Abstract
PurposeThe World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 classified some carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria into a critical criterial group for research and development. This study reviews the need to prioritize the water matrices as hotspot in the development and transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants, where future total resistant superbug may emerge.MethodsPublished articles on Google Scholars, PubMed/Medline Search and other search tools were selected, with special interest in articles published in indexed journals. Search criteria were based on antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance determinants and emerging trend in the reported trend of antibiotic resistance among bacteria from water matrices.ResultsResearch reports around the globe have identified carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) in water matrices. These CRGNB have also been found to be resistant to other antibiotics in the last line of defence. Molecular typing of some carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in the environment through pulsed-field electrophoresis showed them to be the same as those in the hospital settings. CRGNB from various water matrices have been reported to harbour carbapenem resistance genes with phenotypic expression of carbapenemases’ production. Water habitat provides a conducive environment for the development and spread of carbapenem resistance. Factors like residual antibiotics (RAbs), metals, biocide and water-borne mutagens aid the emergence of the resistance in water matrices. Irrespective of where it was contacted, carbapenem-resistant bacteria have poor prognosis. This is exemplified by resistance to 26 different antibiotics recently in the USA. The human health risk associated with the use of water harbouring these pathogens for irrigating fruits and vegetables may be alarming.ConclusionThe reports of the rising trend of antibiotic resistance also necessitate prioritizing water matrices when addressing the problems from the reservoir. Surveillance and strict isolation, education and enlightenment, strict compliance with multiple barrier approach of the WHO and more search for more potent antibiotics remain some of the antidotes against the development and spread of resistance through the water matrices as discussed in this article.
Highlights
The dangerous trend in the evolution of difficult-tocontrol bacteria, which sometimes originate from the hospitals and are released to the water matrices through the wastewater, is alarming
Health-related news around the globe are agoggled with the worsened prognosis of bacterial infection, which has been leading to the death of the patients
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs): ESBLs hydrolyze extended-spectrum cephalosporins with an oxyimino side chain including cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime, as well as the oxyiminomonobactam aztreonam
Summary
The dangerous trend in the evolution of difficult-tocontrol bacteria, which sometimes originate from the hospitals and are released to the water matrices through the wastewater, is alarming. Health-related news around the globe are agoggled with the worsened prognosis of bacterial infection, which has been leading to the death of the patients This is because the bacteria are becoming resistant to the existing antibiotics in the last line of defence. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2017) published the list of bacteria requiring more input in research and development They include major Gramnegative bacteria, which are known as nosocomial pathogens as well as water-related pathogens (Ramirez-Castillo et al 2015; Stenström et al 2016). Water matrices remain the phases for consideration in the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative pathogens (Adegoke et al 2017) These groups of Gram-negative bacteria are of threat in water-borne infection as well as serious nosocomial infections due to their production of extendedspectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The enzyme (ESBLs) makes the bacteria resistant to the third-generation cephalosporins and results in prolonged hospital stays, higher health care costs and increased mortality
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