain. This study sought to establish the incidence of antibiotic resistance among enterococci from poultry in Victoria. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 2016, poultry from a Victorian processing facility were swabbed immediately post-slaughter and cultured for Enterococcus species. All isolates recovered were speciated and tested for antibiotic susceptibility to 12 antibiotics following the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A total of 6 farms and 207 birds were sampled and from these 285 isolates of Enterococcus were recovered. Eight different enterococcal species were identified as follows: E. faecalis (n = 122; 43%), E. faecium (n = 92; 32%), E. durans (n = 35; 12%), E. thailandicus (n = 23; 8%), E. hirae (n = 10; 3%), and a single each of E. avium, E. gallinarum, and E. mundtii. Reduced susceptibility to older classes of antibiotics was common, in particular: erythromycin (73%), rifampin (49%), nitrofurantoin (40%), and ciprofloxacin (39%). Two vancomycin-intermediate isolates were recovered, but no resistance was detected to either linezolid or gentamicin. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high numbers of a recently described species, E. thailandicus, suggest this species might be well adapted to colonize poultry. The incidence of antibiotic resistance is lower in isolates from poultry than in human medicine in Australia. These results suggest that poultry may serve as a reservoir for older antibiotic resistance genes but is not driving the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in human bacterial pathogens. This is supported by the absence of resistance to linezolid and gentamicin.

Integrated One-Health approach for prevention and control of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in rural Thailand: a 3-year study.

Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a pressing health issue in rural Southeast Asia and is associated with the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Despite control efforts, high infection rates persist, including evidence of reinfection post-treatment. This study aimed to address this public health concern through an integrated One-Health approach in endemic areas in rural Thailand over a 3-year period. The study included data from 3600 participants from Udon Thani Province, Thailand, during the years 2020 to 2022 and involved integrated epidemiological data collection and risk factor analysis to understand the impact of various interventions on disease transmission in the community. The efficacy of interventions was assessed by monitoring the incidence of O. viverrini reinfection in 2021 and 2022. In 2020, 218 cases of O. viverrini infection (6.0%) were identified. Significant risk factors included proximity to water bodies and consumption of raw fish. Variables contributing to infection risk among participants (P < 0.001) were education level, engagement in traditional ceremonies, poor sanitation, absence of ducks in nearby water bodies, self-medication for parasitic conditions, and multiple infections within a household. Dogs, cats, and cyprinoid fish showed prevalence rates of 5.4%, 6.3%, and 11.5%, respectively. Geographic analysis revealed clusters of infected households around water bodies. Interventions, including in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, health education, anthelminthic treatment, and biological control using local free-range ducks, were implemented, resulting in no human reinfections in the second year and a minimal 0.3% prevalence rate in the third year. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamic changes in infection prevalence, making a significant contribution to effective disease control and community health promotion. This integrated One-Health approach proved to be an effective strategy for the prevention and control of opisthorchiasis.

Are earthworms the victim, facilitator or antidote of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance at the soil-animal-human interface? A One-Health perspective.

The transfer of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (AR) to the soil systems poses ecological hazards to various organisms, including earthworms. Understanding the complex interactions between earthworms, antibiotics, and AR in the soil system requires a comprehensive assessment. Hence, the present review investigates the behaviour, fate, impacts, and mechanisms involved in the interaction of earthworms with antibiotics and AR. The antibiotics and AR detected in earthworms and their associated media, such as vermicompost, are presented, but several other antibiotics and AR widely detected in soils remain understudied. As receptors and bioassay organisms, earthworms are adversely affected by antibiotics and AR causing (1) acute and chronic toxicity, and (2) emergence of AR in previously susceptible earthworm gut microbiota, respectively. The paper also highlights that, apart from this toxicity, earthworms can also mitigate against antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes by reducing bacterial diversity and abundance. The behaviour and fate processes, including biodegradation pathways, biomarkers of antibiotics and AR in earthworms, are discussed. In addition, the factors controlling the behaviour and fate of antibiotics and AR and their interactions with earthworms are discussed. Overall, earthworms mitigate antibiotics and AR via various proximal and distal mechanisms, while dual but contradictory functions (i.e., mitigatory and facilitatory) were reported for AR. We recommend that future research based on the One-World-One-Health approach should address the following gaps: (1) under-studied antibiotics and AR, (2) degradation mechanisms and pathways of antibiotics, (3) effects of environmentally relevant mixtures of antibiotics, (4) bio-augmentation in earthworm-based bioremediation of antibiotics, (5) long-term fate of antibiotics and their metabolites, (6) bio-transfers of antibiotics and AR by earthworms, (7) development of earthworm biomarkers for antibiotics and AR, (8) application of earthworm-based bioremediation of antibiotics and AR, (9) cascading ecological impacts of antibiotics and AR on earthworms, and (10) pilot-scale field applications of earthworm-based bioremediation systems.

