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Swine manure is considered to be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) but little is known about the variations in ARGs during the co-composting of swine manure with Chinese medicinal herbal residues (CMHRs). Thus, this study explored the effects of CMHRs on the variations in ARGs during co-composting with swine manure. The results showed that CMHRs could reduce effectively most of the targeted ARGs (0.18–2.82 logs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (0.47–3.34 logs). The correlations indicated that CMHRs might decrease the spread of ARGs via horizontal gene transfer. Redundancy analysis showed that the bacterial communities had more important effects on the variations in ARGs compared with environmental factors and MGEs. The results of this study demonstrate that CMHRs can decrease the abundances of ARGs and MGEs, as well as reducing the risk of ARGs spreading during the application of compost products to farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are considered suitable amendments for reducing the selection pressure due to heavy metals and the abundances of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during composting. In this study, three SAP (sodium polyacrylate) levels (0, 5, and 15 mg kg −1 of compost) were applied and their effects on the abundances of ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and the bacterial community were investigated. After composting, the abundances of ARGs and MGEs decreased to different extent, where the removal efficiencies for tetW , dfrA7 , ermX , aac(6′)-ib-cr and MGEs exceeded 90%. The high SAP concentration significantly reduced the abundances of ARGs and MGEs, and changed the microbial community. Redundancy analysis indicated that the moisture content mainly explained the changes in ARGs and MGEs. Network analysis determined the potential hosts of ARGs and MGEs, and their co-occurrence. The results suggested that applying 15 mg kg −1 SAP is appropriate for reducing ARGs in compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment with exogenous additives during composting can help to alleviate the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) caused by the direct application of pig manure to farmland. In addition, nano-cellulose has an excellent capacity for adsorbing pollutants. Thus, the effects of adding 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg nano-cellulose to compost on the bacterial communities, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and ARGs were determined in this study. After composting, treatment with nano-cellulose significantly reduced the relative abundance of ARGs, which was lowest in the compost product with 600 mg/kg added nano-cellulose. Nano-cellulose inhibited the rebound in ARGs from the cooling period to the maturity period, and weakened the selective pressure of heavy metals on microorganisms by passivating bio-Cu. The results also showed that MGEs explained most of the changes in the abundances of ARGs, and MGEs had direct effects on ARGs. The addition of 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose reduced the abundances of bacterial genera associated with ermQ , tetG , and other genes, and the number of links (16) between ARGs and MGEs was lowest in the treatment with 600 mg/kg added nano-cellulose. Therefore, adding 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose reduced the abundances of ARGs by affecting host bacteria and MGEs. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the positive effect of nano-cellulose on ARG pollution in poultry manure, where adding 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose was most effective at reducing the abundances of ARGs. [Display omitted] • Adding 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose effectively removed ARGs during composting. • 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose can reduce the selective pressure of Cu on microorganisms. • 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose can weaken the correlation between MGEs and ARGs. • 600 mg/kg nano-cellulose reduced the abundance of potential host bacteria of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MAR improved the efficiency of reducing the relative abundances of ARGs and MGEs. • MGEs were mainly responsible for the changes in the abundances of ARGs. • ARGs and MGEs have the same potential host bacteria. • MAR added at 5% can reduce the risk of ARGs in swine manure composting. Swine manure is considered a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which may enter the soil and then the food chain to endanger human health. This study investigated the effects of adding 0%, 5%, and 15% (w/w) macroporous adsorption resin (MAR) on ARGs and the bacterial community during composting. The results showed that the