Cattle manure as a source of antibiotic resistance genes: Case study with samples across Indian states

Antibiotic resistance poses a considerable and widespread challenge to public health, with India particularly vulnerable due to its diverse population, unique agricultural practices, and intricate healthcare systems. The Indian livestock industry makes substantial contributions to agricultural output and rural economies. However, India's status as a major consumer of antibiotics, coupled with lax regulations governing use of antimicrobials in livestock, raises grave concerns, exacerbated by limited data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal waste. The current study aims to elucidate the distribution patterns of AMR in cattle manure across four Indian states and one union territory. Manure samples (74) were collected to profile the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across diverse environmental conditions. ARGs and mobile genetic elements were detected across the sampling sites. Correlations could be drawn between physiological parameters of manure, bacterial abundance, and AMR, with phosphorus and nitrogen levels positively correlating with specific AMR profiles. Geographical location emerged as a significant factor influencing the total bacterial population and the prevalence of ARGs in the samples. These findings underscore cattle manure's potential impact on dissemination of AMR in soil and environment, emphasizing the critical necessity of evidence-based strategies to mitigate this threat to public health.