Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time, threatening to undermine decades of progress in infectious disease control. Among the various environmental reservoirs, water systems (agricultural, recreational, or domestic) have emerged as critical hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. These water sources can carry and spread resistant pathogens, contributing to contamination of food supplies and exposure risks to humans and wild-and domesticated animals alike. Furthermore, disenfranchised communities frequently depend on untreated or inadequately treated water for agriculture and daily needs. Consequently, these communities are disproportionately affected by this growing threat. Limited resources, infrastructure challenges, and lack of targeted surveillance exacerbate their vulnerability, posing significant risks to food security and public health in these populations.

This Research Topic focuses on innovative strategies to monitor, mitigate, and manage multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in aquatic systems serving urban, rural, coastal, and disenfranchised and vulnerable communities. Leveraging pioneering approaches such as advanced genomic analyses, sophisticated bioinformatics tools, and novel and affordable filtration schemes among others, researchers are identifying and developing groundbreaking remediation techniques aimed at reducing the presence and spread of these hazardous pathogens. Central to this effort is the creation of sustainable, science-driven water quality management programs designed to effectively curb the spread of MDR bacteria. By doing so, these initiatives strive to ensure food safety, protect public health, and strengthen the resilience of populations against this escalating global health threat.

This Research Topic invites multidisciplinary research efforts aimed at understanding, monitoring, and mitigating MDR pathogens in water sources—particularly within vulnerable and resource-limited communities. We encourage submissions that explore the following sub-topics:

o Advanced genomic techniques for identifying and characterizing MDR bacteria in water sources.
o Development and assessment of sustainable water treatment methods.
o Integrated strategies combining molecular, environmental, and public health perspectives.
o Community-driven water quality management programs tailored to at-risk populations.
o Policy frameworks and community engagement strategies to enhance water quality.

By fostering collaboration across disciplines, this issue aims to accelerate scientific advances and practical solutions that protect food systems and health equity worldwide. We welcome contributions that bridge fundamental research with actionable interventions to confront this urgent environmental and public health challenge.

In this Research Topic we welcome the following article types: Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Systematic Review, Technology and Code.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Mitigating the Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Water Systems: Sustainable Solutions for Marginalized Communities

Topic Coordinator