Thesis

The effect of heavy metals on antibiotic resistance in the environment

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2014
Thesis identifier
  • T13829
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Abstract
  • Antibiotic resistance is a significant clinical problem, with bacterial infections becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Efforts, such as reducing the use of antibiotics, have proved unsuccessful, and we now face the prospect of a future without antibiotics. The natural environment acts as a reservoir for resistance genes. The selection and maintenance of resistance could counteract clinical efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance. Heavy metals have been linked to antibiotic resistance by genetic mechanisms whereby metals potentially select for and maintain antibiotic resistance, even in the absence of the antibiotic itself. Here, the role of heavy metals in enhancing, or maintaining, antibiotic resistance in the environment is investigated. Background levels of metals in soil were found to correlate to antibiotic resistance gene abundances, implying the effect heavy metals in the environment have on antibiotic resistance is more intrinsic than anticipated. Using controlled microcosm studies, the influence of pollution levels on antibiotic resistance was further investigated. Copper concentrations influenced tetracycline and β lactamase resistance gene abundances in both soils and simulated wastewater activated-sludge treatment process. Results suggest that copper discharged to wastewater and the environment increase resistance genes. Additionally surface-water microcosms were used to determine whether copper concentration enhanced retention of antibiotic resistance genes released by wastewater treatment. While no selection effect was observed, further work is still needed. Effect exhorted by metals on antibiotic resistance is not novel; however, its role in the environment could play a more significant role in the clinical problem than anticipated. Agencies, such as World Health Organisation, call for further investigations to reduce antibiotic resistance in the environment; this thesis highlights how metals, particularly, contributes to the problem.
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  • Copper concentrations influenced tetracycline and (Sb (Blactamase resistance gene abundances in both soils and simulated wastewater activated-sludge treatment process. Results suggest that copper discharged to wastewater and the environment increase resistance genes. Additionally surface-water microcosms were used to determine whether copper concentration enhanced retention of antibiotic resistance genes released by wastewater treatment. While no selection effect was observed, further work is still needed. Effect exhorted by metals on antibiotic resistance is not novel; however, its role in the environment could play a more significant role in the clinical problem than anticipated. Agencies, such as World Health Organisation, call for further investigations to reduce antibiotic resistance in the environment; this thesis highlights how metals, particularly, contributes to the problem
DOI
Date Created
  • 2014
Former identifier
  • 1039358

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