Abstract
The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is an alarming issue for the world as the extensive use of antimicrobials in different sectors including healthcare facilities, food and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, and animal farming has resulted in the enrichment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in different environmental compartments such as surface water, wastewater, soil, and drinking water. Not only single-drug-resistant but multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are increasing at an alarming rate. Treatment technologies used in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are mostly focused on the removal of physical and chemical contaminants and less focused on the removal of biological contaminants like antimicrobial-resistant genes, which pose serious threats for both humans and the environment. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have been started in different countries of the world to overcome the problem of antimicrobial resistance and minimize the impacts on the environment. This program is based on collective efforts from clinicians, technicians, physicians, scientists, leaders, and the public and their active participation in the possible eradication of antimicrobial resistance from the world.