addition of MAR reduced the abundances of ARGs (14.14–99.44%) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (47.83–99.48%) after swine manure composting. Significant positive correlations were detected between ARGs and MGEs, and thus the variations in MGEs may have led to the changes in ARGs. Redundancy analysis showed that MGEs had stronger effects on ARGs than environmental factors and the bacterial community. Network analysis suggested that ARGs and MGEs co-existed in common host bacteria. In conclusion, the results showed that adding 5% MAR can reduce the risk of ARG transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying exogenous additives during the aerobic composting of livestock manure is effective for slowing down the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Nanomaterials have received much attention because only low amounts need to be added and they have a high capacity for adsorbing pollutants. Intracellular ARGs (i-ARGs) and extracellular ARGs (e-ARGs) comprise the resistome in livestock manure but the effects of nanomaterials on the fates of these different fractions during composting are still unclear. Thus, we investigated the effects of adding SiO 2 nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) at four levels (0 (CK), 0.5 (L), 1 (M), and 2 g/kg (H)) on i-ARGs, e-ARGs, and the bacterial community during composting. The results showed that i-ARGs represented the main fraction of ARGs during aerobic composting of swine manure, and their abundance was lowest under M. Compared with CK, M increased the removal rates of i-ARGs and e-ARGs by 17.9% and 100%, respectively. SiO 2 NPs enhanced the competition between ARGs hosts and non-hosts. M optimized the bacterial community by reducing the abundances of co-hosts (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 , Terrisporobacter , and Turicibacter) of i-ARGs and e-ARGs (by 96.0% and 99.3%, respectively) and killing 49.9% of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Horizontal gene transfer dominated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) played a key role in the changes in the abundances of ARGs. i- intI1 and e-Tn 916/1545 were key MGEs related closely to ARGs, and the maximum decreases of 52.8% and 100%, respectively, occurred under M, which mainly explained the decreased abundances of i-ARGs and e-ARGs. Our findings provide new insights into the distribution and main drivers of i-ARGs and e-ARGs, as well as demonstrating the possibility of adding 1 g/kg SiO 2 NPs to reduce the propagation of ARGs. [Display omitted] • Fates of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) with SiO 2 nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs). • Intracellular ARGs (i-ARGs) more abundant than extracellular ARGs (e-ARGs). • Adding 1 g/kg SiO 2 NPs effective at reducing abundances of i-ARGs and e-ARGs. • SiO 2 NPs reduced risk of ARGs transmission by removing potential host bacteria. • i- intI1 and e-Tn 916/1545 crucial for reducing abundances of i-ARGs and e-ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Solid-state anaerobic digestion (SAD) removed over 7/10 ARGs from digestion product. • The variations in the bacterial community were smaller in SAD than LAD. • Firmicutes comprised 62.5% of the potential hosts for ARGs and MGEs. • SAD decreased the environmental risk of ARGs in the manure digestion product. Abstract Livestock manure is a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Solid-state anaerobic digestion (SAD) is a high efficiency livestock manure treatment, but the changes in ARGs and microbial communities during SAD are unknown. Therefore, thermophilic SAD (55 °C), mesophilic SAD (35 °C), and liquid anaerobic digestion (35 °C) were conducted to investigate the impacts of SAD on ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and microbial communities. Compared with liquid anaerobic digestion, SAD significantly reduced at least 7/10 ARGs and all of the mobile genetic elements considered, where the total abundance of ARG was 23.7% higher in the thermophilic SAD product than the mesophilic SAD product. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the main potential hosts for ARGs, and their decreased abundances were mainly responsible for the reductions in ARGs during SAD. This study demonstrated that SAD is a promising method for decreasing the ARGs risk in livestock manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Coal gasification slag can enhance the removal of ARGs and MGEs from swine manure. • Decreases in ARGs may be due to reductions in abundances of potential host bacteria. • Bacterial succession responsible for variations in the ARG profiles. • Coal gasification slag added at 10 g/L can reduce the risk of ARGs in swine manure. Abstract Coal gasification slag (GS) is an industrial solid waste with a highly developed pore structure, which