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Emerging threat of microplastic-borne pathogens in seafood: A One Health review
Summary
Tiny plastic bits floating in the ocean don't just pollute water—they can act like rafts for harmful germs, including bacteria that cause food poisoning, and these contaminated microplastics have been found in fish and shellfish we eat. This review pulls together existing research showing that eating seafood tainted with these microplastic-riding pathogens could be a health risk, though scientists still need more studies to fully understand how big that risk is. The takeaway: your seafood dinner might carry more than just fish—it's a reminder that ocean pollution and human health are more connected than most people realize.
Microplastics (MPs) serve as carriers for pathogenic microorganisms, posing risks to human health through foodborne contamination, particularly from seafood. However, the specific types of pathogens associated with MPs, their impact on marine organisms, and the full extent of human health risks require further clarification. Based on the concept of the “One Health” framework, which integrates environmental, animal, and human health perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex risks posed by the pathogenic plastisphere. We explore the enrichment of pathogenic microorganisms on MPs in tropical marine environments, their presence in typical seafood species, and the potential health risks to humans through the consumption of seafood contaminated by MP-associated pathogens, including Vibrio spp., Listeria monocytogenes , and members of Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, we highlight critical research gaps and propose key scientific questions aimed at elucidating the transmission routes and driving mechanisms of MPs and associated pathogens along the tropical marine environment–seafood–human continuum. Addressing these challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for mitigating the risks posed by MP-associated pathogens and safeguarding marine and public health.