Microplastics as emerging reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance: Clinical relevance and environmental mechanisms
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Olabisi Promise Lawal 1 * , Chinasa Francis Njoba 2 , Mary Tomi Olorunkosebi 3 , Hycent Jacob 4 , Chiamaka Igweonu 3 , Jude O. Dilioha 5 , Bukola Titilayo Fagbemi 6 , Richard Amesimenu 7 , Taofeek Saka Jimoh 8 , Munachiso Nelson Obiechi 9
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1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Benin City, NIGERIA2 Defence Reference Laboratory, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, NIGERIA3 Western Illinois University, Department of Biological Sciences, Macomb, IL, USA4 Rowan University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Glassboro, NJ, USA5 Department of Environmental Health East Carolina University, USA6 Department of Health Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, USA7 Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA, USA8 Department of Biological Sciences, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA9 Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo state, NIGERIA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are found in microplastics, which are becoming more widely acknowledged as environmental substrates that may link ecological reservoirs to human illness. These particles create selective microenvironments by adsorbing antibiotics, metals, and biocides, promoting the creation of biofilms, and facilitating horizontal gene transfer. Human exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact is a problem due to the prevalence of microplastics in aquatic, terrestrial, airborne, and food-chain systems. This review highlights methodological limitations, synthesizes current understanding of the environmental mechanisms and clinical significance of ARGs linked to microplastics, and underscores the need for interdisciplinary surveillance and action. It identifies policy gaps and proposes integrated approaches to mitigate risks at the intersection of plastic pollution and antibiotic resistance within a one health paradigm.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Review Article

J CLIN EXP INVEST, Volume 16, Issue 4, December 2025, Article No: em00852

https://doi.org/10.29333/jcei/17401

Publication date: 09 Nov 2025

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