The role of emerging organic contaminants in the development of antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens human and ecological health worldwide. Unless major changes occur across the human, animal and environmental sectors, the problem will continue to expand. An important component of AMR that deserves greater attention is the influence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) – ubiquitous compounds found, amongst others, in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, food, industrial and agricultural products, plastics and building materials. EOCs are widely used and can accumulate in the environment from varied sources, predominantly via waste streams. EOCs can interact with microbial communities potentially leading to the emergence and spread of AMR. Biocides and pharmaceuticals have been demonstrated to promote AMR development. Antimicrobial resistance is a multi-faceted problem that requires input from all sectors, with robust strategies and policies needed to make headway with solving the issues of this important threat.