Role of Lysogenic Phages in the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes Applied in the Food Chain

Abstract

Bacteriophages, first discovered in 1915, have re-emerged as critical players in microbial ecosystems, particularly in food production. Their ability to lysogenize bacterial hosts raises concerns about their role in the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors, contributing to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Key studies reveal that ARG-carrying phages are prevalent across various stages of the food chain, including soil, vegetables, meat, dairy, and wastewater associated with food production. These findings demonstrate the potential for lysogenic phages to act as vectors for resistance gene dissemination, posing risks to public health. The review also explores emerging genetic elements, such as phage-inducible chromosomal islands and gene transfer agents, that further enhance the mobility of resistance and virulence genes. Advancements in metagenomic tools have improved our understanding of phage-mediated gene transfer, but significant knowledge gaps remain. Future research should aim to quantify these processes in real-world settings and develop strategies to mitigate the risks associated with lysogenic phages in food systems.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); bacteriophages; food safety; horizontal gene transfer; lateral transduction; lysogeny.

Figure 1

Generalized transduction: the mechanism by which bacteriophages transfer DNA fragments from one bacterial cell to another.

Figure 2

A process in which bacteriophages transfer specific DNA fragments from the bacterial genome, near to prophage integration site.

Figure 3

Phage particles that mistakenly package bacterial DNA instead of viral DNA, playing a crucial role in horizontal gene transfer during transduction.