Antibiotic Resistance in Aquatic Environmental Systems: Implications for Global Public Health

Abstract

Bacterial pathogenesis is linked to occurrence of number of human diseases and deaths. The development and usage of chemical agents, antibiotics, has been effective against various pathogenic bacteria. In recent years, antibiotic-resistant pathogens have become a major health concern. The persistence of such microbes makes chemical agent-based medical treatments ineffective and imposes economic burdens regarding exploration of alternatives to antibiotics that treat microbial infections. Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance are crucial to understanding the evolution of clinically important resistant bacteria. In addition, understanding the role of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and associated genes released into the aquatic environment through wastewater is imperative. The chapter focusses on the current status and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. The role of biofilms in antibiotic resistance is discussed. Antibiotic resistance in the aquatic environment and the effects of influencing environmental factors are highlighted.