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 may very well be undermined.
By 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually. United Nations Environment Programme. But AMR shouldn't be only a human health problem. It also contributes to degradation of water quality and is exacerbated by water pollution, particularly from sources corresponding to sewage and agricultural runoff. Therefore, it's a significant environmental concern with far-reaching implications.
Addressing AMR in water is difficult because water systems are complex and may carry many differing types 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 vital 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 probably 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, will not be 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 will be used to discover specific bacteria. Metagenomics is a method that analyzes all of the genetic material of entire microbial communities inside a sample, providing a broader perspective.
These modern methods are best fitted to detecting AMR in rivers, lakes and oceans. They can detect each known and recent kinds of resistance, making them more useful for thorough monitoring.
In BrazilScientists used metagenomics to search 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 complicated (as they require specialized equipment and trained personnel) and will be expensive, costing hundreds of euros, they may very well be used more widely if funding is out there. is This will help track antibiotic resistance all over the world, making it easier to detect and combat it.
A Europe-wide study It shows that culture methods did not 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 corresponding 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 range 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 underrepresented regions corresponding to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia identified. I also found that some water sources were underrepresented, particularly rivers in low-income countries. Without more fair and comprehensive AMR monitoring, they'll 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 all over the world should prioritize investing in technologies that will not be only scientifically sound but in addition economically viable, especially for low- and middle-income countries.
New methods like PCR and metagenomics may 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.
