Transmission pathways and intrinsic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-plant systems: A review
Ran Wu, Jin Fang, Yong Yang, Lijuan Liu, Huijun Liu, Shaoting Du
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become major concerns for public health and ecosystems. ARGs persist in various environmental matrices, with animal husbandry and wastewater treatment plants serving as hotspot reservoirs. Among these, livestock manure, wastewater, and sludge are extensively utilized in agricultural settings and constitute the primary external sources of ARGs in agro-ecosystems. Recent investigations have revealed the presence of diverse ARGs in a substantial proportion of edible plants, raising concerns regarding the potential health hazards associated with the consumption of ARG-contaminated produce. An in-depth understanding of the prevalence, dissemination pathways, and underlying mechanisms governing ARG dynamics in soil-plant systems is imperative for effectively mitigating ARG pollution. This review comprehensively examines the sources, occurrence, and transmission mechanisms of ARGs in soil-plant systems, aiming to provide a theoretical framework and technical guidance for efforts to mitigate and control the pollution and spread of ARGs in these systems. • VGT and HGT are the non-environment factors exacerbate ARGs proliferation. • MGEs and bacterial communities facilitate the transmission of ARGs. • Antibiotics promotes the transmission of ARGs in the soil-plant systems. • Livestock manure application revealed as a major driver of ARG enrichment in vegetables.