Genes on a World Tour: Unmasking Antibiotic Resistance Secrets

Introduction: In the aftermath of recent global pandemics, with their profound socio-economic impacts and human toll, the world remains entwined with biological entities. Our vulnerability, dictated by the rules of biology, is exacerbated by unstoppable climate change, significantly altering ecosystems and biological dynamics. The intricate relationship between viruses, bacteria, plants, animals, and humans is pivotal in understanding the emergence of infectious diseases. This study delves into the realm of antibiotic resistance, a phenomenon triggered by transient selective pressures with consequences resonating on a global scale. Undertaking a multi-sampled approach from four distinct parts of the world, including tropical rainforests and a temperate urban setting, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through classical amplification coupled with amplicon sequencing. The main objective is to catalog and characterize related ARGs and mobile elements, emphasizing their potential impact on the global microbiome. Environmental monitoring of ARGs becomes crucial in averting their migration into clinical settings, where their permanence poses a formidable challenge. Material and Methods: Sampling encompasses termite guts, nests, and feeding substrates, as well as soil from diverse locations: French Guiana, Cameroon, Papua New Guinea, and the Czech Republic (solely soil). Termite colonies and soil samples were collected during field campaigns under sterile conditions, processed in Prague, Czech Republic, and stored at -80 ºC. Termite nests were broken down into fragments, termite guts dissected and stored in RNAlater, soil homogenized and stored at -80 ºC. The study employs samples obtained from the EVA4.0 project, including 28 termite colonies and various soil substrates from pristine rainforests and urban locales. The intricate methodology ensures a meticulous examination of genetic elements present in these diverse environments, providing valuable insights into the global landscape of antibiotic resistance. These findings will contribute to our understanding of antibiotic resistance dissemination and offer essential data for devising strategies to counteract its potential impact on public health and global ecosystems.