Microelectrolysis facilitated the plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes at the microbial community level

The escalating global dissemination of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance poses a formidable threat to global health. Conjugation stands as a pivotal mechanism for horizontal gene transfer among bacterial populations, facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Microelectrolysis has garnered attention as an efficacious strategy for mitigating antibiotic concentrations in wastewater, yet its potential impact on ARG horizontal transfer remain largely unexplored. This comprehensive investigation unveils that microelectrolysis not only influences but significantly accelerates the conjugative transfer of ARG-harboring plasmids. Remarkably, this phenomenon is corroborated at the microbial community scale, underscoring its ecological relevance. Alarmingly, the study highlights the vulnerability of intestinal microorganisms to acquire antibiotic resistance under electrolytic stimulation, posing heightened risks to both animal and human health. Delving deeper, the study elucidates the underlying mechanisms responsible for this enhanced conjugative transfer. It reveals that microelectrolysis augments the abundance of mating-competent cells, triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species, inflicts modest membrane damage, and upregulates the expression of genes critical for conjugation. These findings collectively contribute to a more profound comprehension of the environmental dissemination dynamics and associated public health implications of ARGs in the context of wastewater treatment employing microelectrolytic technologies.