Vermicompost reshapes resistance genes most strongly around roots
A peer-reviewed experiment followed antibiotic resistance genes across manure, soil, lettuce and rabbit feces. Vermicompost amendment changed the gene community most clearly around roots, while rabbit feces showed weaker overall changes. Some resistance genes shared DNA fragments with mobile genetic elements, suggesting transfer potential within the experimental system rather than directly observed gene transfer.
Science··Night
Roots showed the largest community shift
Antibiotic resistance genes changed differently across the habitats in a peer-reviewed manure–soil–lettuce–rabbit experiment. Soil amended with vermicompost, manure processed by earthworms, showed its clearest change in gene-community structure around lettuce roots. Some gene-diversity and abundance measures rose on leaves, while the overall resistance-gene community in rabbit feces showed no significant separation. The response therefore varied along the experimental chain.[1]
Shared DNA fragments indicated mobility potential
The assembled DNA contained fragments carrying both resistance genes and mobile genetic elements, which can be associated with movement of genetic material. Genes linked to Escherichia coli were detected in several habitats. These findings indicate potential routes of dissemination, with an important distinction: sequencing and co-occurrence analysis identify genetic associations rather than directly observing a transfer event or following the same living bacterium through the entire chain.[1]
Multiple habitats were compared with untreated controls
The comparison included unamended natural soil and samples from manure, earthworm guts, soil, roots, leaves and rabbit feces. Plant-associated groups had 8 biological replicates each and fecal groups had 9. Microbial DNA analysis excluded sequences matching the cattle, earthworms, lettuce and rabbits. The findings concern gene distribution in this experimental system; fecal sampling can miss transient intestinal events, and the study did not measure infections in people.[1]
