Quantification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in backyard and commercial composts

Compost is widely used for gardening. Growers can choose to buy compost from markets or make at home. Potential exposure of users pathogens through composting includes ingesting foodborne and inhaling airborne pathogens. This study compared the abundances genetic markers five opportunistic in backyard commercial composts, as well an immature swine mortality compost. We found that ttrC Salmonella enterica ftsZ Escherichia coli were absent all ready-to-use samples. In contrast, genes such groEL2 Mycobacterium spp., mip Legionella pneumophila, gyrB Pseudomonas aeruginosa detected composts. The gene spp. was samples, including control soil. abundance P. high two it higher than those any other relative ARGs significantly lower composts E. co-existed with multiple single-drug resistant also L. pneumophila aminoglycoside resistance genes. Our findings suggest may carry more risk when applying