The risk of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance in deep-sea cold seep microorganisms.

ABSTRACT: Deep-sea cold seeps host high microbial biomass and biodiversity that thrive on hydrocarbon and inorganic compound seepage, exhibiting diverse ecological functions and unique genetic resources. However, potential health risks from pathogenic or antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in these environments remain largely overlooked, especially during resource exploitation and laboratory research. Here, we analyzed 165 metagenomes and 33 metatranscriptomes from 16 global cold seep sites to investigate the diversity and distribution of virulence factors (VFs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). A total of 2,353 VFs are retrieved in 689 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), primarily associated with indirect pathogenesis like adherence. In addition, cold seeps h

SUBMITTER: Zhang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12172429 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature