Antimicrobial and the Resistances in the Environment: Ecological and Health Risks, Influencing Factors, and Mitigation Strategies

Antimicrobial contamination and antimicrobial resistance have become global environmental and health problems. A large number of antimicrobials are used in medical and animal husbandry, leading to the continuous release of residual antimicrobials into the environment. It not only causes ecological harm, but also promotes the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The role of environmental factors in antimicrobial contamination and the spread of antimicrobial resistance is often overlooked. There are a large number of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes in human beings, which increases the likelihood that pathogenic bacteria acquire resistance, and also adds opportunities for human contact with antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. In this paper, we review the fate of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance in the environment, including the occurrence, spread, and impact on ecological and human health. More importantly, this review emphasizes a number of environmental factors that can exacerbate antimicrobial contamination and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. In the future, the timely removal of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance genes in the environment will be more effective in alleviating antimicrobial contamination and antimicrobial resistance.

Automated summary

Antimicrobial contamination and resistance is a global problem caused by the release of residual antimicrobials into the environment from medical and animal husbandry activities. The role of environmental factors in antimicrobial contamination and resistance is often underestimated, leading to ecological harm and the spread of resistance. This review explores the fate of antimicrobials and resistance in the environment, their impact on ecology and human health, and highlights environmental factors that exacerbate contamination and resistance. Removing antimicrobials and resistance genes in a timely manner will be essential for addressing antimicrobial contamination and resistance.