Antimicrobial resistance detection methods in water environments: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water environments presents a significant global challenge to public health and ecosystem stability.
• The effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies is compromised by the proliferation of AMR in aquatic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and analyze methods for detecting AMR in diverse water environments.
• To identify trends in research, common sample types, and leading countries in AMR water research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed following PRISMA guidelines, including original English articles on AMR in water.
• 115 publications were selected for full-text evaluation, excluding reviews, protocols, and abstracts.
• Data on sample types, geographical focus, and detection methodologies were extracted and analyzed.

Main Results:

• River water was the most studied sample type (42%). The USA, China, and Brazil were leading countries in AMR water research.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and metagenomic methods are increasingly favored for their high sensitivity and comprehensive detection (57% and 27% of studies, respectively).
• Culture-dependent methods, though cost-effective, are limited by their time-consuming nature and inability to detect non-viable organisms.

Conclusions:

• Advanced molecular methods like PCR and metagenomics offer superior insights into water resistomes despite higher costs.
• Current detection methods face challenges, necessitating the development of more robust, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternatives.
• Integrated approaches are crucial for effective AMR monitoring and mitigation in water environments to safeguard public health and the environment.