Aquatic Ecology and Water Environment Safety

CLC number: X524

Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Transmission, and Influencing Factors from a One Health Perspective

水生环境中抗生素抗性基因：基于“One Health”视角的来源、传播及影响因素

¹ Public Health College, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, Heilongjiang, China (牡丹江医科大学　公共卫生学院，　黑龙江　牡丹江　157011)
² Heilongjiang River Basin Fishery Ecological Environment Monitoring Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Heilongjiang River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Harbin 150010, Heilongjiang, China (中国水产科学研究院　黑龙江水产研究所　农业农村部黑龙江流域渔业生态环境监测中心，　黑龙江　哈尔滨　150010)
³ Fisheries Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Sichuan Fisheries Research Institute), Chengdu 611731, Sichuan, China (四川省农业科学院　水产研究所(四川省水产科学研究院)，　四川　成都　611731)
⁴ Fisheries College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China (四川农业大学　水产学院，　四川　成都　611130)

^† Corresponding author. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 30 October 2025

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging environmental contaminants that pose significant threats to public health due to their persistence, migration and dissemination in aquatic environments. This review systematically summarized the mechanisms of ARG resistance, their spread in human and animal populations, and primary input pathways into water bodies, including medical and aquaculture wastewater. Key environmental drivers of ARG evolution and dissemination are analyzed, encompassing selective pressures from antibiotics and heavy metals, horizontal gene transfer mediated by mobile genetic elements, and physicochemical factors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrient levels. Finally, current research gaps are highlighted, and future directions are proposed for monitoring and controlling ARG transmission, and assessing associated health risks under the One Health framework. This review provides a scientific basis for understanding the ARG crisis in aquatic environments and guiding integrated management strategies.

摘要

抗生素抗性基因(ARGs)作为一种新兴环境污染物，因其在水环境中的持久性、迁移性和传播性而对公众健康构成严重威胁。本文系统综述了ARGs的抗性机制及其在人类和动物群体中的传播，分析了医疗废水、水产养殖废水等主要输入途径。深入探讨了驱动ARGs演化与传播的关键环境因素，包括抗生素和重金属的选择压力、可移动遗传元件介导的水平基因转移，以及溶解氧、pH和营养水平等理化因子。最后，指出了当前研究存在的不足，并在"One Health"框架下提出了未来监测与控制ARGs传播、评估健康风险的研究方向。本综述为理解水环境中ARGs的污染危机及制定综合防控策略提供了科学依据。