Long-read sequencing revealed cooccurrence, host range, and potential mobility of antibiotic resistome in cow feces
Xun Qian, Santosh Gunturu, Wei Sun, James R. Cole, Bo Norby, Jie Gu, James M. Tiedje
Abstract
Significance Estimating risk from environmental resistome is hindered by the lack of data on its mobility and host range, as well as whether it is likely functional. We developed an enrichment and analysis method using long-read sequencing technologies to link resistome and mobilome and correlate these with host range using a sample representative of an environmental source that had exposure to a medically important antibiotic. The long reads provide for detection of complete genes, direct evidence for their physical linkages important for assessing coselection, their chromosomal or plasmid location, and their likely hosts. The antibiotic-resistance gene, host, and potential transmissibility information can be assessed in the context of WHO-identified targets of concern and more directly contribute to the One Health vision.