Abstract
Natural antibiotic resistance has been found in ancient microbes in permafrost that predates the discovery of antibiotics. As climate change thaws the permafrost, antibiotic resistant microbes may have a significant negative impact on the health of Alaskans. Identifying specific antibiotic resistant microbes is essential for quick and appropriate treatment. Using culture-based methods, we found widespread antibiotic resistance in local boreal forest soils effected by thawing permafrost. Using novel metagenomic analysis of long-read, nanopore DNA sequence data, we identify individual resistance genes. Importantly, these methods allow us to better understand the environmental reservoir of antibiotic resistance in Alaska.