Dynamics of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria in Water Environments: Risks via Surface Waters and Combating Strategies.

Horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, including conjugation, transduction, transformation, and vesicle-mediated processes, promote the evolution and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in freshwater environments.

• Why it matters: Surface waters are highly exposed to antimicrobial pollutants, which exert selective pressure on bacteria and facilitate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing risks to human, animal, and environmental health.
• What they did: The review examines the dynamics of ARB in aquatic systems, detailing transfer mechanisms, contamination sources, biomagnification risks, and potential mitigation strategies such as advanced treatments, wetlands, and biocontrol methods.
• The result: Understanding these mechanisms and strategies enables the development of effective interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance spread via surface waters, supporting global efforts under One Health frameworks.