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Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
High burden of antimicrobial drug resistance in Asia
Chi-Cheng Lai1, Kyungwon Lee2, Yonghong Xiao3
1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan.
Abstract:
The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance among micro-organisms is a serious public health concern. Moreover, the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria makes this issue a global problem, and Asia is no exception. For example, since New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae were identified in India, further spread of NDM has become a worldwide threat. However, the epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Asia may be different to other regions, and clinical condition may be worse than in western countries. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including community-acquired and hospital-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, macrolide- and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, extend-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp., are becoming prevalent in many countries in Asia. Moreover, the prevalence of each antibiotic-resistant bacterium in each country is not identical. This review provides useful information regarding the critical condition of antibiotic resistance in Asia and emphasises the importance of continuous surveillance of resistance data.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat, particularly in Asia, with diverse bacteria like NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae spreading rapidly. Continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance data is crucial for public health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global public health challenge.
- The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is a worldwide concern, with Asia facing unique epidemiological challenges.
- Specific resistant strains, such as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, highlight the escalating threat.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current information on the prevalence and characteristics of ARB in Asia.
- It examines various resistant pathogens, including MRSA, VISA, VRE, resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, CRE, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.
- The review emphasizes the regional variations in ARB prevalence across Asian countries.
Key Points:
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasingly prevalent across numerous Asian countries.
- The epidemiology and clinical impact of ARB in Asia may differ significantly from Western regions.
- Specific resistance patterns vary considerably among different Asian nations.
Conclusions:
- The escalating antibiotic resistance crisis in Asia demands urgent attention and tailored strategies.
- Continuous surveillance and data collection on resistance patterns are essential for effective public health interventions.
- Understanding regional differences in ARB is critical for developing targeted control measures.
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