The role of heavy metals in the co-selection of plasmid-borne metal and antibiotic resistance genes from industrially contaminated sediments.
Brodie F Gillieatt, Meghann Thai, Amy K. Cain, Ruth N. Zadoks, Nicholas V. Coleman, Michael A. Kertesz
This study investigates how heavy metal contamination in sediments selects for plasmids carrying both metal and antibiotic resistance genes, showing co-selection through co-resistance mechanisms.
bioRxiv · Dec 15, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology