Amazon deforestation enriches antibiotic resistance genes

The expansion of livestock production and agriculture is responsible for the increase deforestation rates in Amazon rainforest, with consequences to climate micro macro biodiversity. Although many studies have evaluated effects on microbiome, its effect soil resistome remains unknown. Considering that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are a threat global health food security, here we how land-use change region impacts resistome. Our analysis revealed several mechanisms common both native forest altered areas; however, subsequent conversion other systems increased diversity abundance these genes. enrichment ARGs correlated microbial response deforestation, along changes chemical properties, such as pH aluminum. findings demonstrated enriched anthropogenic disturbances may exert selective pressure communities expanding Further investigation still needed understand if can be transferred via chains (e.g. agricultural soils) humans, jeopardizing treatment effectiveness compromising public health.