Human pathogen transmission in aquatic bird populations, as well as its occurrence in bivalve molluscs and other edible aquatic species, might arise in the presence of contaminated water and sediments. The accelerating antimicrobial resistance by the current overuse of disinfectant solutions in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic may also represent new environmental threats. Thus, by recognizing, through the “One Health” approach, that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment, this Special Issue aims to comprehensively evaluate the influence of the aquatic environment on the spread of human pathogens, and contribute to the human risk assessment process regarding the presence of these microorganisms in edible aquatic species.

Special issue invitation:

Dear Colleagues,

The aquatic environment can serve as a reservoir of human pathogens and as a vector of human diseases, but a general lack of knowledge about how the environmental lifestyle of zoonotic pathogens allows them to occur, persist and replicate to posteriorly be transmitted to human hosts and cause disease remains largely unknown. The influence of the Covid-19 pandemic by the overuse of disinfectant solutions on the global threat of antimicrobial resistant bacteria is also a cause of concern, since antimicrobials are a main pillar of medical applications. Due to bivalve molluscs’ natural filter feeding behaviour, the risk of accumulation of human pathogens present in the aquatic environment is also a reality, and this risk is enhanced by the fact that these shellfish are often eaten raw (e.g., oysters) or relatively lightly cooked (e.g., clams, cockles). Additionally, aquatic birds might carry emerging zoonotic pathogens, and could therefore act as long-distance disperser agents. This Special Issue, supporting the “One Health” approach which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment, aims to enhance knowledge of the occurrence and persistence of zoonotic pathogens and their known strains in different aquatic matrices (e.g., wastewater, sludge, sediment, aquatic animal faeces), as well as in aquatic animals of economic interest as bivalve molluscs and fish, since they are recreationally harvested worldwide. Detailed advanced knowledge is, thus, fundamental to the understanding of zoonotic pathogen trends in nature and to the clarification of the possible role of the environment in the spread of these microorganisms, providing essential information so as to prevent possible new epidemics and support public health actions. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Elsa T. Rodrigues
Guest Editor

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• environmental microbiology
• environmental reservoir
• aquatic environment
• waterborne zoonotic pathogens
• multidrug-resistant pathogens
• food safety
• wastewater
• biofilms
• sediments
• aquatic birds