Microcystins ‘steer’ antibiotic resistome dynamics by synergetic metabolism and horizontal gene transfer in a megacity’s water supply catchment microbiota

Key Points

• Microcystins actively influence antibiotic resistome dynamics in aquatic systems, affecting resistance patterns.
• Antibiotic resistance genes were transferred among microbial communities through horizontal gene transfer.
• Analysis of microbiota showed synergetic metabolism, linking microcystins to resistance behavior.
• The findings highlight the ecological implications of microcystins in urban water supplies, warranting further investigation.