Fig. 1

Antibiotic resistance genes expressed in the microbiome of wild birds. The graph on the right shows the diversity of resistance genes observed in each library (containing a pool of 10 individual birds each), colored by the drug class to which these genes confer resistance. Closely related gene variants were merged into one category (see Table S2) for representation on the left side of the figure. Lines link genes to the libraries where they were found, and dark lines indicate the genes observed in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Melbourne, Australia. PB = Western Port Bay, Melbourne area, Australia; KI = King Island, Bass Strait, Australia; IN = Innamincka reserve, Australia; OB = O’Higgins Base, Antarctica; GGV = Gabriel González Videla Base, Antarctica. Libraries of birds infected with avian influenza virus are indicated with “AIV+,” and the library of diseased birds is indicated with “DIS.” MLS = Macrolides, Lincosamide and Streptogramin B resistance. Bird drawings: M. Wille