Influence of Aquaculture on Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Profiles and Microbiota in Marine and Freshwater Sediments

Strategic Insights -

A new study on Life Sciences - Microbiology reveals the impact of aquaculture on antimicrobial resistance gene profiles and microbiota in marine and freshwater sediments. The study employed target-enrichment metagenomics and a Resistomap qPCR assay to assess the resistome in sediments associated with active Canadian finfish aquaculture operations. The research demonstrated the utility of these assays in detecting antimicrobial resistance genes in aquaculture sites, highlighting the potential influence of aquaculture on ARGs in the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study detected 194 ARGs and 41 replicon types across sediment samples using target-enrichment metagenomics.
  • The composition of the resistome was dominated by tetracycline resistance genes, with differences noted in the resistome profiles due to aquaculture proximity.
  • The qPCR assay detected 37 out of 51 ARG targets, with no changes in resistome composition observed due to proximity to net-pens or region.
  • Co-occurrence networks revealed significant correlations among genera and the resistome detected with bait-capture, indicating a potential influence of aquaculture on ARGs in the environment.
  • The study demonstrated the utility of bait-capture and qPCR assays in detecting ARGs in both freshwater and marine sediments from aquaculture sites.
  • The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture operations to mitigate the risk of ARGs in the environment.
  • The study's findings can inform regulatory policies and management practices to reduce the impact of aquaculture on the environment and human health.

Statistics:

  • 194 ARGs detected across sediment samples using target-enrichment metagenomics.
  • 41 replicon types detected across sediment samples using target-enrichment metagenomics.
  • 37 out of 51 ARG targets detected using qPCR assay.
  • 71% of ARG targets detected using qPCR assay were associated with tetracycline resistance genes.

Sources:

  • Influence of aquaculture and genomic surveillance techniques on antimicrobial resistance gene profiles and microbiota detected in marine and freshwater sediments. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 2025;71:1-18. Canadian Journal of Microbiology can be contacted at: Canadian Science Publishing, 123 Slater Street, Suite 610, Ottawa, On K1P 5H2, Canada. (NRC Research Press - www.nrcresearchpress.com/; Canadian Journal of Microbiology - www.nrcresearchpress.com/journal/cjm)