Hepatitis E Virus RNA Detection in Liver and Muscle Tissues Sampled from Home Slaughtered Domestic Pigs in Central Italy.

Hepatitis E virus is a worldwide emerging foodborne pathogen; raw or undercooked meats and liver pork products can cause infection through the orofecal route. In Central-Southern Italy, small traditional farming method, associated with the possibility of environmental sharing with wild species, can facilitate HEV diffusion and persistence. The aim of this study was to determine HEV genotype and subtype in Marche region from home slaughtered domestic pigs involved in small and traditional food chains. A total of 236 liver and muscle tissues and 6 pooled salami samples were screened. Laboratory workflow started with homogenization, followed by RNA extraction. Nested reverse transcription PCR and qRT-PCR were used to amplify specific parts of overlapping open reading frames belonging to the HEV genome. A total of 42/236 (17.79%) liver and 8/236 (3.39%) diaphragm specimens were positive; none of the pooled salami specimens showed positive HEV signal. The discovered HEV3c presented high nucleotide similarities with ones amplified from wild boar populations hunted in the same province. Extensive farming methods and environmental sharing with wild animal species support cross-infection infections, as observed in the present study. Although salami resulted negative for HEV RNA detection, the effects of food technologies on viral loads remain unclear. Therefore, further scientific investigations coupled with efficacious standardized laboratory procedures will be the next challenge.

Towards the definition of an antibiotic resistome signature in wastewater and downstream environments.

Domestic wastewater is a significant reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, which pose environmental and public health risks. We aimed to define an antibiotic resistome signature, represented by core genes, i.e., shared by ≥ 90% of the metagenomes of each of three conceptual environmental compartments - wastewater (influent, sludge, effluent), freshwater, and agricultural soil. The definition of resistome signatures would support the proposal of a framework for monitoring treatment efficacy and assessing the impact of treated wastewater discharge into the environment, such as freshwater and agricultural soil. Metagenomic data from 163 samples originating from wastewater (n = 81), freshwater (n = 58), and agricultural soils (n = 24) across different regions (29 countries, 5 continents), were analysed regarding antibiotic resistance diversity, based on annotation against a database that merged CARD and ResFinder databases. The relative abundance of the total antibiotic resistance genes (corresponding to the ratio between the antibiotic resistance genes and total reads number) was not statistically different between raw and treated wastewater, being significantly higher than in freshwater or agricultural soils. The latter had the significantly lowest relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes. Genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, and tetracyclines were among the most abundant in wastewater environments, while multidrug resistance was equally distributed across all environments. The wastewater resistome signature included 27 antibiotic resistance genes that were detected in at least 90% of the wastewater resistomes, and that were not frequent in freshwater or agricultural soil resistomes. Among these were genes responsible for resistance to tetracyclines (n = 8), macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (n = 7), aminoglycosides (n = 4), beta-lactams (n = 3), multidrug (n = 2), sulphonamides (n = 2), and polypeptides (n = 1). This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights into the dynamics of antibiotic resistance in urban wastewater systems and their potential ecological implications in diverse environmental settings. Furthermore, provides guidance for the implementation of One Health monitoring approaches.

Comparative characterisation of extracellular vesicles from canine and human plasma: a necessary step in biomarker discovery.

