Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance in Lotic Ecosystems

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a matter of global public health concern. Antibiotic resistance is disseminated by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) which are carried by antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARBs). Lotic ecosystems like rivers which has flowing water can spread ARGs frommone location to another. Such dispersion of ARGs can also move through food chains and food webs making the spread of antibiotic resistance more complex and widespread. Detection of these ARGs is important for understanding the origin and pathways of antibiotic resistance in our waterways. Both culturing and non-culturing methods can be used for detection of these ARGs. Overall, understanding the sources, assessing the presence, and determining the dissemination of antibiotic resistance is important for us to understand the level of antibioticpollution in our waterbodies.