Silent spread: Genes on the move in groundwater
Engle, Jasmine
Engle, Jasmine
Citations
Altmetric:
License
License
DOI
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance spreads easily through horizontal gene transfer, particularly in groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation systems. A Romanian study examined the prevalence of mobile genetic elements (such as plasmids and antibiotic-resistant genes) in groundwater at varying distances from urban areas, farms, and cities. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, DNA fragments coding for antibiotic-resistant genes, and pharmaceuticals were present at all sites, including “pristine” locations. It was discovered that local activities (farms and hospitals) had the greatest impact on pollution. This research advocates for enhanced water filtration systems and standardized monitoring of water treatment to combat the worldwide threat of antibiotic resistance.
Description
Undergraduate
Date
2025-05-29