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Abstract
[Objectives] To study the effects of microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes of Vibrio alginolyticus, so as to provide a certain reference for controlling marine pollution, curbing the spread of environmental antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes, formulating environmental policies, and maintaining food safety. [Methods] After adding V. alginolyticus into the artificial seawater, they were divided into three groups, namely blank control group (BLK), polyvinyl chloride microplastic group (PVC group) and polyvinyl alcohol microplastic group (PVA group). Aerated culture experiments were carried out, and the effects of microplastics on the expression of resistance genes and virulence genes of V. alginolyticus were studied by PCR and qPCR methods. [Results] The presence of microplastics significantly changed the resistance gene structure of V. alginolyticus. Compared with the control group, the cfxA and cfr resistance genes were detected in the microplastic group. However, only PVC group detected blaZ resistance gene, and only PVA group did not detect aaC resistance gene. In addition, compared with the control group, the expressions of virulence genes in the microplastic group were all down-regulated (P<0.01). [Conclusions] This study provides some reference for curbing the spread of environmental antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes, formulating environmental policies, and maintaining food safety, but the specific mechanisms of drug resistance and virulence need further research.