Systematic Review: Impact of point sources on antibiotic ‐resistant bacteria in the natural environment

This article summarizes the evidence only for those studies with ARB outcomes (n = 47). Thirty‐five studies were at high (n = 11) or at unclear (n = 24) risk of bias in the estimation of source effects due to lack of information and/or failure to control for confounders. Statistical analysis was used in ten studies, of which one assessed the effect of multiple sources using modelling approaches; none reported effect measures. Most studies reported higher ARB prevalence or concentration downstream/near the source. However, this evidence was primarily descriptive and it could not be concluded that there is a clear impact of point sources on increases in ARB in the environment. To quantify increases in ARB in the environment due to specific point sources, there is a need for studies that stress study design, control of biases and analytical tools to provide effect measure estimates.

Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - December 1, 2017 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. Bueno, J. Williams ‐Nguyen, H. Hwang, J. M. Sargeant, A. J. Nault, R. S. Singer Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research