Antimicrobial resistance in enteric bacteria: current state and next-generation solutions.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, impacting morbidity, mortality, and economic costs.
• The gastrointestinal tract serves as a critical hub for the development and dissemination of AMR in enteric bacterial pathogens.
• Enteric pathogens can act as invasive enteropathogens causing acute gastrointestinal illness or as pathobionts, derived from commensals, leading to dysbiosis and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of AMR profiles and gene transfer mechanisms in key enteric bacterial pathogens.
• To discuss environmental factors influencing resistance evolution and transmission.
• To highlight novel surveillance methods and therapeutic strategies to combat AMR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research on antimicrobial resistance in enteric pathogens.
• Analysis of resistance gene mobilization strategies and environmental influences.
• Evaluation of emerging surveillance technologies and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Detailed examination of prevalent resistance patterns and mobile genetic elements in problematic enteric pathogens.
• Identification of environmental reservoirs and stressors that promote resistance.
• Discussion of innovative approaches for pathogen and resistance element surveillance.
• Exploration of promising therapeutic strategies to overcome existing resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Understanding resistance mechanisms in enteric pathogens is crucial for global health.
• Integrated surveillance and novel treatment strategies are essential to mitigate the AMR crisis.
• Environmental factors play a significant role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance.