From Genes to Ecosystems: Investigating Waterborne Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Dynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Waterborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance are major concerns in public health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including natural phenomena, ecological problems, and antibiotic misuse. One natural phenomenon contributing to AMR is the presence of resistance genes in bacteria even before the use of antibiotics. These genes can be found in environmental bacteria and can spread to pathogenic bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, rendering them resistant to antibiotics. Ecological problems also contribute to the development and spread of AMR. Antibiotics and antimicrobial compounds used in healthcare, agriculture, and aquaculture can enter ecosystems through wastewater and agricultural runoff, among other means. These compounds create selective pressure on bacteria in the environment, leading to the development of resistance. Additionally, the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the movement of resistant bacteria through environmental reservoirs, animals, and humans contribute to the spread of AMR. Pipes and water bodies are involved in the transmission and dissemination of AMR, making them relevant to the One Health approach. Resistant bacteria can be transmitted through these channels, and the discharge of antibiotics has environmental impacts. Agricultural runoff and recreational water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and swimming pools, can serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The scope of this Special Issue is to address the public health concern of waterborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. This Special Issue focuses on understanding the presence and spread of resistance genes, ecological problems driving AMR, and the role of pipes and water bodies in transmitting and disseminating AMR. It also examines the potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in agricultural runoff and recreational water bodies. We encourage the submission of original research papers, reviews, clinical trials, case reports, and brief communications that delve into these crucial areas of study.

• Prevalence and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental bacteria;
• The development and persistence of antibiotic resistance in waterborne pathogens;
• Ecological drivers of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems;
• Selective pressure of antibiotics and antimicrobial compounds in wastewater and agricultural runoff;
• One Health approach to combating waterborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance;
• Role of pipes and plumbing systems in the transmission and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria;
• Environmental impacts of antibiotic discharge in water bodies and its contribution to AMR;
• Antibiotic resistance surveillance in recreational water bodies (lakes, rivers, swimming pools);
• Strategies for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance through waterborne pathways;
• Innovative technologies for detecting and monitoring waterborne antibiotic resistance;
• Policy and regulatory measures to address waterborne pathogens and antimicrobial resistance;
• Public health implications and challenges in managing waterborne antibiotic resistance;
• Interdisciplinary approaches for tackling waterborne pathogens and AMR in the context of global health.

Dr. Mohsin Khurshid
Dr. Muhammad Atif Nisar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• pathogens
• antimicrobial resistance
• water systems
• disinfection
• antibiotics
• health impacts
• mitigation
• regulatory standards
• public health