Antibiotic resistance gene distribution in Shine Muscat grapes and health risk assessment of streptomycin residues in mice

Antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in fruits and vegetables pose public health risks via the food chain, attracting increased attention. Antibiotics such as streptomycin, used directly on seedless grapes or introduced into vineyard soil through organic fertilizers. However, extensive data supporting the risk assessment of antibiotic residues and resistance in these produce remains lacking. Utilizing metagenomic sequencing, we characterized Shine Muscat grape antibiotic resistome and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Abundant MGEs and ARGs were found in grapes, with 174 ARGs on the grape surface and 32 in the fruit. Furthermore, our data indicated that soil is not the primary source of these MGEs and ARGs. Escherichia was identified as an essential carrier and potential transmitter of ARGs. In our previous study, streptomycin residue was identified in grapes. Further short-term exposure experiments in mice revealed no severe physiological or histological damage at several environment-related concentrations. However, with increased exposure, some ARGs levels in mouse gut microbes increased, indicating a potential threat to animal health. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the resistance genome and potential hosts in grapes, supporting the risk assessment of antibiotic resistance in fruits and vegetables. Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance are important public health hazards. Antibiotics are often used in agriculture to control plant diseases and pests. However, studies on antibiotic residues in fruits and vegetables and the risk of antibiotic resistance are limited. We investigated the resistome and potential hosts in grape based on metagenomic sequencing and found that grape surfaces are rich in antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. This study highlights the risk of antibiotic resistance in grapes and provides data to support future risk assessment of resistance in fruits and vegetables.