Core Insights - The article discusses a recent study published by South China Normal University, highlighting the relationship between environmental exposure and the abundance and transferability of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the respiratory tract [2][4]. Group 1: Study Findings - Exposure to environmental pollutants is linked to an increase in respiratory antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) [5]. - The abundance and mobility of antibiotic resistance genes are negatively correlated with lung function [5]. - Enhanced mobility of antibiotic resistance genes is observed in early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [5]. - Environmental pollutant exposure is associated with increased antibiotic-resistant phenotypes in mouse lungs [5]. Group 2: Implications - The study elucidates a pathway through which environmental pollutants contribute to the increase of the respiratory resistance gene pool, indicating the need for action to mitigate the burden of antibiotic resistance by addressing environmental pollution [6].

Core Viewpoint - The current pathogen surveillance system primarily focuses on livestock and companion animals, neglecting non-traditional livestock and wild mammals, which poses a risk for cross-species transmission of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes [2][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in the journal Cell identified a significant number of unrecorded viruses and bacteria in asymptomatic mammals, revealing extensive cross-species transmission [3][4]. - The research analyzed samples from 973 asymptomatic mammals, identifying 128 virus species (30 of which are newly discovered), 10,255 bacterial species (over 7,000 previously uncharacterized), 201 fungi, and 7 parasites [4][6]. - The study found that 13.3% of virus species coexisted in both farmed and wild mammals, including canine coronavirus in Asian black bears and Getah virus in rabbits [4][6]. Group 2: Antibiotic Resistance Insights - The research team observed 157 clinically significant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the microbiomes of farmed and wild mammals, with over 99% homology to ARGs found in human microbiomes [4][6]. - The presence of mobile genetic elements (MGE) alongside ARGs suggests a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance in animal microbiomes, which could accelerate cross-species transmission due to antibiotic misuse [6][7]. Group 3: Implications for Public Health - The findings indicate that asymptomatic animals may serve as potential hosts for novel zoonotic viruses, highlighting the need for systematic monitoring of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes at the "animal-environment-human" interface [6][7].