Antibiotic resistance is a global public health crisis, with
drinking water systems emerging as critical reservoirs and
transmission pathways for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB).
This review focuses on the comparative analysis of antibiotic
resistance in biofilms across different drinking water sources,
with a specific emphasis on Nigeria. Biofilms, structured
communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced
matrix, play a pivotal role in the persistence and
dissemination of ARB within water systems. In Nigeria, biofilm
formation is widespread across various water sources,
including surface water, groundwater, and treated
municipal water. These biofilms often harbor multidrug-
resistant bacteria, exacerbating the public health
challenges in a country with limited access to advanced
healthcare and water treatment technologies. Through a
detailed comparison with other continents, this review
highlights the unique environmental, infrastructural, and
socioeconomic factors that influence biofilm formation and
antibiotic resistance in Nigeria. Regions such as Africa, Asia,
and South America face similar challenges due to
inadequate water treatment and high antibiotic usage,
whereas Europe and North America have mitigated these
risks through stringent water quality regulations and
advanced treatment methods. The review further explores
the public health implications of ARB in biofilms, emphasizing
the heightened risks for vulnerable populations in Nigeria
and the global environmental impact of the spread of
resistance through water systems. Key findings underscore
the need for comprehensive surveillance, enhanced water
treatment infrastructure, and public education to combat
antibiotic resistance in biofilms. The review also identifies
foundation for developing targeted interventions to mitigate critical research gaps, particularly in understanding the mechanisms
of resistance transfer within biofilms and the influence of Nigeria's tropical climate on biofilm dynamics. Recommendations include
strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting interdisciplinary
research, and fostering global cooperation to address this pressing issue. This review contributes to the growing body of literature on antibiotic resistance in drinking water systems and provides a
foundation for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the risks associated with biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance in Nigeria and beyond.