Introduces antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in waterways. A significant threat. If commonly used antibiotics are deemed useless, a long time of progress in human medicine and agriculture could possibly be undermined.
By 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually. United Nations Environment Programme. But AMR will not be only a human health problem. It also contributes to degradation of water quality and is exacerbated by water pollution, particularly from sources similar to sewage and agricultural runoff. Therefore, it’s a serious environmental concern with far-reaching implications.
Addressing AMR in water is difficult because water systems are complex and may carry many differing kinds of resistant bacteria. The lack of effective, scalable and globally accessible methods for monitoring AMR in water makes it difficult to mitigate this increasing risk.
I recently published a review. Journal of Sustainable Microbiology which identifies necessary trends and highlights critical gaps in AMR detection methods.
Rivers, lakes, and wastewater systems worldwide function reservoirs and pathways for resistant superbugs and their genes, allowing AMR to spread through ecosystems, affecting wildlife, agriculture, and human populations. . River water is essentially the most studied source of water samples, accounting for 42% of AMR-related research studies. Other water sources, including lakes and wastewater, can also play a key role within the spread of resistant genes but will remain poorly understood without detailed evaluation.
Most AMR research comes from three countries: the US (17%), China (10%) and Brazil (9%). This shows where the main target is, but many other regions, particularly low-income countries, usually are not well studied. This is relevant because AMR could also be more severe in these areas, yet data are lacking.
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To detect AMR, scientists mainly use two advanced molecular methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (utilized in 57% of studies) and metagenomics (27%), with traditional culture-based methods involving growing bacteria within the laboratory.
Culture-based methods are simpler and cheaper than molecular methods but can’t be used on-site. They also cannot detect dead bacteria or hidden resistance genes.
PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences for detection and may be used to discover specific bacteria. Metagenomics is a way that analyzes all of the genetic material of entire microbial communities inside a sample, providing a broader perspective.
These modern methods are best suited to detecting AMR in rivers, lakes and oceans. They can detect each known and latest varieties of resistance, making them more useful for thorough monitoring.
In BrazilScientists used metagenomics to seek out different resistance genes in waterways in several cities. This technique can detect patterns of resistance that regular tests cannot.
Although these methods are time-consuming and sophisticated (as they require specialized equipment and trained personnel) and may be expensive, costing 1000’s of euros, they could possibly be used more widely if funding is out there. is This will help track antibiotic resistance around the globe, making it easier to detect and combat it.
A Europe-wide study It shows that culture methods didn’t detect all resistance genes in polluted river systems in ten countries, while modern metagenomic techniques were capable of discover them. Therefore, molecular tools are crucial to understanding the true extent of AMR.
My review shows a shift toward molecular techniques because the gold standard for AMR detection. This highlights the shortcomings of traditional culture-based methods and the necessity for integrated approaches that mix molecular techniques similar to PCR (for detection of specific resistance genes) with metagenomics (for broad microbial community evaluation).
For example, wastewater monitoring programs can use PCR to quickly discover key resistance genes in hotspots while using metagenomics to map the variety of resistant organisms. This will offer a more balanced approach that improves cost, efficiency, and access.
A hybrid approach
In mapping global research efforts, I identified underrepresented regions similar to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. I also found that some water sources were underrepresented, particularly rivers in low-income countries. Without more fair and comprehensive AMR monitoring, they may not be accounted for.
To make accurate AMR detection more accessible to all, hybrid approaches that mix the great detection capabilities of molecular methods with the affordability of culture-based methods will probably be crucial.
Governments around the globe should prioritize investing in technologies that usually are not only scientifically sound but additionally economically viable, especially for low- and middle-income countries.
New methods like PCR and metagenomics will help us fight the spread of drug resistance. If we will make these methods cheaper and easier to make use of, it could help us higher manage wastewater, improve global tracking of drug resistance, and make decisions that profit each people and the environment. Protects against superbugs.
