ENVIRONMENTAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS OF HADV, E. FAECALIS, AND E. COLI IN COASTAL WATERS: A SCOPING REVIEW OF EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH GAPS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/xtwc2j96Keywords:
Human Adenoviruses; Seawater; Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli.Abstract
The microbiological quality of coastal environments is a critical determinant of global public health, particularly under increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change, influencing pathogen persistence in marine ecosystems. This scoping review aimed to map and analyze the scientific evidence on environmental and microbiological aspects of HAdV, E. faecalis, and E. coli in marine waters, with emphasis on global distribution, influential environmental factors, and public health implications. In addition, knowledge gaps were identified, and evidence-based recommendations for environmental monitoring and public health policies were synthesized. A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, and the Cochrane Library using standardized descriptors, focusing on articles published between 2023 and 2025. The review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology. Twenty-seven studies were selected that assessed microbiological concentrations, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and environmental variables in coastal regions. Results demonstrated that HAdV exhibits superior persistence in saline water, detected in up to 60% of analyzed samples; E. faecalis displayed multidrug resistance rates of 41–91% among isolates, confirming its role as a vector for resistance genes; and E. coli remained present in 58% of recreational water samples, with significantly higher concentrations during elevated temperature periods and storm events. Environmental factors, including salinity, solar radiation, and temperature, directly influence the survival of viruses and bacteria, while anthropogenic activities intensify the coastal microbial load. In conclusion, integrating viral and bacterial indicators into surveillance protocols, developing standardized analytical methodologies, and adopting interdisciplinary One Health approaches are crucial for guiding effective public policies that promote environmental protection and prevent waterborne diseases in populations exposed to contaminated marine environments. This scoping review was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform under registration: https://osf.io/v4zq5 and DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V4ZQ5
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