About this Research Topic
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a profound challenge globally, significantly impairing the effectiveness of antibiotics which are critical in the treatment of infectious diseases. This resistance not only threatens human health but also the viability of medical treatments worldwide. Environmental pollutants have recently been recognized alongside medical misuses of antibiotics as significant contributors to AMR. Substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and various organics may accelerate antibiotic resistance in microbial communities found in various environments, where they act as reservoirs and transmitters of these dangerous genes.
This Research Topic focuses on elucidating the complex interactions between environmental contaminants and antimicrobial resistance to formulate multifaceted strategies to address the scourge of AMR. The goal is to dissect the means through which pollutants foster the spread and strength of antimicrobial resistance. Key objectives include pinpointing crucial interaction pathways, determining the consequential risks posed to public and environmental health, and devising robust measures to counter these effects.
This Research Topic invites contributions focusing on the intersection of environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance. We seek to advance the understanding of how pollutants influence the selection, persistence, and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in various ecosystems.
In this article collection we consider the following sub-topics:
o Mechanisms of Pollutant-Driven AMR: Studies investigating how pollutants such as heavy metals, biocides, and industrial chemicals co-select for antimicrobial resistance in environmental microbiomes.
o Pathways of AMR Spread via Pollutants: Exploration of the pathways through which pollutants facilitate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in water, soil, air, and food.
o Impact of Agricultural and Industrial Pollution: Research on how agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution contribute to the spread of AMR in natural and human-altered environments.
o Risk Assessment and Public Health Implications: Assessment of the health risks associated with exposure to pollutant-driven AMR, including the development of models that integrate environmental and epidemiological data.
o Mitigation Strategies and Policy Implications: Innovative approaches to reducing pollutant-driven AMR, including regulatory frameworks, pollution control technologies, and sustainable practices in agriculture and industry.
o Temporal and Spatial Dynamics: Studies examining the spatial distribution and temporal trends of AMR in relation to environmental pollution in various geographical regions.
o Communication and Public Awareness: Approaches to enhancing public and policy-maker awareness of the role of environmental pollution in the spread of AMR and its implications for public health.
As the global fight against antimicrobial resistance intensifies, addressing the environmental drivers of AMR is critical. This Research Topic aims to foster multidisciplinary research that bridges the gap between environmental science, microbiology, and public health, ultimately contributing to the development of effective strategies to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
We accept submissions of the following article types: Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review, Technology and Code.
This Research Topic focuses on elucidating the complex interactions between environmental contaminants and antimicrobial resistance to formulate multifaceted strategies to address the scourge of AMR. The goal is to dissect the means through which pollutants foster the spread and strength of antimicrobial resistance. Key objectives include pinpointing crucial interaction pathways, determining the consequential risks posed to public and environmental health, and devising robust measures to counter these effects.
This Research Topic invites contributions focusing on the intersection of environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance. We seek to advance the understanding of how pollutants influence the selection, persistence, and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in various ecosystems.
In this article collection we consider the following sub-topics:
o Mechanisms of Pollutant-Driven AMR: Studies investigating how pollutants such as heavy metals, biocides, and industrial chemicals co-select for antimicrobial resistance in environmental microbiomes.
o Pathways of AMR Spread via Pollutants: Exploration of the pathways through which pollutants facilitate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in water, soil, air, and food.
o Impact of Agricultural and Industrial Pollution: Research on how agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution contribute to the spread of AMR in natural and human-altered environments.
o Risk Assessment and Public Health Implications: Assessment of the health risks associated with exposure to pollutant-driven AMR, including the development of models that integrate environmental and epidemiological data.
o Mitigation Strategies and Policy Implications: Innovative approaches to reducing pollutant-driven AMR, including regulatory frameworks, pollution control technologies, and sustainable practices in agriculture and industry.
o Temporal and Spatial Dynamics: Studies examining the spatial distribution and temporal trends of AMR in relation to environmental pollution in various geographical regions.
o Communication and Public Awareness: Approaches to enhancing public and policy-maker awareness of the role of environmental pollution in the spread of AMR and its implications for public health.
As the global fight against antimicrobial resistance intensifies, addressing the environmental drivers of AMR is critical. This Research Topic aims to foster multidisciplinary research that bridges the gap between environmental science, microbiology, and public health, ultimately contributing to the development of effective strategies to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
We accept submissions of the following article types: Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review, Technology and Code.
Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, pollutants, microplastics, herbicides, PFAS, biocides
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
