Effect of Zinc Oxide and Copper Sulfate on Antibiotic Resistance Plasmid Transfer in Escherichia coli

Abstract

Heavy metals such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) may be associated with antibiotic resistance dissemination. Our aim was to investigate whether sub-lethal dosage of Zn and Cu may enhance plasmid transfer and subsequently resistance genes dissemination. Plasmid conjugation frequencies (PCF) were performed with Escherichia coli strains bearing IncL-blaOXA-48, IncA/C-blaCMY-2, IncI1-blaCTX-M-1, IncF-blaCTX-M-1, and IncX3-blaNDM-5 as donors. Mating-out assays were performed with sub-dosages of zinc oxide (ZnO) and Cu sulfate (CuSO4). Quantification of the SOS response-associated gene expression levels and of the production of reactive oxygen species were determined. Increased PCF was observed for IncL, IncA/C, and IncX3 when treated with ZnO. PCF was only increased for IncL when treated with CuSO4. The ROS production presented an overall positive correlation with PCF after treatment with ZnO for IncL, IncA/C, and IncX3. For CuSO4 treatment, the same was observed only for IncL. No increase was observed for expression of SOS response-associated genes under CuSO4 treatment, and under ZnO treatment, we observed an increase in SOS response-associated genes only for IncX3. Our data showed that sub-dosages of ZnO and CuSO4 could significantly enhance PCF in E. coli, with a more marked effect observed with IncL, IncA/C, and IncX3 scaffolds. Our study suggested that use of certain heavy metals is not the panacea for avoiding use of antibiotics in order to prevent the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic Effect of High-Power Blue Laser Radiation

“…Zn oxides protect LexA from cleavage by interfering with RecA [52]. Copper also influences the overall SOS response [53]. Following a 20 s irradiation, 177 genes were found to be differentially transcribed in the range of logFC −2.2 to 1.9 (Figure 3B, Table 3).…”

Combination of Hydrolysable Tannins and Zinc Oxide on Enterocyte Functionality: In Vitro Insights

“…Indeed, recent investigations showed that ZnO treatment of postweaning pigs can favour the selection and development of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli [15]. Furthermore, bacterial in vitro studies gave evidence that stress conditions such as heavy metals exposure may play an important role in potentially inducing acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer [16,17]. To address these concerns, it is crucial to explore more sustainable and safe alternatives for treating gastrointestinal issues in animals, including better livestock management, judicious antibiotic use, and the use of natural alternatives like probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts.…”

Combination of Hydrolysable Tannins and Zinc Oxide on Enterocyte Functionality: In Vitro Insights

“…Indeed, recent investigations showed that ZnO treatment of post-weaning pigs can favour the selection and development of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli [ 15 ]. Furthermore, bacterial in vitro studies provided evidence that stress conditions such as heavy metals exposure may play an important role in potentially inducing acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer [ 16 , 17 ]. To address these concerns, it is crucial to explore more sustainable and safe alternatives for treating gastrointestinal issues in animals, including better livestock management, judicious antibiotic use, and the use of natural alternatives like probiotics, prebiotics, and plant extracts.…”