Unseen Weapons: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Aquatic Environments
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2024
Abstract
This paper sheds light on the alarming issue of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in aquatic environments, exploring its detrimental effects on ecosystems and public health. It examines the multifaceted role of antibiotic use in aquaculture, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste in fostering the development and dissemination of resistant bacteria. The intricate interplay between various environmental factors, horizontal gene transfer, and bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) in accelerating the spread of ABR is comprehensively discussed. Various BEVs carrying resistance genes like blaCTX-M, tetA, floR, and sul/I, as well as their contribution to the dominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria, are highlighted. The potential of BEVs as both a threat and a tool in combating ABR is explored, with promising strategies like targeted antimicrobial delivery systems and probiotic-derived EVs holding significant promise. This paper underscores the urgency of understanding the intricate interplay between BEVs and ABR in aquatic environments. By unraveling these unseen weapons, we pave the way for developing effective strategies to mitigate the spread of ABR, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes stringent regulations, enhanced wastewater treatment, and the adoption of sustainable practices in aquaculture.
Keywords
antibiotic resistance (ABR), aquatic, bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), microbial ecology, resistance genes
Divisions
medbio
Funders
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Publication Title
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume
25
Issue
6
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND