Role of earthworms and their excretion products in reducing antimicrobial resistance and putative pathogens during vermicomposting

Earthworms and vermicomposting are effective strategies for reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission. A study found that the presence of earthworm casts and coelomic fluid significantly altered the diversity and abundance of ARGs and mobile genetic elements during composting. Over 60% of resistomes and 36% of putative pathogens were reduced, with maximum reductions reaching 603.7-fold. The study highlights the potential of earthworms and their EPs in vermicomposting, supporting worm-based AMR risk management and sustainable agricultural practices.