Extracellular Vesicles (EV) have become an interesting focus as novel biomarkers of disease and are increasingly reported upon in humans and other species. The Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018) guidelines were published to improve rigor and standardisation within the EV field and provide a framework for the reliable isolation and characterisation of EV populations. However, this rigor and standardisation has been challenging in the area of comparative medicine. Herein we present the successful isolation of EVs from human and canine plasma using Size Exclusion Chromatography and characterise these EVs according to best international practice. This study provides evidence for the reliable comparison of human and canine EVs isolated by this approach, and a baseline description of the EVs from healthy dogs to inform future biomarker studies. This work also demonstrates that the MISEV2018 guidelines can be successfully applied to EVs isolated from canine plasma.

Brucella spp. in Wildlife of the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy.

Surveillance data collected in the period 2017-20 for Brucella spp. in wildlife of the Lombardy Region in northern Italy were used to describe the exposure of the wildlife species to Brucella spp. in wild boar (Sus scrofa), European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), fallow deer (Dama dama), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Among the tested species, wild boar (n=6,440) showed the highest percentage of seropositive samples (5.9%). Notably, wild boars of perifluvial area of the Po River showed higher percentages of positivity than those of the pre-Alpine district. In addition, during the hunting season in 2018, 95 organs (uterus or testes, spleen, and submandibular lymph nodes) from wild boar of the perifluvial area of the Po River were collected for bacteriological examination. Brucella suis was isolated in culture from 18.9% of tested lymph nodes. These serological and microbiological results highlight the presence of B. suis in wild boar and suggest the importance of wild boar as a reservoir for B. suis. Comparison of the spatial distribution of Brucella-seropositive wild boars with the location of backyard swine farms revealed a higher chance of contact between the two populations only in the areas where the lower percentage of seropositive samples was observed. Conversely, the high percentage of seropositive samples observed in the Po River area coupled with positive microbiological cultures suggest a greater risk of infection for the humans directly or indirectly involved in wild boar hunting activity. These results may serve as a basis to establish sound wildlife management and to adopt education campaigns aimed at reducing the risk of human infection in people involved in wild boar hunting related activities.

Draft genome sequences of 13 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates from chickens, cows, and Canadian Salmonella outbreaks.

Salmonella enterica is the etiological agent responsible for salmonellosis. Here, we report the draft whole genome sequences of 13 S. enterica subsp. enterica isolates from chickens and cows, as well as from previous Canadian Salmonella outbreaks investigated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from raw cow's milk from healthy, clinical and subclinical mastitis udders.

Mastitis is the most common disease of dairy cattle and can be manifested in clinical and subclinical forms. The overuse of antimicrobials in the treatment and prevention of mastitis favours antimicrobial resistance and milk can be a potential route of dissemination. This study aimed to evaluate the biological quality of bulk tank milk (BTM) and the microbiological quality and signs of mastitis of freshly milked raw milk. In addition, to evaluate antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus spp. isolated from freshly milked raw milk. None of the farms were within the official Brazilian biological quality limits for BTM. Freshly milked raw milk with signs of clinical (CMM), subclinical (SCMM) and no signs (MFM) of mastitis were detected in 6.67%, 27.62% and 65.71% samples, respectively. Most samples of freshly milked raw milk showed acceptable microbiological quality, when evaluating the indicators total coliforms (78.10%), Escherichia coli (88.57%) and Staphylococcus aureus (100%). Klebsiella oxytoca and S. aureus were the most prevalent microorganisms in SCMM and MFM samples. Antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) were observed in 65.12% and 13.95% of Enterobacteriaceae and 84.31% and 5.88% of Staphylococcus spp., respectively, isolated from both SCMM and MFM samples. Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporin (3GCR) (6.98%) and carbapenems (CRE) (6.98%) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (4.88%) were observed. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can spread resistance genes to previously susceptible bacteria. This is a problem that affects animal, human and environmental health and should be evaluated within the one-health concept.

Multidrug resistant Vibrio spp. identified from mussels farmed for human consumption in Central Italy.

