Role of pollution on the selection of antibiotic resistance and bacterial pathogens in the environment

There is evidence that human activity causes pollution that contributes to an enhanced selection of bacterial pathogens in the environment. In this review, we consider how environmental pollution can favour the selection of bacterial pathogens in the environment. We specifically discuss pollutants released into the environment by human activities (mainly human waste) that are associated with the selection for genetic features in environmental bacterial populations that lead to the emergence of bacterial pathogens. Finally, we also identify key pollutants that are associated with antibiotic resistance and discuss possibilities of how to prevent their release into the environment.

Automated summary

Research indicates that human activities causing pollution contribute to the selection of bacterial pathogens in the environment. Specifically, pollutants associated with human waste are believed to lead to genetic selection in bacterial populations, resulting in the emergence of bacterial pathogens. Scientists have identified key pollutants linked to antibiotic resistance and are discussing ways to prevent their release into the environment.