Assessing Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in University Dormitory Washing Machines

Abstract

University dormitories represent densely populated environments, and washing machines are potential sites for the spread of bacteria and microbes. However, the extent of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) variation in washing machines within university dormitories and their potential health risks are largely unknown. To disclose the occurrence of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from university dormitories, we collected samples from washing machines in 10 dormitories and used metagenomic sequencing technology to determine microbial and ARG abundance. Our results showed abundant microbial diversity, with Proteobacteria being the dominant microorganism that harbors many ARGs. The majority of the existing ARGs were associated with antibiotic target alteration and efflux, conferring multidrug resistance. We identified tnpA and IS91 as the most abundant mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in washing machines and found that Micavibrio aeruginosavorus, Aquincola tertiaricarbonis, and Mycolicibacterium iranicum had high levels of ARGs. Our study highlights the potential transmission of pathogens from washing machines to humans and the surrounding environment. Pollution in washing machines poses a severe threat to public health and demands attention. Therefore, it is crucial to explore effective methods for reducing the reproduction of multidrug resistance.