can be used in anaerobic digestion (AD) to remove antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) due to its structure, thereby utilizing this waste resource. This study evaluated the effects of three GS levels (0, 5, and 10 g/L) on the abundances of ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and the bacterial community. With GS added at 10 g/L, the removal rates for ARGs (dfrA7 , sul2 , tetW , ermF , and ermQ) were 24.81–90.48% after AD, and the removal rate for ISCR1 was 95.4%. In addition, 10 g/L GS was more effective at reducing the abundances of potential human pathogens. The variations in ARGs may have been affected by the succession of the microbial community. The results of this study demonstrate that supplementation with 10 g/L GS is more useful for reducing ARGs during AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has positive effects on nitrogen conservation during anaerobic digestion, but its impacts on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are unclear. Therefore, the effect of biochar (0, 5, 20, and 50 g/L) on the environmental risk of ARGs during cattle manure wastewater anaerobic digestion were investigated. The results showed that 5 g/L biochar reduced the relative abundances (RAs) of 5/13 ARGs while 20 g/L biochar significantly reduced the total RAs of ARGs in the digestion products, where the RA of IS CR1 was 0.89 log lower than the control. Biochar mainly affected the distribution of ARGs by influencing the RAs of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and the influence of 20 g/L biochar was greater than that of 5 g/L. Mobile genetic elements also influenced the ARG profiles, especially intI2 and IS CR1 . The addition of 20 g/L biochar to cattle farm wastewater anaerobic digestion systems could reduce the environmental risk of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine manure is an important reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) but anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) can potentially reduce the abundance of these ARGs. However, few studies have considered the effects of Chinese medicinal herbal residues (CMHRs) on the variations in ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) during AcoD. Thus, this study explored the fate of ARGs and MGEs during the AcoD of CMHRs and swine manure. The results showed that CMHRs effectively reduced the abundances of the main ARGs (excluding ermF , qnrA , and tetW ) and four MGEs (by 36.7–96.5%) after AcoD. Redundancy analysis showed that changes in the bacterial community mainly affected the fate of ARGs rather than horizontal gene transfer by MGEs. Network analysis indicated that 17 bacterial genera were possible hosts of ARGs. The results of this study suggest that AcoD with CMHRs could be employed to remove some ARGs and MGEs from swine manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The fate of phage-mediated ARGs in composting was elucidated for the first time. • Adding 5 % HA most effective at removing ARGs and MGEs. • HA effectively inhibited the proliferation of pathogens carrying ARGs. • Environmental factors drive ARGs by affecting the co-host bacteria of b/pARGs. Phages can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural environments through transduction. However, studies on phage-mediated ARG profiles during composting have not been performed. This study investigated the effects of adding humic acid (HA) on the abundances of bacteria/phage co-mediated ARGs (b/pARGs) during swine manure composting and the key factors that affected the transmission of b/pARGs. The results showed that the addition of 5 % HA during composting could effectively reduce the absolute abundances of b/pARGs, inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Corynebacterium and Streptococcus) that carried ARGs, and ultimately affect the fate of b/pARGs in the composting process by regulating key environmental factors to change the abundance of co-host bacteria. Overall, the findings of this study provided new information for understanding the main driving factors affecting the b/pARGs profile and provided a reference for the prevention and control of ARGs pollution during composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence indicates that metal oxides can improve the methanogenic performance during anaerobic digestion (AD) of piggery wastewater. However, the impacts of composite metal oxides on the methanogenic performance and risk of antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) transmission during AD are not fully understood. In this study, different concentrations of Fe-Mn binary oxides (FMBO at 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/L) were added to AD to explore the effects of FMBO on the process. The methane yield was 7825.1 mL under FMBO at 250 mg/L, 35.2% higher than that with FMBO at 0 