Wildlife and Antibiotic Resistance

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, with healthcare facilities being primary drivers.
• Wastewater, livestock, and pets are known contributors to antibiotic resistance dissemination.
• The role of wildlife in the antibiotic resistance crisis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of wildlife on the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic resistance.
• To understand how wildlife contributes to the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB).
• To explore the potential of wildlife as reservoirs and vectors for ARGs/ARB.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on wildlife and antibiotic resistance.
• Analysis of evidence linking wild animals to anthropic pollution and resistance.
• Examination of horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in wildlife microbiomes.

Main Results:

• Antibiotic resistance in wildlife is primarily a marker of anthropic pollution, not natural selection.
• Wildlife can transmit ARGs/ARB across ecosystems and geographic locations.
• Ubiquitous animals like rodents and insects may act as 'bioreactors' for horizontal gene transfer of resistance.

Conclusions:

• Wildlife contributes to antibiotic resistance spread at local (One Health) and global scales.
• Non-migratory species facilitate local dissemination, while migratory species enable long-distance transmission.
• Addressing wildlife-associated antibiotic resistance is crucial for comprehensive public health strategies.