In the vast and interconnected web of life, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a looming threat, not just to human health, but also to the delicate balance of ecosystems and the industries that depend on them. A recent study, published in the journal Animal Microbiome, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of AMR transfer and persistence in aquaculture, offering insights that could reshape how we approach this global challenge.
Dr. Alexandru S. Barcan, a researcher at the Scottish Bovine Health and Veterinary Microbiology (SBOHVM) at the University of Glasgow, led a team that delved into the microbial communities of Atlantic salmon. Their goal? To understand how antimicrobial resistance genes spread and persist, even after antibiotic treatment has ceased.
The team employed a cutting-edge, culture-free technique called Hi-C, combined with qPCR, to monitor the carriage and transfer of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) plasmid within an in vitro gut model of Atlantic salmon. The model, known as the SalmoSim gut system, simulated the teleost gut environment, providing a controlled setting to observe microbial interactions.
The results were striking. The study identified numerous transfer events, involving both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. “What was particularly concerning,” Dr. Barcan noted, “was the persistence of the plasmid even after the florfenicol treatment was withdrawn. This suggests that the commensal gut flora in teleosts can act as a reservoir for AMR, long after the selective pressure of antibiotics has been removed.”
This finding has significant implications for the aquaculture industry, which relies heavily on antibiotics to control diseases. The persistence of AMR in the gut microbiota could lead to prolonged resistance, making future infections harder to treat and potentially impacting the commercial viability of aquaculture operations.
But the story doesn’t end there. The study also highlights the potential of the SalmoSim gut system as a model for testing different treatment regimens and interventions. “Our system provides a platform to study how various interventions may be deployed to mitigate AMR persistence,” Dr. Barcan explained. This could lead to the development of more effective and sustainable practices in aquaculture, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and mitigating the spread of AMR.
The research, published in the journal Animal Microbiome, underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of AMR transfer and persistence. As Dr. Barcan and his team continue to explore this complex landscape, their work could pave the way for innovative solutions that protect both human health and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The implications of this research extend beyond aquaculture, offering valuable insights into the broader challenge of antimicrobial resistance.