Risk Assessment Of Antibiotic Resistance Linked To The Use Of Animal Manure In Vegetable Crops As Part Of The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

Context: Antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to global public health and extends beyond hospitals to include agricultural systems. The use of animal manure as organic fertilizer in vegetable crops can promote the environmental spread of resistant bacteria, particularly when this manure is applied without adequate prior treatment. Objective: To assess the risk of dissemination of antibiotic resistance associated with the use of animal manure in peri-urban market gardening and to identify independent determinants related to agricultural practices. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted among vegetable producers. The data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. The model's performance was evaluated using the ROC curve (AUC), the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and pseudo-R². Results: The absence of manure treatment was significantly associated with an increased risk (adjusted OR = 3.14; 95% CI: 1.62–6.08; p = 0.001). Uncontrolled composting (adjusted OR = 2.63; p = 0.009) and failure to adhere to the pre-harvest interval (adjusted OR = 2.41; p = 0.024) were also independent determinants. The model demonstrated good discriminatory power (AUC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.65–0.78) and acceptable fit (Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.077; Nagelkerke pseudo-R² = 0.159). Conclusion: Inadequate animal manure management practices represent a significant environmental determinant of the spread of antibiotic resistance. Improving composting, pretreatment, and adherence to crop rotation schedules is a key strategic lever in an integrated One Health approach. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; Animal manure; Vegetable crops; Composting practices; One Health.