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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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[State-of-the-art status on airborne antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes]

J Li1, M S Yao

  • 1State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]
|April 4, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Airborne antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose a growing threat. This review highlights their prevalence in air, driven by medical and agricultural antibiotic use, and suggests control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Increasing deaths from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and a shortage of effective antibiotics.
  • Airborne transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is an understudied but significant route.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of research on ARB and ARGs in air media.
  • To analyze the concentration, distribution, and spread of ARB and ARGs in the atmosphere.
  • To discuss potential prevention and control measures for airborne ARB and ARGs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of the latest research on ARB and ARGs in environmental air media.
  • Analysis of studies on the concentration and distribution of ARB and ARGs in various air environments.
  • Evaluation of factors influencing the spread and impact of airborne ARB and ARGs.

Main Results:

  • Higher abundances of ARB and ARGs are found in the atmosphere surrounding medical settings and animal husbandry compared to urban and indoor air.
  • ARGs spread by adhering to airborne particles and are more abundant in air than in soil, water, or sediment.
  • Airborne ARB and ARGs represent a significant environmental contamination and transmission pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Strengthening monitoring of airborne ARB and ARGs is crucial.
  • Further research on spreading factors and biological toxicity is needed.
  • Development of accurate pathogen diagnosis and novel green antibiotics can aid in control.
Keywords:
Aerial transportAntibiotic resistance genesAntibioticsParticulate matter

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