Environmental selection of antibiotic resistance genes. Minireview (original) (raw)

The minireview discusses the origins and factors influencing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among pathogenic bacteria, emphasizing the role of environmental bacteria, particularly antibiotic producers, in the development of these determinants. It highlights the ecological implications of antibiotic resistance and the potential risks associated with using intrinsically resistant microorganisms in bioremediation processes, specifically addressing the concern surrounding Burkholderia cepacia as both a bioremediation agent and an antibiotic-resistant opportunistic pathogen. The need for careful evaluation of the risks posed by such organisms in crowded human populations is underscored.