Metatranscriptomic analysis of wastewater sites reveals a high abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes from hospital wastewater

Abstract

Objective This study analyzed the metatranscriptome of wastewater samples from different sites with a focus of identifying antibiotic resistance genes and the bacterial community.

Methods Twenty-four wastewater samples were collected from a hospital, university sewer, and the influent and effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The metatranscriptome was sequenced to identify antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements, and bacterial community composition.

Results Metatranscriptome analysis revealed varying abundances of ARG transcripts across different sites, with 84, 27, 14, and 9 ARG transcripts identified in wastewater collected from the hospital, university, influent, and effluent of a WWTP, respectively. Notably, hospital wastewater contained clinically relevant beta-lactam ARGs, including bla-NDM-1 and several blaOXA transcripts. Four core ARGs, against sulfonamides sul1 and sul2 and aminoglycosides aph(6)-ld and aph(’3’)-lb were also identified. The predominant bacterial community comprised of Gammaproteobacteria, with priority pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhea and Helicobacter pylori present in hospital wastewater and WWTP influent.

Conclusion These findings provide insights into the wastewater resistome and how meta-transcriptomic data can be utilized for the surveillance of antibiotic resistance. Overall, our study highlights the utility of wastewater surveillance in understanding and addressing the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and emphasizes the crucial role of proper wastewater management in protecting public and environmental health.