Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Microbiota in Brassica oleracea var. acephala Cultivated in South Korea: Potential for Resistance Transmission

Antimicrobial resistance
(AMR) poses a critical global
public health
challenge. This study investigates the microbiome of Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale)
to evaluate the role of food production systems, particularly plant-derived
foods, in AMR dissemination. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic
shotgun sequencing, we analyzed microbial diversity and antimicrobial
resistance genes (ARGs) in kale samples. Results showed significant
regional differences in microbiota composition and ARG distribution,
with traditional fertilizer use linked to higher ARG prevalence in
coliform bacteria compared to farms using other fertilization methods.
Additionally, we confirmed ARG transfer potential by Klebsiella pneumoniae within coliform populations.
Storage conditions notably affected microbial dynamics, with higher
temperatures promoting K. pneumoniae growth in washed samples. These findings revealed the importance
of AMR research in plant-derived foods and highlight the need for
improved agricultural practices to mitigate the risks associated with
high ARG abundance in coliform bacteria.