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Antimicrobial resistance in livestock
B Catry1, H Laevens, L A Devriese
1Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan, Merelbeke, Belgium. boudewijn.catry@rug.ac.be
Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|April 2, 2003
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern in both veterinary and human medicine due to drug misuse. Minimizing suboptimal drug levels can prevent new resistance, while also protecting normal body flora from developing resistance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intensive use and misuse of antimicrobial drugs are driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in veterinary medicine.
- Emerging multi-resistant food-borne pathogens in human medicine are linked to similar issues.
- Selection pressure for AMR is influenced by drug product characteristics, dosage, and treatment duration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the factors influencing the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
- To highlight the importance of considering normal body flora in AMR selection.
- To discuss strategies for preventing de novo resistance development.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical, experimental, and clinical data on antimicrobial drug use and resistance.
- Analysis of factors affecting resistance selection, including drug administration and host characteristics.
- Observation of herd-related resistance patterns in livestock.
Main Results:
- Minimizing the presence of suboptimal drug levels in infected tissues may prevent de novo resistance.
- Resistance selection significantly impacts normal body flora, with long-term implications.
- Horizontal gene transfer can make many pathogenic bacteria recipients of resistance.
- Host factors (age, immunity, contact) and microbial population dynamics influence AMR epidemiology.
Conclusions:
- Preventing antimicrobial resistance requires a comprehensive approach considering drug administration, target pathogens, and normal flora.
- Understanding the complex epidemiology of AMR is crucial for effective control strategies in both animals and humans.
- Long-term implications of AMR on normal flora necessitate careful antimicrobial stewardship.