Comparative Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance in Biofilms from Drinking Water Sources in Nigeria.

Abstract

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.