The Impact of Bamboo Consumption on the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Giant Pandas

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The focus of this study was to explore the impact of the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from a bamboo diet to the gut microbiota of giant pandas and further dissemination through fecal matter. Metagenomic analysis and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) were used to investigate the presence of ARGs in the gut microbiota of captive giant pandas during the consumption of different parts of bamboo. The results showed that the number of ARGs was highest in gut microbiota of the giant panda during the consumption of bamboo leaves, while the variety of ARGs was highest during the consumption of shoots. Specific bacteria associated with ARG dissemination were also identified. This study emphasizes the need for the proper handling of panda feces and regular monitoring of antimicrobial-resistant genes to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance. Overall, this research provides insights into the complex relationship between diet, gut microbiota, and health in giant pandas, contributing to their conservation and management. ABSTRACT: The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment exacerbates the contamination of these genes; therefore, the role plants play in the transmission of resistance genes in the food chain requires further research. Giant pandas consume different bamboo parts at different times, which provides the possibility of investigating how a single food source can affect the variation in the spread of ARGs. In this study, metagenomic analysis and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) database were used to annotate ARGs and the differences in gut microbiota ARGs during the consumption of bamboo shoots, leaves, and culms by captive giant pandas. These ARGs were then compared to investigate the impact of bamboo part consumption on the spread of ARGs. The results showed that the number of ARGs in the gut microbiota of the subjects was highest during the consumption of bamboo leaves, while the variety of ARGs was highest during the consumption of shoots. Escherichia coli, which poses a higher risk of ARG dissemination, was significantly higher in the leaf group, while Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Raoultella were significantly higher in the shoot group. The ARG risk brought by bamboo shoots and leaves may originate from soil and environmental pollution. It is recommended to handle the feces of giant pandas properly and regularly monitor the antimicrobial and virulence genes in their gut microbiota to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance.