Effects of Long-Term Heavy Metal Exposure on Oral Microbial Antibiotic Resistance Genes of Residents in the Mining and Smelting Area.

ABSTRACT: Growing evidence highlights the role of heavy metals in driving the co-selection of an-tibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and the human oral cavity is an important reservoir of ARGs. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of heavy metal exposure on human oral microbiota and ARGs, collecting buccal mucosal and blood samples from residents in a heavy metal-contaminated area (Baiyin City) and a non-contaminated area (Yuzhong County, Lanzhou City). The results showed heavy metal exposure is associated with altered alpha and beta diversity of bacteria and ARGs in human oral cavities, with bacterial compositional shifts being the main factor in ARG variation. Metagenomic analysis revealed heavy metal exposure is linked to modifying the interactions in the bacterial community and betw

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12736263 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature