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.