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Author Spotlight: Understanding and Detecting Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance by Combining Culture-Based Techniques and Genomics
Published on: July 19, 2024
Antimicrobial resistance: A global emerging threat to public health systems
Maurizio Ferri1, Elena Ranucci2, Paola Romagnoli3
1a Veterinary Service, ASL Pescara , Pescara , Italy.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) became in the last two decades a global threat to public health systems in the world. Since the antibiotic era, with the discovery of the first antibiotics that provided consistent health benefits to human medicine, the misuse and abuse of antimicrobials in veterinary and human medicine have accelerated the growing worldwide phenomenon of AMR. This article presents an extensive overview of the epidemiology of AMR, with a focus on the link between food producing-animals and humans and on the legal framework and policies currently implemented at the EU level and globally. The ways of responding to the AMR challenges foresee an array of measures that include: designing more effective preventive measures at farm level to reduce the use of antimicrobials; development of novel antimicrobials; strengthening of AMR surveillance system in animal and human populations; better knowledge of the ecology of resistant bacteria and resistant genes; increased awareness of stakeholders on the prudent use of antibiotics in animal productions and clinical arena; and the public health and environmental consequences of AMR. Based on the global nature of AMR and considering that bacterial resistance does not recognize barriers and can spread to people and the environment, the article ends with specific recommendations structured around a holistic approach and targeted to different stakeholders.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat accelerated by antimicrobial misuse. Addressing AMR requires a holistic approach including surveillance, novel drugs, and prudent use in animals and humans.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- One Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health challenge.
- The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine have accelerated AMR.
- The link between antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and human health is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an extensive overview of AMR epidemiology.
- To examine the connection between antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals and humans.
- To review current EU and global legal frameworks and policies addressing AMR.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data on AMR.
- Analysis of the legal and policy landscape concerning AMR at EU and global levels.
- Examination of the interconnectedness of AMR in animal, human, and environmental sectors.
Main Results:
- AMR is a growing worldwide phenomenon driven by antimicrobial misuse.
- Significant links exist between antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and the development of resistant strains affecting humans.
- Current policies and legal frameworks at the EU and global levels are being implemented to combat AMR.
Conclusions:
- Combating AMR necessitates a multi-faceted strategy.
- Key interventions include enhanced farm-level prevention, development of new antimicrobials, strengthened surveillance, and increased stakeholder awareness.
- A holistic, One Health approach is crucial for managing the public health and environmental consequences of AMR.
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