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Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Quantification of Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in an Experimental Evolution Approach
Published on: December 14, 2019
Dynamics of antibiotic resistance in poultry farms via multivector analysis
Dan Shen1, Chunmei Li1, Zhendong Guo2
1Research Centre for Livestock Environmental Control and Smart Production, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Abstract:
This study examines the distribution of microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across various vectors in poultry farm environments. The results show that airborne particulate matter (PM) and soil harbor the highest counts of microbial genes, exceeding those found in poultry visceral samples, which display lower microbial diversity and ARG levels. This highlights environmental vectors, particularly soil and PM, as major reservoirs for ARGs. Proteobacteria, predominantly present in feces and feed, are identified as key carriers of ARGs, with resistance mechanisms primarily involving efflux and target modification. Notably, Chlamydia spp. in visceral samples, despite lower overall abundance, show a high proportion of ARGs, raising concerns about ARG persistence in poultry microbiota. Furthermore, a significant correlation between different ARGs was detected, indicating the possibility of cooperative transmission processes. The findings underline the role of PM in ARG transmission due to its mobility and capacity to retain ARGs across distances. Additionally, therapeutic antibiotics in feed may contribute to ARG proliferation in animal microbiomes, suggesting a need for improved management practices to mitigate ARG spread in poultry farming environments.
Insights
Poultry farm soil and airborne particulate matter (PM) are significant reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These environmental factors, along with feed, play a crucial role in ARG proliferation and transmission within poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Poultry science
Background:
- Poultry farming environments harbor diverse microbial communities.
- Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a growing public health concern.
- Understanding ARG distribution in different environmental vectors is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and abundance of microbial communities and ARGs in poultry farm environments.
- To identify key environmental vectors and microbial taxa associated with ARGs.
- To explore potential transmission pathways and contributing factors for ARGs in poultry settings.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze microbial communities and ARGs.
- Samples were collected from various environmental compartments including soil, airborne particulate matter (PM), feces, feed, and visceral organs.
- Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations and identify significant associations.
Main Results:
- Airborne particulate matter (PM) and soil exhibited the highest microbial gene loads and ARG counts.
- Poultry visceral samples showed lower microbial diversity and ARG levels compared to environmental samples.
- Proteobacteria in feces and feed were identified as major ARG carriers, with efflux and target modification as primary resistance mechanisms.
- Chlamydia spp. in visceral samples, despite low abundance, presented a high proportion of ARGs.
- Significant correlations between different ARGs suggest cooperative transmission.
- PM was identified as a mobile vector for ARG dissemination.
Conclusions:
- Environmental vectors, particularly soil and PM, are critical reservoirs for ARGs in poultry farms.
- The mobility and ARG-retaining capacity of PM facilitate widespread dissemination.
- Therapeutic antibiotic use in feed may drive ARG proliferation in animal microbiomes.
- Improved farm management practices are necessary to mitigate ARG spread and reduce public health risks.
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