Agricultural and Biological Research

Health risk assessment framework and management strategy for the antibiotic resistance genes in the aquatic environment

Rajeev Ranjan*

Aquatic environments are recognized as the ultimate setting for the attainment and distribution of antibiotic resistance. Exposure of animals and humans to Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Antibiotic-Resistant Gene (ARGs) in environmental compartments may cause a severe health hazard. The Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) has been recommended as an appropriate method to examine and measure the associated health hazard. Nevertheless, the specific information related to exposure and dose-response associated with ARB and ARGs in distinctive water usage circumstances required to perform a QMRA is very limited. The review reiterates the published research studies regarding the health risk assessment associated with ARB and ARG in the environment, and the challenges of tracing source of ARGs in the environmental compartments. It also summarizes the information related to sources, proliferation, dissemination, and management strategy for reducing the release of ARB and ARGs in aquatic environments. Studies on these topics will impart knowledge on more meticulous management options of antibiotic resistance and its distribution in aquatic environments and hazards associated with human health.