Co-selection for antibiotic resistance by environmental contaminants

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Microbiology
• Public health

Background:

• The environment is a significant reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes.
• Antibiotic resistance can be driven by antibiotics and non-antibiotic agents, including metals and biocides.
• Emerging evidence suggests plant protection products and non-antibiotic drugs may also co-select for resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review four classes of non-antibiotic agents: metals, biocides, plant protection products, and non-antibiotic drugs.
• To explore the potential for these agents to co-select for antibiotic resistance in the environment.
• To identify knowledge gaps for future research on environmental co-selection of antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of observational and experimental studies.
• Synthesis of evidence on non-antibiotic agents and their role in antibiotic resistance.
• Identification of research gaps in the field of environmental co-selection.

Main Results:

• Metals and biocides are established co-selectors for antibiotic resistance in the environment.
• Plant protection products (herbicides) and non-antibiotic drugs (chemotherapeutics) show emerging evidence of co-selection.
• The environmental mechanisms and extent of co-selection by these agents require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Non-antibiotic agents represent a significant, yet understudied, driver of environmental antibiotic resistance.
• Understanding co-selection is crucial for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance.
• Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps concerning plant protection products and non-antibiotic drugs as co-selective agents.