Silent spread: Genes on the move in groundwater

Presenter's Name(s)

Jasmine Engle

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance spreads easily through horizontal gene transfer, particularly in groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation systems. A Romanian study examined the prevalence of mobile genetic elements (such as plasmids and antibiotic-resistant genes) in groundwater at varying distances from urban areas, farms, and cities. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, DNA fragments coding for antibiotic-resistant genes, and pharmaceuticals were present at all sites, including “pristine” locations. It was discovered that local activities (farms and hospitals) had the greatest impact on pollution. This research advocates for enhanced water filtration systems and standardized monitoring of water treatment to combat the worldwide threat of antibiotic resistance.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Melissa Pespeni

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Biology

Primary Research Category

Life Sciences

Abstract only.

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Silent spread: Genes on the move in groundwater

Antibiotic resistance spreads easily through horizontal gene transfer, particularly in groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation systems. A Romanian study examined the prevalence of mobile genetic elements (such as plasmids and antibiotic-resistant genes) in groundwater at varying distances from urban areas, farms, and cities. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, DNA fragments coding for antibiotic-resistant genes, and pharmaceuticals were present at all sites, including “pristine” locations. It was discovered that local activities (farms and hospitals) had the greatest impact on pollution. This research advocates for enhanced water filtration systems and standardized monitoring of water treatment to combat the worldwide threat of antibiotic resistance.