What natural "non-human activity" lead to Antimicrobial Resistance
6 Factors That Have Caused Antibiotic Resistance
6 Factors that have caused Antibiotic Resistance (infectioncontrol.tips)
Environment play significant role in the spread of antimicrobials resistance. You can take a look into this
https://nasjournal.org.ng/site/index.php/pnas/article/view/373
The environmental interaction of the bacteria leads to biofilm formation out of survival instincts thereby leading bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
To answer your question, I recommend the following article
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01728/full
Environmental factors play a significant role in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among bacteria. Here are some ways in which environmental factors influence AMR:
1. Antibiotic pollution: The release of antibiotics into the environment, primarily through human activities such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, contributes to the selection and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic residues in water bodies, soil, and other environmental compartments create selective pressures favoring the survival and growth of resistant strains.
2. Environmental reservoirs: The environment can serve as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes. Resistant bacteria can persist and multiply in various environmental niches, such as soil, water, and wastewater treatment plants. These reservoirs can act as sources for the transmission of resistance genes to human pathogens.
3. Horizontal gene transfer: The environment provides opportunities for horizontal gene transfer, where bacteria can exchange genetic material, including antibiotic resistance genes. This transfer can occur between different bacterial species, leading to the spread of resistance within microbial communities.
4. Co-selection: Environmental factors, such as exposure to biocides, heavy metals, or disinfectants, can co-select for antibiotic resistance. Some of these compounds may have similar mechanisms of action or genetic elements that are shared with antibiotics, leading to cross-resistance and the spread of resistance determinants.
5. Dispersal and migration: Environmental factors influence the dispersal and migration of bacteria, facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Factors such as water currents, air travel, and migration patterns of wildlife can contribute to the dissemination of resistant bacteria and resistance genes across different geographical locations.
As for natural non-human activities that can contribute to AMR:
1. Environmental bacteria: Bacteria naturally present in the environment can harbor resistance genes that have developed through evolutionary processes unrelated to human activities. These genes can be transferred to human pathogens, leading to AMR.
2. Antibiotic production by microorganisms: Microorganisms in the environment, including soil and water, produce antibiotics as part of their natural defense mechanisms. This natural production of antibiotics predates human use. However, the widespread use of antibiotics by humans may exert selection pressures, favoring the survival and proliferation of antibiotic-resistant strains in environmental niches.
3. Antibiotic resistance in wildlife: Wildlife can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can be acquired through interactions with other animals, exposure to environmental sources, or consumption of contaminated food. Wildlife can act as a source of resistant strains that may subsequently spread to humans or other animals.
Understanding the impact of environmental factors on antimicrobial resistance is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the spread of AMR. It requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surveillance, responsible use of antibiotics, improved wastewater treatment, and minimizing the release of antibiotics into the environment.
Environmental factors can significantly influence AMR by contributing to the selection and dissemination of resistant microorganisms. Antibiotic discharge into the environment, unregulated use of antibiotics in agricultural practices, wastewater treatment plants, biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer between microbes, and climate change all contribute. Proper waste management, responsible antibiotic use, improved treatment practices, and enhanced surveillance are some crucial factors for combating AMR and preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.
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