The Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Aquatic Environment from Fecal Pollution: A Scoping Review of a Multifaceted Issue

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic environments is significantly influenced by faecal pollution from both human and animal sources, as identified in a scoping review of 33 studies from six continents. The review highlights the role of wastewater treatment plants in releasing AMR bacteria and the impact of environmental factors like temperature and rainfall on AMR spread. The studies found AMR strains resistant to antibiotics such as beta-lactams and tetracyclines, with class 1 integrons frequently studied. The lack of standardized methods complicates comparability, underscoring the need for standardized surveillance, improved wastewater management, and further research to address the multifaceted issue of AMR dissemination.