PRADA

The onset and diffusion of the problem of resistance to antibiotics in the rural environment is very worrying chiefly due to the possibility of pathogen transmission to humans. Furthermore, the use of organic amendments derived from animal manure (specifically within the framework of organic agriculture, ecological agriculture and similar systems at achieving more sustainable agriculture) is being strongly encouraged in an attempt to complement or replace synthetic mineral fertilisers while using organic waste at the same time.

The risk of disseminating AR associated with use of animal manure as an organic fertiliser is well-known. Likewise the use of copper based fungicides is common practice in both conventional and ecological agriculture. The fact many studies have proven the co-evolution of tolerance to heavy metals (including Cu) and resistance to antibiotics is interesting.

Lastly, there is some evidence that certain herbicides of extended use such as glyphosate may alter bacteria resistance to antibiotics. It has been reported these 3 factors (organic amendments derived from manure, Cu fungicides, and glyphosate herbicides) induce AR (separately) by themselves in agricultural environments. Our hypothesis is that the interaction of these factors will modify the guidelines of AR onset and dissemination in soils and later in crops.