Antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria: Occurrence, spread, and control

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Public health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global threat to human health and the economy.
• Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are the molecular basis of drug-resistant infections.
• Current research on ARGs primarily focuses on clinical and agricultural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in understudied nonclinical environments.
• To analyze the role of plasmids and phages in horizontal gene transfer of ARGs.
• To summarize ARG transmission mechanisms and identify new resistance pathways.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on antibiotic resistance in nonclinical environments.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms of gene transfer (plasmids, phages).
• Synthesis of information on ARG occurrence, transmission, and resistance evolution.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are present in diverse nonclinical environments including air, aircraft wastewater, bird feces, and marine areas.
• Horizontal gene transfer via plasmids and phages is a key mechanism for ARG dissemination.
• Novel mechanisms contributing to antibiotic resistance and multidrug resistance evolution were identified.

Conclusions:

• Nonclinical environments serve as reservoirs and pathways for ARG spread.
• Understanding gene transfer mechanisms is crucial for controlling antimicrobial resistance.
• Developing strategies to mitigate ARG proliferation in the environment is essential for public health.