mg/L. PICRUSt2 functional predictions showed that FMBO promoted the oxidation of acetate and propionate, and the production of methane from the substrate, as well as increasing the abundances of most methanogens and genes encoding related enzymes. Furthermore, under FMBO at 250 mg/L, the relative abundances of 14 ARGs (excluding tetC and sul2) and four mobile gene elements (MGEs) decreased by 24.7% and 55.8%, respectively. Most of the changes in the abundances of ARGs were explained by microorganisms, especially Bacteroidetes (51.20%), followed by MGEs (11.98%). Thus, the methanogenic performance of AD improved and the risk of horizontal ARG transfer decreased with FMBO, especially at 250 mg/L. [Display omitted] • FMBO increased methane production and content during AD. • FMBO optimized the methanogenic performance of the AD process by enriching methanogens. • FMBO increased the gene's abundance of enzymes involved in the methanogenic pathways. • FMBO reduced ARGs and MGEs by affecting microorganisms. • The increase in methanogens did not result in an increased abundance of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adding sepiolite during swine manure composting reduced bioavailability of Cu. • Sepiolite enhanced reductions in the abundances of ARGs and MGEs. • Sepiolite reduced the abundances of genes encoding "drug resistance: antibacterial". • Adding 7.5% sepiolite reduced the abundances of potential host bacteria of ARGs. Manures are storages for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) entering the environment. This study investigated the effects of adding sepiolite at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% (CK, T1, T2, and T3, respectively) on the fates of ARGs during composting. The relative abundances (RAs) of the total ARGs in CK and T3 decreased by 0.23 and 0.46 logs, respectively, after composting. The RAs of 10/11 ARGs decreased in CK, whereas they all decreased in T3. The reduction in the RA of the total mobile genetic elements (MGEs) was 1.26 times higher in T3 compared with CK after composting. The bacterial community accounted for 47.93% of the variation in the abundances of ARGs. Network analysis indicated that ARGs and MGEs shared potential host bacteria (PHB), and T3 controlled the transmission of ARGs by reducing the abundances of PHB. Composting with 7.5% sepiolite is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of ARGs proliferating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adding woody peat reduced abundances of ARGs, MRGs, and MGEs. • Woody peat promoted the conversion of bioavailable Cu into residual Cu. • Bioavailable Cu and MGEs mainly affected changes in the abundance of ARGs. • Adding 15% woody peat is recommended during the composting process. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in manure endangered human health, while heavy metals in manure will pose selective pressure on ARGs. This study explored the effects on ARGs of adding woody peat during composting at different ratios (0 (CK), 5% (T1), and 15% (T2)). After composting, the relative abundances of 8/11 ARGs were 6.97–38.09% and 10.73–54.31% lower in T1 and T2, respectively, than CK. The bioavailable Cu content was 1.40% and 18.40% lower in T1 and T2, respectively, than CK. Network analysis showed that ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and metal resistance genes possessed common potential host bacteria, such as Streptococcus , Dietzia , and Corynebacterium_1. Environmental factors, especially bioavailable Cu, and MGEs accounted for 80.75% of the changes in the abundances of ARGs. In conclusion, 15% Woody peat is beneficial to decrease the bioavailable Cu content and weaken horizontal gene transfer for controlling the spread of ARGs during composting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock manure is a major source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that enter the environment. This study assessed the effects of inoculation with mature compost (MC) on the fates of ARGs and the bacterial community during swine manure composting. The results showed that MC prolonged the thermophilic period and promoted the decomposition of organic matter, which was due to the rapid growth and reproduction of thermophilic bacteria (Bacillus , Thermobifida , and Thermobacillus). MC significantly reduced the relative abundances of ARGs (1.02 logs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (1.70 logs) after composting, especially sulfanilamide resistance genes. The total ARGs removal rate was 1.11 times higher in MC than the control. Redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling showed that horizontal gene transfer mediated by MGEs (IS CR1 and intI1) was the main direct factor related to the changes in ARGs during composting, whereas the C/N ratio and pH were the two most important indirect factors. Network