This document summarizes perspectives on antibiotic resistance in the environment. It discusses how fecal material is a substantial reservoir of antibiotic resistance and how antibiotic use does not always lead to higher resistance levels in feces. The document recommends more research on resistance in the environment, reducing manure/sludge application, using more land for application, and increasing treatment, especially high-temperature treatment, before land application to promote better antibiotic stewardship.

1. A Perspective on Antibiotic
Resistance in the Environment
Timothy M. LaPara
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering
University of Minnesota
2 November 2016

2. Barbosa and Levy. 2000. The impact of antibiotic use on resistance development and persistence.
Drug Resistance Updates. 3:303-311.

3. Scientific method: A method of procedure that has
characterized natural science since the 17th century,
consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and
experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification
of hypotheses.

5. Comment
• Fecal material is a substantial reservoir
of antibiotic resistance
• Antibiotic use does not always lead to
higher levels of resistance in fecal
material
• Antibiotic stewardship in the
environment means better treatment
and disposal of fecal material

6. Final Comments
• More research on antibiotic resistance
in the environment
• Less manure/sludge, more land
• More treatment before land application,
especially high temperature treatment

7. Final Comments
• More research on antibiotic resistance
in the environment
• Less manure/sludge, more land
• More treatment before land application,
especially high temperature treatment