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<p>The extensive application of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has led to a significant increase in their mass load in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, little is known about how QACs contribute to the emergence of resistance against different antibiotics. This study aims to reveal the structure- and dose-response relationships between various QACs and their induced antibiotic resistance and sensitivity patterns. 16 QACs were tested for their capacity in inducing multidrug resistance in activated sludge (AS) and AS-isolated <i>E. coli</i>. For AS, the exposure to three representative QACs resulted in up to a 32-fold increase in resistance against norfloxacin, tetracycline, kanamycin and gentamicin. However, the resistance to cefepime (CEF), azithromycin, and rifampicin remained largely unchanged. As a representative strain isolated from AS, the exposure of <i>E. coli</i> to QACs at 1 mg/L exhibited no induced resistance, whereas the MIC for CEF showed a decrease by 62.5%–87.5%. This was likely attributed to downregulation of proton motive force and efflux pump, which promoted the intracellular accumulation of CEF. Additionally, we identified the high-risk structural characteristics of QACs and emphasized the critical importance of determining the threshold concentrations for QACs risk management. This study provides valuable guidance for the assessment and management of environmental resistance risks caused by increased QACs in diverse environments.</p>

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Diversified antibiotic resistance and sensitivity patterns induced by quaternary ammonium compounds

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月31日

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  • Kun Yang,
  • Huijie Lu,
  • Lizhong Zhu

摘要

The extensive application of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) has led to a significant increase in their mass load in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, little is known about how QACs contribute to the emergence of resistance against different antibiotics. This study aims to reveal the structure- and dose-response relationships between various QACs and their induced antibiotic resistance and sensitivity patterns. 16 QACs were tested for their capacity in inducing multidrug resistance in activated sludge (AS) and AS-isolated E. coli. For AS, the exposure to three representative QACs resulted in up to a 32-fold increase in resistance against norfloxacin, tetracycline, kanamycin and gentamicin. However, the resistance to cefepime (CEF), azithromycin, and rifampicin remained largely unchanged. As a representative strain isolated from AS, the exposure of E. coli to QACs at 1 mg/L exhibited no induced resistance, whereas the MIC for CEF showed a decrease by 62.5%–87.5%. This was likely attributed to downregulation of proton motive force and efflux pump, which promoted the intracellular accumulation of CEF. Additionally, we identified the high-risk structural characteristics of QACs and emphasized the critical importance of determining the threshold concentrations for QACs risk management. This study provides valuable guidance for the assessment and management of environmental resistance risks caused by increased QACs in diverse environments.