Anthropogenic Environments and Antimicrobial-Resistant Dynamics: A General Overview of a Complex Network

Pollution traces back to ancient civilizations, where urbanization and industrialization began to generate waste products. The rapid growth of human populations has led to increased pollution throughout history. The impact of anthropogenic activities is not limited to specific regions, rather the impact is on the worldwide ecological system. The consequences of anthropogenic activities are extensive and have implications for environmental management, conservation programs and it also affects the spread, persistence, and evolution of antimicrobial resistances (AMRs). The emergence of urbanization and industrialization has not only multiplied waste products but has also fundamentally altered ecosystems in ways that promote the emergence and dissemination of AMRs. Despite existing studies, the interconnection between the different anthropogenic factors and their collective impact on AMR dynamics remains underexplored. In this context, this chapter aims to delineate the pathways by which anthropogenic pollution contributes to the spread of antimicrobial resistances (AMRs). To that end, we conducted a literature search focusing on studies that examine the correlation between anthropogenic pollutants and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial-resistant genes (ARGs). Our work also discusses the strategies and policies adopted to fight against antibiotic resistance.