Metagenomic Characterization of Resistance Genes in Deception Island and Their Association with Mobile Genetic Elements.

ABSTRACT: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are undergoing a remarkably rapid geographic expansion in various ecosystems, including pristine environments such as Antarctica. The study of ARGs and environmental resistance genes (ERGs) mechanisms could provide a better understanding of their origin, evolution, and dissemination in these pristine environments. Here, we describe the diversity of ARGs and ERGs and the importance of mobile genetic elements as a possible mechanism for the dissemination of resistance genes in Antarctica. We analyzed five soil metagenomes from Deception Island in Antarctica. Results showed that detected ARGs are associated with mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux, antibiotic inactivation, and target alteration. On the other hand, resistance to metals, surfactants, and arom

SUBMITTER: Santos A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9320737 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature