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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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One reservoir: redefining the community origins of antimicrobial-resistant infections

Ellen K Silbergeld1, Meghan Davis, Jessica H Leibler

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E6644, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. esilberg@jhsph.edu

The Medical Clinics of North America
|December 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is linked to antimicrobial resistance reservoirs in humans and animals. Reducing community antibiotic resistance requires better surveillance and policy, especially in agriculture.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is an emerging public health concern.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reservoirs in humans and animals contribute to the spread of resistant bacteria in the community.
  • While hospital antimicrobial use is a known factor, food animal production involves a greater volume of antimicrobial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on the emergence of CA-MRSA.
  • To highlight the role of community-based antimicrobial resistance reservoirs.
  • To emphasize the need for integrated surveillance and policy development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and evidence on CA-MRSA.
  • Analysis of antimicrobial usage patterns in healthcare and agriculture.
  • Evaluation of the interplay between hospital and community resistance dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Significant antimicrobial use occurs in food animal production, potentially exceeding hospital use.
  • Community environments serve as reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance, influencing CA-MRSA emergence.
  • Interactions between hospital and community settings facilitate resistance transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate assessment of hospital-community interactions is crucial for understanding resistance.
  • Enhanced surveillance of community-origin resistance, including agricultural sources, is necessary.
  • Policies must be implemented to prevent the growth of antibiotic resistance reservoirs in the community.

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