analysis showed that members of Firmicutes comprising Romboutsia , Clostridisensu_stricto_1 , and Terrisporobacter were the main bacterial hosts of ARGs and MGEs. MC reduced the risk of ARGs transmission by decreasing the abundances of bacterial hosts. Thus, MC is a promising strategy for reducing the proliferation risk of ARGs. [Display omitted] • Mature compost increased the abundance of thermophilic bacteria. • Mature compost is an efficient strategy for reducing ARGs and MGEs. • Mature compost decreased ARGs transmission risk by reducing bacterial host. • MGEs (IS CR1 and intI1) were the main direct factors related to changes in ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tea residues (GTRs) are byproducts of tea production and processing, and this type of agricultural waste retains nutritious components. This study investigated the co-composting of GTRs with swine manure, as well as the effects of GTRs on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the bacterial community during co-composting. The temperature and C/N ratio indicate compost was mature after processing. The addition of GTRs effectively promoted the reduction in the abundances of most targeted ARGs (tet and sul genes), mobile genetic element (MGE; intI1), and metal resistance genes (MRGs; pcoA and tcrB). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that GTRs can reduce the abundance of MRGs and ARGs by reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals. Network analysis shows that Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the main hosts of ARGs and ARGs, MGEs, and MRGs shared the same potential host bacteria. Adding GTRs during composting may reduce ARGs transmission through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). GTRs affected the bacterial community, thereby influencing the variations in the ARG profiles and reducing the potential risk associated with the compost product. Image 1 • Co-composting is an effective way to treat green tea residues. • Green tea residues effectively reduce tet and sul genes after co-composting. • Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the main hosts of ARGs. • Some ARGs, MGEs, and MRGs shared the same potential host bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• nZVI enhanced the methane yield during anaerobic digestion of cattle manure. • Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) effectively removed by 160 mg/L nZVI. • Mobile genetic elements were the main drivers of the changes in ARGs. • Addition of 160 mg/L nZVI reduced abundances of Tn916/1545 and Acinetobacter. This study investigated the effects of adding nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI) at three concentrations (0, 80, and 160 mg/L) on the methane yield and the fate of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during the anaerobic digestion (AD) of cattle manure. The addition of nZVI effectively enhanced the methane yield, where it significantly increased by 6.56% with 80 mg/L nZVI and by 6.43% with 160 mg/L nZVI. The reductions in the abundances of ARGs and Tn916/1545 were accelerated by adding 160 mg/L nZVI after AD. Microbial community analysis showed that nZVI mainly increased the abundances of bacteria with roles in hydrolysis and acidogenesis, whereas it reduced the abundance of Acinetobacter. Redundancy analysis indicated that the changes in mobile genetic elements made the greatest contribution to the fate of ARGs. The results suggest that 160 mg/L nZVI is a suitable additive for reducing the risks due to ARGs in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the intensive use of feed additives in livestock farming, animal manure has become a hotspot for antibiotics, heavy metals, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Unlike antibiotics, heavy metals cannot be degraded during composting and thus could pose a persistent co-selective pressure in the proliferation of antibiotic resistance. Passivators are commonly applied to immobilize metals and improve the safety of compost. However, little is known about the effects of various passivators on ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) during composting and the underlying mechanisms involved. Thus, three typical passivators (biochar, fly ash, and zeolite) were applied during the composting of copper-enriched pig manure, and their effects on ARGs, copper resistance genes, MGEs, and the bacterial communities were examined. Compared to the control, all passivator treatments reduced the abundances of at least six ARGs (tetC , tetG , tetQ , tetX , sul1 , and ermB) by 0.23–1.09 logs and of two MGEs (intI1 and IS CR1) by 26–85% after composting. Biochar and fly ash also significantly reduced the abundances of intI2 and Tn 914/1545. In contrast, abundances of copper resistance genes were not reduced by passivators, implying that the decreased co-selective