Heavy metal-induced selection and proliferation of antibiotic resistance: A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, primarily linked to antibiotic misuse.
• Emerging concerns highlight other antimicrobial agents, like heavy metals, as drivers of resistance.
• Heavy metal contamination can promote antibiotic resistance through co-selection mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of heavy metals in driving antimicrobial resistance.
• To explain the concepts and mechanisms of heavy metal-induced co-selection.
• To identify research gaps and propose future strategies for managing this threat.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on heavy metals and antimicrobial resistance.
• Analysis of co-resistance and cross-resistance mechanisms.
• Examination of existing research on co-selection in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• Heavy metals contribute to the selection and evolution of antibiotic resistance.
• Mechanisms like co-resistance and cross-resistance facilitate this process.
• There is a notable scarcity of research focusing on co-selection in clinical environments.

Conclusions:

• Heavy metals are significant drivers of antimicrobial resistance, alongside antibiotics.
• Further research is needed to understand co-selection in clinical settings.
• Developing inhibitors and alternative therapies is essential to combat heavy metal-induced resistance.