Vertical distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes in soil adjacent to contaminated sites with animal manure.
Yang Z, Li J, Zhong J, Liu X, Du X
Soil Health
PubMedVegetables and herbs grown in soil near farms — or fertilized with animal manure — may be absorbing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, meaning the salad on your plate could be a pathway for resistance into your body.
Researchers studied soil around pig, chicken, and cattle farms in China and found it was loaded with antibiotic resistance genes — essentially genetic instructions that help bacteria survive antibiotics. These genes were most concentrated near the surface but were found deeper down too, meaning they're slowly moving through the soil. The local soil chemistry, like acidity and organic matter, plays a big role in how these genes spread from farm to farm.
Key Findings
Antibiotic concentrations were highest in soils from layer (chicken) farms and declined significantly with soil depth across all three farm types.
Environmental factors explained 74–82% of the variation in antibiotic resistance genes across pig, cattle, and layer farms, highlighting soil chemistry as a key driver of resistance spread.
Sulfonamide resistance genes were the most abundant of the six resistance gene types detected, while quinolone resistance genes were the least common.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Antibiotic resistance genes from livestock farms are building up in nearby soils and spreading deeper into the ground, with farm type and soil chemistry strongly shaping how far and how fast they travel.
Abstract Preview
With the rapid expansion of livestock farming, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment have become an increasing concern. However, studies on the vertical distribution of ARGs in soil...
open_in_new Read full abstract on PubMedAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Was this useful?
Chloroplast Genome Editing Eliminates Gluten Immunogenicity in Triticum aestivum
It could mean that people with celiac disease — roughly 1 in 100 worldwide — may one day safely eat bread made from real wheat, without sacrificing the taste...