AIMS: This study investigated phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of Vibrio strains identified from Mytilus galloprovincialis farmed for human consumption in the Adriatic Sea Central Italy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 475 mussels (M. galloprovincialis) were involved in the present study, and culture-dependent microbiological methods permitted to identify a total of 50 Vibrio strains that were tested for antibiotic susceptibility followed by the genetic determinant detections. Antibiograms showed resistance against ampicillin (36.0%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (30.0%), gentamycin (14.0%), and imipenem (18.0%). Biomolecular assays amplified a total of 264 antibiotic resistance genes harbored by both susceptible and resistant Vibrio species. Among resistance genes, aacC2 (62.0%) and aadA (58.0%) for aminoglycosides, blaTEM (54.0%) for beta-lactams, qnrS (24.0%) for quinolones, tetD (66.0%) for tetracyclines, and vanB (60.0%) for glycopeptides were mainly amplified by PCR assays. CONCLUSIONS: Vibrio genus is involved in the antibiotic resistance phenomenon diffusion in the aquatic environments, as demonstrated by the harboring of many genetic determinants representing a kind of genetic "dark world".

Proteomic profiling of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli GW-AmxH19 isolated from hospital wastewater treated with physical plasma.

Microorganisms which are resistant to antibiotics are a global threat to the health of humans and animals. Wastewater treatment plants are known hotspots for the dissemination of antibiotic resistances. Therefore, novel methods for the inactivation of pathogens, and in particular antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARM), are of increasing interest. An especially promising method could be a water treatment by physical plasma which provides charged particles, electric fields, UV-radiation, and reactive species. The latter are foremost responsible for the antimicrobial properties of plasma. Thus, with plasma it might be possible to reduce the amount of ARM and to establish this technology as additional treatment stage for wastewater remediation. However, the impact of plasma on microorganisms beyond a mere inactivation was analyzed in more detail by a proteomic approach. Therefore, Escherichia coli GW-AmxH19, isolated from hospital wastewater in Germany, was used. The bacterial solution was treated by a plasma discharge ignited between each of four pins and the liquid surface. The growth of E. coli and the pH-value decreased during plasma treatment in comparison with the untreated control. Proteome and antibiotic resistance profile were analyzed. Concentrations of nitrite and nitrate were determined as long-lived indicative products of a transient chemistry associated with reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Conversely, hydrogen peroxide served as indicator for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proteome analyses revealed an oxidative stress response as a result of plasma-generated RNS and ROS as well as a pH-balancing reaction as key responses to plasma treatment. Both, the generation of reactive species and a decreased pH-value is characteristic for plasma-treated solutions. The plasma-mediated changes of the proteome are discussed also in comparison with the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Furthermore, no effect of the plasma treatment, on the antibiotic resistance of E. coli, was determined under the chosen conditions. The knowledge about the physiological changes of ARM in response to plasma is of fundamental interest to understand the molecular basis for the inactivation. This will be important for the further development and implementation of plasma in wastewater remediation.

The use of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to monitor airborne particulate matter and assess health effects on pollinators.

The honey bee Apis mellifera has long been recognized as an ideal bioindicator for environmental pollution. These insects are exposed to pollutants during their foraging activities, making them effective samplers of environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides, and volatile organic compounds. Recently, it has been demonstrated that honey bees can be a valuable tool for monitoring and studying airborne PM pollution, a complex mixture of particles suspended in the air, known to have detrimental effects on human health. Airborne particles attached to the bees can be characterised for their morphology, size, and chemical composition using a scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray spectroscopy, thus providing key information on the emission sources of the particles, their environmental fate, and the potential to elicit inflammatory injury, oxidative damage, and other health effects in living organisms. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of the studies involving the use of honey bees to monitor airborne PM, including the limits of this approach and possible perspectives. The use of honey bees as a model organism for ecotoxicological studies involving pollutant PM is also presented and discussed, further highlighting the role of the bees as a cornerstone of human, animal, and environmental health, according to the principles of the "One Health" approach.

Emerging Issues on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Colonizing Plastic Waste in Aquatic Ecosystems.

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.