High-throughput microbiome profiling and co-occurrence with antibiotic resistance genes inLucilia sericata

Blow flies such asLucilia sericata(Diptera: Calliphoridae) serve important ecological functions as decomposers. However, due to their close association with decaying organic matter they also play potential roles as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, we characterized the bacterial communities and resistome profiles ofL. sericataspecimens collected from six provinces across South Korea using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and targeted PCR screening. The microbiome was dominated byDysgonomonas, Vagococcus, Pseudomonas, Ignatzschineria, andProvidenciawith geographic variation in community structure. Flies from Chungnam exhibited the lowest microbial diversity, while samples from Jeonnam and Gyeonggi showed greater richness and evenness. Beta diversity analyses confirmed geographic structuring of bacterial communities, with semi-urban, rural locations harboring more diverse taxa. Notably, opportunistic pathogens such asProteus mirabilisandProvidenciawere detected, alongside a range of ARGs (blaTEM,ermB,sul1,aac(6′)-Ib-cr,catandmecA)and integron elements (intIandintII), suggesting thatL. sericatamay act as a reservoir of clinically important microbes and resistance genes.