pressure may not be a major contributor to ARG reductions in this study. Procrustes analysis and redundancy analysis demonstrated that shifts in the bacterial community determined the changes in the abundances of ARGs, and the variation in MGEs and DTPA-Cu can also partially explain the ARG variance. Overall, all of three passivators can be used to reduce the health risks associated with ARGs in livestock manure, and biochar performed the best at reducing ARGs and MGEs. Unlabelled Image • All passivators reduced abundances of six ARGs by 0.23–1.09 logs after composting. • Abundances of mobile genetic elements were 26–85% lower in passivator treatments. • Mitigation of co-selective pressure may not be a major reason for ARG reductions. • Shifts in bacterial community determined variations in ARG during composting. • Appropriate additives can potentially reduce the health risk due to ARGs in compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Plant-derived (RB) and manure-derived (PB) biochars were added during composting. • RB was more effective than PB at reducing abundances of ARGs, MGEs, and HPB. • Proliferation of persistent ARGs was mainly due to vertical transfer. • RB reduced the abundances of persistent ARG hosts and related pathways and genes. • Higher nitrogen content of PB probably promoted the proliferation of ARG hosts. Plant-derived and animal manure-derived biochars have been used to improve the quality of compost but the differences in their effects on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during composting are unclear. This study selected two types of biochar (RB and PB) produced from abundant agricultural waste to be added to the compost. Adding plant-derived RB performed better in ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and human pathogenic bacteria removal during aerobic composting, whereas adding manure-derived PB even increased ARGs abundance. Vertical gene transfer was possibly the key mechanism for persistent ARGs, and easily removed ARGs were regulated by horizontal and vertical gene transfer. Adding plant-derived RB reduced the abundances of persistent ARG hosts (e.g., Pseudomonas and Longispora) and ARG-related metabolic pathways and genes. The higher nitrogen content of manure-derived PB may have promoted the proliferation of ARG hosts. Overall, adding manure-derived biochar during composting may not be the optimal option for eliminating ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier, we reported that ST239 was the 15-year predominant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone in China. In this study, MRSA strain CN79 belonging to ST239 and isolated from blood was used to determine the whole genome sequence. Comparative genomics analysis was done between MRSA CN79 and 25 sequenced S. aureus in the NCBI GenBank database. A total of 2,734 protein-encoding genes were identified in the MRSA CN79 genome, which carries 11 antibiotic resistance genes and 65 virulence genes. Two prophages phiCN79A and phiNM3-like were found on the MRSA CN79 genome. MRSA CN79 carries 30 specific genes that are absent from the 25 sequenced S. aureus genomes. Most of them were prophage-related genes. Several antibiotic resistance genes, such as β-lactamase and ABC-type multidrug transport system gene, were located on the genomic island νSaβ. The antibiotic resistance genes, such as tet ( M), ermA1, and blaZ, were also located on different transposons. The virulence genes sea, map, hlb, and sak are located on phiNM3-like prophage and the exotoxin genes are carried on the genomic island νSaα. These results suggest that ST239 MRSA strains are widespread owing to horizontal acquisition of the mobile genetic elements harbored antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes in response to environmental selective pressures, such as antibiotics and the human immune system during evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homologous recombination (HR) was found to be so frequent in haloarchaea that its significance in evolution and diversity of this clade of life might have been underestimated. However, so far there has been no report on recombination function carried on plasmid. Here we report that a 4.8-kb SnaBI-PvuII digested segment from pHH205 might carry such a function. Four constructed plasmids: pUN, pUN-205, pUM and pUM-205, with pUN and pUN205 containing NovR gene, pUM and pUM-205 carrying MevR gene, were used to transform Haloferax volcanii DS52 (radA−). The results showed that only pUN-205 and pUM-205 containing the 4.8-kb SnaBI-PvuII digested segment from pHH205 were able to shift NovR and MevR gene into the chromosome of Haloferax volcanii DS52 through HR, whereas those in pUN and pUM could not, which indicated that the segment from pHH205 does contain a recombination function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]