Metadata and antimicrobial resistance gene count data from dusts collected on Canadian vehicle filters

The role of bioaerosols in the dispersal of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and resistant microorganisms is poorly understood. In addition, bioaerosols are powerful composite samples representative of the surrounding environment and can be used as sentinels of many local habitats. Evidence suggests that using environmental DNA from dust collected on vehicle cabin air filters can define regional resistance profiles. Here, this method was used to investigate differences in resistance gene profiles, their underlying bacterial communities, and their links to anthropogenic and environmental variables across Canada. In total, 477 car filter samples were collected, with every province and territory being represented. DNA was extracted from filter dust. High‐throughput qPCR was used to detect and quantify a panel of 36 ARGs and 3 mobile genetic elements. Bacterial biomass was assessed using standard qPCR methods of the 16S rRNA gene, which was also used to assess bacterial biodiversity vi..., In total, 477 vehicle cabin air filters were collected from 51 locations across Canada, through a network of participating mechanics, individuals, and municipal governments. Two additional filters were collected as a methodological control. We asked that filters be collected during routine vehicle maintenance and placed in sterile resealable plastic bags for transport to the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec – Université Laval in Quebec City, QC, Canada for processing. We also asked participants to include the odometer reading (km) since last change and the forward sorting area of their postal code for environmental and population metadata collection. This data is not presented to preserve anonymity. Filters were categorised into the 6 geographical regions of Canada as defined by Statistics Canada: British Columbia, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic, Territories. Filters were collected between summer 2020 and winter 2021. During this time, travel restri..., , # Metadata and antimicrobial resistance gene count data from dusts collected on Canadian vehicle filters

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.69p8cz9cx](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.69p8cz9cx)

## Description of the data and file structure

### Files and variables

#### File: TableS2.xlsx

**Description:** Environmental metadata for each filter collected in this study. Please note that identifying data like city, postal code, latitude, and longitude are not presented so as to preserve participant anonymity.

##### Variables

* Filter: The ID number of each individual filter collected.
* Province: The Canadian province or territory in which each filter was collected using official two-letter abbreviations (BC = British Columbia, AB = Alberta, SK = Saskatchewan, MB = Manitoba, ON = Ontario, QC = Québec, NB = New Brunswick, NS = Nova Scotia, PE = Prince Edward Island, NL = Newfoundland and Labrador, YK = Yukon, NT = Northwest Territotries, NU = Nunavut).
* KM_driven: The odometer reading since...