Comprehensive profiling of antibiotic resistance genes and functional clusters of orthologous groups annotation of gut microbiota in Indonesian Kedu chickens
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, with poultry systems acting as important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, resistome and functional profiles of indigenous chickens raised under traditional systems remain underexplored. This study aimed to characterize the antibiotic resistome, virulence factor genes, and metabolic potential of gut microbiota in Indonesian Kedu chickens using a shotgun metagenomic approach. Digesta samples from five gastrointestinal segments of 21 healthy adult chickens were analyzed through high-throughput sequencing. ARGs were identified using the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes Databases (ARDB), while virulence factors and functional genes were annotated using Virulence Factor Database (VFDB), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), and Carbohydrate-Active EnZymes (CAZy) databases. Results revealed a diverse resistome dominated by multidrug resistance and efflux pump mechanisms, with prominent genes associated with fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, β-lactam, and glycopeptide resistance. The detection of clinically relevant ARGs suggests that genetic determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance are present in the gut microbiota of traditionally raised Kedu chickens, although metagenomic data alone cannot determine whether these genes are actively expressed or confer phenotypic resistance. Virulence factor analysis showed functions related to adherence, immune evasion, iron acquisition, quorum sensing, and efflux activity, reflecting strong microbial adaptability. Functional profiling demonstrated enrichment in translation, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, genome maintenance, and cell envelope biogenesis. Additionally, CAZyme analysis indicated a high capacity for complex polysaccharide degradation, supporting efficient utilization of fiber-rich traditional diets. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive metagenomic overview of antibiotic resistance and functional potential in Kedu chicken gut microbiota, emphasizing the importance of incorporating indigenous poultry into antimicrobial resistance surveillance within a One Health framework.