Introduction
Heavy metals have long been incorporated into animal feed due to their antimicrobial and growth-promoting effects; however, their unintended consequences on public health are increasingly being recognized. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through co-selection mechanisms has raised concern, particularly in foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica. This study explores the prevalence of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) in S. enterica isolates sourced from diverse environments and time periods and investigates their potential association with antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). Using genotypic datasets from the NCBI Pathogen Detection Isolate Browser, combined with analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel and PANDAS, the research examines the distribution, co-localization, and statistical relationships between HMRGs and ARGs. Understanding these interactions is vital for assessing AMR risk and developing informed strategies to control resistance in agricultural and clinical settings.
Distribution of Heavy Metal Resistance Genes Across Salmonella Serovars
The prevalence of heavy metal resistance genes in Salmonella enterica varies widely among serovars, indicating that genetic background plays a significant role in determining heavy metal tolerance. Certain serovars exhibit a higher frequency of HMRGs, suggesting enhanced environmental adaptability and selective advantages in metal-rich settings, such as agricultural production environments. This research highlights the serovar-specific distribution of HMRGs, pointing to the need for targeted surveillance in high-risk strains that may be more likely to harbor and disseminate resistance determinants in food chains and natural ecosystems.
Source and Geographic Variation in HMRG and ARG Prevalence
Analysis of isolates from multiple sources—including livestock, food products, environmental samples, and human clinical cases—reveals substantial variation in the prevalence of HMRGs and associated ARGs. Geographic differences also emerged, reflecting distinct agricultural practices, regulatory policies, and environmental exposures across U.S. regions. These patterns underscore the importance of location-specific monitoring and intervention strategies to control the spread of resistance elements and to better understand the ecological relationships influencing AMR evolution.
Statistical Association Between Heavy Metal Resistance and Antibiotic Resistance
Chi-square tests conducted in this study reveal significant associations between the presence of HMRGs and specific antimicrobial resistance genes. Isolates carrying heavy metal resistance determinants often showed increased frequencies of ARGs, supporting the hypothesis that metal exposure may co-select for antibiotic resistance. This statistical evidence enhances understanding of the molecular interplay between environmental stressors and AMR development, reinforcing concerns regarding the extensive use of heavy metals in agriculture and animal production systems.
Plasmid-Mediated Co-Localization of HMRGs and ARGs
The investigation of plasmid sequences demonstrated that HMRGs and ARGs frequently co-localize on shared mobile genetic elements. Such plasmids facilitate horizontal gene transfer, promoting the rapid dissemination of both metal and antibiotic resistance traits across bacterial populations. Although no specific plasmid incompatibility group was uniquely linked to these co-localization events, the findings highlight the pivotal role of plasmids as vehicles of multi-resistance and underscore the necessity of plasmid-level monitoring in AMR surveillance programs.
Implications for Public Health and Agricultural Practices
The observed links between heavy metal resistance and antibiotic resistance emphasize the need for critical evaluation of metal use in agriculture, particularly in livestock feed. As heavy metal exposure may unintentionally drive AMR propagation, policymakers and stakeholders must consider mitigation strategies that balance animal productivity with public health safeguards. The study’s findings contribute valuable insights to risk assessment frameworks and encourage the adoption of integrated surveillance systems to reduce the global threat posed by antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains.
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Hashtags
#HeavyMetals, #AntimicrobialResistance, #SalmonellaEnterica, #HMRGs, #ARGs, #CoSelection, #FoodSafety, #PublicHealth, #AMRSurveillance, #PlasmidResistance, #MetalExposure, #AgriculturalPractices, #MicrobialGenomics, #PathogenDetection, #DataAnalysis, #NCBIIsolates, #OneHealth, #ResistanceGenes, #BacterialEvolution, #EnvironmentalHealth,
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