Dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem and is wreaking havoc in many developed and developing countries. Investigations are being carried out in this field but special attention needs to be paid to antibiotic resistance in environmental matrices. Studies have proven that the environment plays a significant part in spreading antibiotic resistance. Aquatic environment provides ideal conditions for genetic recombination and emergence of antibiotic resistance because of the presence of selective pressure and opportunities for genetic material exchange. Scientific evidence suggests that resistant bacteria and genes are pervasive in the environment, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mechanism in particular, with integrons as most common for environmental dissemination of resistance. A number of studies have found correlation of high level of integrons with anthropogenically affected locations, promoting resistance in environment. These locations, contaminated by human activities, act as hotspots for antibiotic resistance development and dissemination. High concentrations of antibiotics in environment are another major concern that is directly promoting selection of bacterial resistance in environment. These sublethal concentrations are promoting resistance and facilitating HGT. To combat and curb this issue, in-depth knowledge and understanding of antibiotics in environment are essential.